Grigoris Bithikotsis, affectionately known as Sir of Greek Laiko, was a monumental figure in the realm of Greek music. Born on December 11, 1922, in Peristeri, Athens, Bithikotsis' soulful voice and mastery of the bouzouki helped define the sound of Laiko, a genre deeply rooted in Greek folk tradition. Throughout his illustrious career, Bithikotsis collaborated with many of the great Greek composers of his time, including Mikis Theodorakis, with whom he formed a particularly notable partnership that yielded a wealth of beloved songs now considered classics. His distinctively rich baritone voice became the vehicle for bringing the poignant lyricism of Greek music to the masses.

Bithikotsis' musical oeuvre encompassed a wide range of emotions and social commentary, with his discography including albums such as "I Mana Tou Leventi (1957-1960), Vol. 2," spotlighting his early work, as well as recordings like "Sings Mikis Theodorakis, Vol. 1" and "Sings Theodorakis," which underline his contribution to popularizing Theodorakis' compositions. His ability to translate the struggles and joys of Greek life into song earned him the enduring love of the Greek public and international recognition. Albums like "Ta Megala Tragoudia (Remastered)" and "To Trelokoritso (78 Rpm Recordings 1949-1958)" showcase the breadth of his career from the 1940s until his passing on April 7, 2005. Today, Bithikotsis' legacy is preserved in the timeless recordings that continue to inspire and resonate with new generations.

Genres

Classic Greek Pop

Laiko

Rebetiko

Related Artists

Mikis Theodorakis

Manos Hadjidakis

Haris Alexiou

Sakis Rouvas

Giannis Poulopoulos

Alkistis Protopsalti

Marinella

Sotiria Bellou

Stavros Xarhakos

Vassilis Tsitsanis

Stamatis Kokotas

Apostolos Kaldaras

Latest Release

To My Sweetheart

Michalis Koumbios•

Grigoris Bithikotsis

Single - Released February 10, 2023