Greek singer Demis Roussos, whose high-pitched pop serenades won him household recognition in throughout Europe in the 1970s and 80s, died in Athens this week, aged 68. He will be remembered by many as the flamboyant kaftan-wearing sex symbol who sold over 60 million albums worldwide.
Born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt to ethnic Greeks, his father was a classical guitarist and engineer and his mother, Olga, was a singer. His earliest musical influences were Byzantine music and he sang at the Greek Byzantine Church Choir in Alexandria before his parents lost their possessions during the Suez crisis and emigrated to Greece.
1964
Aged 17, he participated in his first musical group, The Idols. It was at this time that he met Evangelos Papathanassiou (Vangelis)
1967
He joined progressive rock band Aphrodite’s Child with Vangelis and Loukas Sideras.
1972
666 (or the Apocalypse of John) sold 20 million albums. The work is recognized as one of the most important works of the early rock scene.
1973
Who can forget “Forever and Ever” from his solo career, further solidifying Roussos as a talented singer. The work topped the charts in several countries that year and was no 1 in the UK Singles Charts…
1974
The song, White Sails, was an adaptation of the Greek popular song, “Aspra, Kokkina, Kitrina, Ble” (White, Red, Yellow, Blue)
1980
Who can forget Lost in Love, his duet with Florence Warner? Dock Morrisey was on the saxophone.
1982
His weight has often come under the spotlight. He published his book “A Question of Weight” with Veronique Skawinska.
1993
He made his comeback with “Insight”, Adagio was one of the tracks on the album –
2010
June 25, 2010. After 37 years, Roussos performs at the Herod Atticus Theater (Irodion).
2013
In Athens in 2013, he received the Legion of Honour – France’s highest distinction – for his life’s work.
