Sotiria Bellou (1921-1997) was a distinguished Greek rebetiko singer, recognized for her raw and emotive vocal style that deeply resonated with the sentiments of the Greek working class. Bellou's life and career were as tumultuous as the rebetiko music she became synonymous with—a genre marked by its expressions of sorrow, love, and the struggles of the urban underbelly.

Born in Halia, Greece, Bellou's passion for music was evident from a young age. Her career was marked by a series of professional collaborations with notable composers such as Vassilis Tsitsanis and Giannis Papaioannou. Her body of work, particularly the recordings from 1948 to 1956, captures the essence of rebetiko, a genre that was evolving during the mid-20th century in Greece. Sotiria Bellou became a celebrated figure, not only for her musical contribution but also for her unconventional lifestyle and outspoken personality that defied societal norms and expectations of the time. Her songs, like those mentioned in her recent releases, such as "Min Mou Xanafigis Pia" and "Enas Satrapis Thilykos," are considered timeless classics within the world of Greek music. Her posthumous releases continue to contribute to her enduring legacy, making her an indispensable figure in the rich tapestry of Greek cultural history.

Genres

Laiko

Rebetiko

Related Artists

Grigoris Bithikotsis

Vassilis Tsitsanis

Haris Alexiou

Sakis Rouvas

Marcella Bella

Vicky Mosholiou

Stamatis Kraounakis

Apostolos Kaldaras

Latest Release

Sotiria Bellou 100 Hronia (100 Tragoudia)

Sotiria Bellou

Album - 100 Tracks - Released May 31, 2021