Grigoris Bithikotsis (GreekΓρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης, pronounced[ɣriˈɣorisbiθiˈkot͜sis]; December 11, 1922 – April 7, 2005) was a Greek folk singer/songwriter with a career spanning five decades. He is considered one of the most important figures in Greek popular music.[1]
Bithikotsis was born in Peristeri, Athens, in 1922 to a poor family. He became interested in music at an early age, and acquired a bouzouki as soon as he was able. At first, he had to hide the instrument at a friend's house and practice in secret, as his father disapproved of the new rembetiko style that had captured his son's interest.
He met composer Mikis Theodorakis in 1959 and the two collaborated producing folk songs. Bithikotsis composed over 80 songs, including: Stu Belami to ouzeri and Tou Votanikou o magas. He possessed a rich singing voice with which he performed his own compositions and those of Theodorakis, who frequently chose his friend Grigoris to perform his masterpieces. The two contributed greatly to the then-emerging laika style of Greek music.
A leftist, he was exiled to the island of Makronisos in the 1950s during the reign of King Paul.
Throughout his life, Bithikotsis performed frequent concerts at numerous venues, including one in Athens upon the occasion of his eightieth birthday. He died in Athens, in 2005, following three months of hospitalization. His funeral was attended by thousands, including representatives of all the Greek political parties.
^Chrysopoulos, Philip (2018-04-07). "Popular Singer Grigoris Bithikotsis Remembered". Greek Reporter. Retrieved 2021-04-03. "The great writer and scriptwriter Dimitris Psathas dubbed Bithikotsis “Sir”, a nickname to honor his greatness and his royal-like presence in Greek popular music from 1960 and on. [...] 'Epitafios', 'To Tragoudi tou Nekrou Adelfou', 'Politeia A', 'Politeia B', 'Romiosini', 'To Axion Esti' include some of the greatest Greek music ever recorded."
^Dwek, Joel (2020-10-15). "GREECE: Epitafios-Epifania - Grigoris Bithikotsis & Meri Lida". 200worldalbums.com. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
External linksedit
Obituary in Kathimerini
Se toyto to steno (Audio file)
Enas alitis pethane (20:40) (Audio file)
March 07, 2024
grigoris, bithikotsis, greek, Γρηγόρης, Μπιθικώτσης, pronounced, ɣriˈɣoris, biθiˈkot, december, 1922, april, 2005, greek, folk, singer, songwriter, with, career, spanning, five, decades, considered, most, important, figures, greek, popular, music, contents, bi. Grigoris Bithikotsis Greek Grhgorhs Mpi8ikwtshs pronounced ɣriˈɣoris bi8iˈkot sis December 11 1922 April 7 2005 was a Greek folk singer songwriter with a career spanning five decades He is considered one of the most important figures in Greek popular music 1 Contents 1 Biography 2 Discography 3 References 4 External linksBiography editBithikotsis was born in Peristeri Athens in 1922 to a poor family He became interested in music at an early age and acquired a bouzouki as soon as he was able At first he had to hide the instrument at a friend s house and practice in secret as his father disapproved of the new rembetiko style that had captured his son s interest He met composer Mikis Theodorakis in 1959 and the two collaborated producing folk songs Bithikotsis composed over 80 songs including Stu Belami to ouzeri and Tou Votanikou o magas He possessed a rich singing voice with which he performed his own compositions and those of Theodorakis who frequently chose his friend Grigoris to perform his masterpieces The two contributed greatly to the then emerging laika style of Greek music A leftist he was exiled to the island of Makronisos in the 1950s during the reign of King Paul Throughout his life Bithikotsis performed frequent concerts at numerous venues including one in Athens upon the occasion of his eightieth birthday He died in Athens in 2005 following three months of hospitalization His funeral was attended by thousands including representatives of all the Greek political parties Discography editEpitafios 1960 Politeia A 1961 To tragoudi tou nekrou aderfou 1962 Epifania 1962 To Axion Esti 1964 Epitafios Epifania 1964 with Meri Lida 2 Politeia B 1964 Romiosini 1966 Na tane to 21 1969 14 Hryses Epityhies N1 14 Greatest Hits Vol 1 1977 14 Hryses Epityhies N2 14 Greatest Hits Vol 2 1977 1950 1962 Compilation 1963 1971 Compilation 36 Hronia 36 Years Apo tis 45 Strofes No 4 Alpha Omega 1971 Chamenes Agapes Lost Loves 1977 I Ellada tou Grigori The Greece of Grigoris Episimi Agapimeni Best Loved Songs Gia panta No 1 Forever 1 Gia ton Grigori I Synavlia to Stadio Erininis kai Filias For Grigoris in Peace and Friendship Stadium Mazi with Stelios Kazantzidis Mazi me ton Grigori Together with Grigoris Megaloprepeia Mia gynaika fevgei One Woman Leaves 1969 Oktovriou 1978 October 1978 with Mikis Theodorakis 1978 O Agnostos Theos Strange God 1970 Oi Magalyteres Epityhies Tou His Greatest Hits Ouranio Toxo Rainbow Prasino fos Green Light 1973 Sti Megali Leoforo On the Broad Avenue Stratos Dionysiou Ta zebekika tou Grigori kai tou Stratou with Stratos Dionysiou Ta Afthentika No 2 1984 Apo tous thisayrous ton 45 Strofon with Vicky Moscholiou Tragoudia apo tis 45 SrtrofesReferences edit Chrysopoulos Philip 2018 04 07 Popular Singer Grigoris Bithikotsis Remembered Greek Reporter Retrieved 2021 04 03 The great writer and scriptwriter Dimitris Psathas dubbed Bithikotsis Sir a nickname to honor his greatness and his royal like presence in Greek popular music from 1960 and on Epitafios To Tragoudi tou Nekrou Adelfou Politeia A Politeia B Romiosini To Axion Esti include some of the greatest Greek music ever recorded Dwek Joel 2020 10 15 GREECE Epitafios Epifania Grigoris Bithikotsis amp Meri Lida 200worldalbums com Retrieved 2023 10 11 External links editObituary in Kathimerini Se toyto to steno Audio file Enas alitis pethane 20 40 Audio file Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Grigoris Bithikotsis amp oldid 1179690739, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
