Greek musicians died at 78
Here are 9 famous musicians from Greece died at 78:
Alketas Panagoulias
Alketas Panagoulias (May 30, 1934 Thessaloniki-June 18, 2012 Virginia) was a Greek politician.
He is best known for his contributions to Greek football as a coach, having managed the Greek National Team from 1973 to 1981 and again from 1992 to 1994. He also coached the U.S. National Team in 1983 and the Canadian National Team in 1986. Panagoulias was instrumental in leading Greece to their first ever appearance in a World Cup during the qualifying campaign for the 1994 tournament. In addition to his coaching career, Panagoulias was involved in various political roles throughout his life, serving as a member of the Hellenic Parliament and as president of the Greek Olympic Committee.
Panagoulias started his career as a football player for Aris Thessaloniki, but switched to coaching at a young age. In the 1960s and 1970s, he served as the head coach of various Greek, Cypriot and American football teams.
In 1980, he founded the Washington Diplomats, a football team in the North American Soccer League (NASL). During his tenure as coach, the Diplomats reached the semifinals twice.
Panagoulias was also a sports commentator for Greek television and radio stations, and wrote a sports column for a daily newspaper. In addition to his work in sports, he served as a member of the Greek Parliament for the party of Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) from 1989 to 1990.
Panagoulias passed away in Virginia in 2012 at the age of 78. He is remembered as a pioneer in Greek football, and for his efforts in promoting the sport in the United States.
After his successful stint with the Greek national team, Panagoulias managed several teams across Europe and North America. In addition to his role as head coach of the Washington Diplomats, he also coached the Boston Bolts and Boston United in the American Soccer League. His coaching career also took him to Cyprus, where he managed Apollon Limassol and Anorthosis Famagusta.
Panagoulias was known for his innovative tactics and for introducing new training methods to his teams. He was a passionate advocate for the sport and was committed to promoting the development of football around the world. His contributions to the sport were recognized when he was inducted into the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1998.
Beyond his involvement in football, Panagoulias was also recognized for his contributions to Greek public life. He served as a member of the Hellenic Parliament and was appointed as president of the Greek Olympic Committee in 1998. Throughout his life, he remained committed to promoting goodwill and understanding through sport, earning him a reputation as a true sportsman and ambassador of Greek athletics.
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Manolis Kalomiris
Manolis Kalomiris (December 14, 1883 Smyrna-April 3, 1962 Athens) was a Greek composer.
Genres he performed: Opera.
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Vasilis Diamantopoulos
Vasilis Diamantopoulos (November 15, 1920 Piraeus-May 5, 1999 Athens) a.k.a. Vassili Diamantopoulos, Vasilis Diamandopoulos, Basile Diamantopoulos, Vasilis Diamadopoulos or Vasilis Diamamtopoulos was a Greek actor, television director and screenwriter.
Diamantopoulos had a prolific career in Greek theater, film, and television, beginning in the 1940s. He appeared in over 60 films, including "O Drakos" (1956), "The Red Lanterns" (1963), and "The Descent of the Nine" (1979). He was also a successful director and writer, working on popular Greek television series such as "Kosmos kai Syntrofia" and "Oi Aparadektoi". In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Diamantopoulos was also involved in the Greek Resistance during World War II, for which he was recognized and awarded by the Greek government. He was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from comedic to dramatic roles.
During his long career, Diamantopoulos was recognized with numerous awards in Greece for his work in the entertainment industry. He won the Best Actor award at the Thessaloniki Film Festival for his performance in the films "The Bloodstain" (1959) and "The Woman of My Life" (1976). He was also awarded the Golden Cross of the Order of Beneficence by the Greek government in recognition of his contribution to Greek culture. Beyond his achievements in the entertainment industry, Diamantopoulos was also involved in politics as a member of the Greek Parliament in the early 1980s. He used his position to advocate for the rights of artists and work towards the preservation of Greek cultural heritage. His legacy continues to live on in the Greek entertainment industry, and he is remembered as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.
Diamantopoulos was born in the port city of Piraeus, Greece, on November 15, 1920. He was the son of a merchant and grew up in a middle-class family. As a young man, he studied at the National Theatre of Greece and began his acting career in the 1940s. Along with his work in the entertainment industry, Diamantopoulos was also involved in activism and social justice causes. He was a supporter of the Greek Left and was known for his outspoken political views.
Diamantopoulos was married twice and had two children. His son, Nikos Diamantopoulos, is also a well-known actor in Greece. In addition to his acting and directing work, Diamantopoulos was also the author of several plays and a memoir, "Antistaseis" (Oppositions). He was a widely respected figure in Greece's cultural and artistic circles, and his death in 1999 was mourned by many.
Today, Diamantopoulos is remembered as a towering figure in the Greek entertainment industry, and his performances continue to resonate with audiences in Greece and beyond. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of artistic expression and its ability to inspire, uplift, and unify people across cultures and generations.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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Kostas Andritsos
Kostas Andritsos (May 1, 1916 Koukaki-October 10, 1994) also known as George Andrews was a Greek film director and screenwriter. His children are called Tzela Andritsou and Alexis Andritsos.
Andritsos studied law in Athens and worked as a lawyer before turning to filmmaking in the 1950s. He started as a screenwriter for popular Greek films such as "Madalena" (1950) and "A Girl in Black" (1956), which was directed by another famous Greek director, Michael Cacoyannis.
Andritsos gained critical acclaim for his directorial debut, "The Prick" (1958), a film that explored themes of societal conformity and personal freedom. He went on to direct over 20 films during his career, including "Evdokia" (1971) and "The Death of Me" (1974).
