Iconic Greek singer Antonis Kalogiannis dies at 81

Greece is mourning one of its most iconic singers Antonis Kalogiannis, who passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday. The artist stood out for his voice with a rich facet of colors and best known as a singer of political songs, against the colonels’ dictatorship.

For many years he was the lead singer of composer Mikis Theodorakis, who discovered him in 1966.

During the military dictatorship imposed a year later Kalogiannis left Greece along with Maria Farantouri and others. These artists performed in various countries drawing attention to the political situation in Greece.

Together with Theodorakis, released from prison in 1970, Kalogiannis gave over 500 concerns in Europe, Αmerica and Australia.

In 1972, Antonis Kalogiannis returned to Greece and sang in several bars in Plaka district of Athens. He sung again for Theodorakis in the big concerts after the junta in the mid-1970s.

In 1980 he made a turn and focused on love songs.

Next to Theodorakis, he cooperated with many famous Greek composers like Marios Tokas, Takis Mousafiris, Argyris Kounadis, Giorgos Hatzinasios.

He sang together with Vicky Mosholiou and Alkisti Protopsalti.

He had a successful career expanding over four decades and Greeks will always remember him for his great voice and beautiful songs.

In the last few years he had several health issues.

Antonis Kalogiannis died of cardiac arrest.

PS Last time I saw him in a concern was some 10 year ago. He had this what all great performers have: soul.