In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Andritsos was also a political activist and a member of the Greek Communist Party. He was arrested and imprisoned several times for his political activities during the 1950s and 1960s.
Despite his significant contributions to Greek cinema, Andritsos remained a relatively unknown figure outside of Greece. However, his films are now recognized as important works in the history of Greek cinema and continue to be screened and discussed by cinephiles and scholars around the world.
Andritsos was known for portraying complex characters and exploring themes of social and political relevance in his films. His most well-known work, "Evdokia," tackled issues of poverty, prostitution, and emigration. The film was controversial upon release but is now regarded as a classic of Greek cinema.
In addition to his filmmaking and political activism, Andritsos was also a published author. He wrote a number of books on cinema, politics, and philosophy, including "Cinema and Society" and "Marxism and the Modern World."
Andritsos passed away in 1994 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneers of Greek New Wave cinema. His films continue to inspire and influence filmmakers in Greece and beyond.
Andritsos's legacy as a political activist was also reflected in his films, which often tackled issues of class struggle and inequality. His political beliefs were shaped by his experiences as a young man during World War II, when he fought against the Axis forces in the Greek Resistance.Andritsos was also a mentor to many young filmmakers in Greece, including Yorgos Lanthimos, who has cited Andritsos as an influence on his own work.In 2016, a retrospective of Andritsos's films was held at the Thessaloniki Film Festival, where his contributions to Greek cinema were celebrated and honored. Today, Andritsos is remembered as one of the most important directors of Greek cinema, whose bold and politically engaged films continue to resonate with audiences and inspire new generations of filmmakers.
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Vasilis Georgiadis
Vasilis Georgiadis (August 12, 1921 Dardanelles-April 30, 2000 Athens) also known as Vassilis Georgiades was a Greek film director, actor and television director.
Georgiadis was born in the Dardanelles in Turkey, but his family moved to Athens when he was still a child. He started his career in theater as an actor and director before transitioning to film in the 1950s. He directed over 30 films, including popular hits such as "Madalena" and "Blood on the Land".
In addition to his film work, Georgiadis also directed numerous television shows in Greece, including the popular series "To Retiree" and "I Liza kai I Alli". He was known for his witty and humorous style, and his work was well-received by audiences across Greece.
In 1977, Georgiadis was elected as a member of the Hellenic Parliament, but he resigned just two years later to focus on his artistic career. He continued to work in both film and television until his death in 2000. With his extensive body of work, Georgiadis remains one of the most celebrated and beloved artists in Greek cinema and entertainment history.
Georgiadis was married three times and had two children. His first marriage was to actress and singer Melina Mercouri in 1947, but they divorced in 1950. He then married actress and singer Zoe Laskari in 1968, but they divorced in 1973. His final marriage was to actress and journalist Tzeni Karezi in 1974, which lasted until her death in 1992. In addition to his artistic work, Georgiadis was also involved in social and political issues. He was a member of the left-leaning political party PASOK and was an advocate for human rights and independent media. Georgiadis was awarded the Golden Cross of the Order of Honour by the President of Greece in recognition of his contributions to Greek culture in 1997.
Georgiadis' impact on Greek cinema and television is still felt to this day. He was known for his ability to weave social and political themes into his films and television shows, making them not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. One of his most famous films, "Madalena", tackled the issue of class struggle and the oppression of the working class. Another notable film, "Blood on the Land", explored the aftermath of the Greek Civil War and its effects on rural communities.
Georgiadis was also a pioneer in the use of music in Greek cinema, often collaborating with popular singers and composers to create memorable soundtracks. He worked with renowned musicians such as Mikis Theodorakis, Stavros Xarhakos, and Manos Hadjidakis to create iconic songs that are still beloved by audiences today.
Despite his success, Georgiadis remained humble and devoted to his work. He once said, "I have never considered myself a great director, just a director who loves his work." His passion for his craft and his commitment to telling meaningful stories have earned him a place in the pantheon of Greek cinema and television.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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Nikos Engonopoulos
Nikos Engonopoulos (October 21, 1907 Athens-October 31, 1985 Athens) a.k.a. Νίκος Εγγονόπουλος was a Greek poet, painter and teacher.
His albums include I Idra Ton Poulion.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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Eftichia Papagianopoulos
Eftichia Papagianopoulos (April 5, 1893 Aydın-January 7, 1972) also known as Eftihia Papagianopoulou was a Greek lyricist.
She was born in Aydın, a city in the Ottoman Empire, which is now modern-day Turkey. She grew up in Smyrna, where she would come into contact with a cultural melting pot that included both Greek and Turkish influences, which later influenced her work as a lyricist.
Papagianopoulos's first lyrics were published in 1917 in a magazine called "Foni tis Smyrnis" (The Voice of Smyrna) which was published in her hometown. She moved to Athens in 1920, where she continued to write lyrics for popular songs. Papagianopoulos is best known for her collaborations with composer Manolis Hiotis, and together they wrote some of the most iconic songs in the Greek music repertoire.
Throughout her career, she wrote lyrics for more than 500 songs, including some of the greatest hits in Greek music, such as "Mi mou thimonis matia mou" (Don't Be Angry With Me My Love) and "To tragoudi tis Erimou" (The Song of the Desert). Her work has been performed and recorded by some of the most famous singers in Greece and beyond. Papagianopoulos was a pioneer in promoting Greek popular music and her contributions to the genre have made a lasting impact on the music industry in Greece.
Despite her incredible impact on the Greek music scene, Eftichia Papagianopoulos actually started her career as a schoolteacher before pursuing her passion for writing lyrics. She was also a prominent figure in Greek literature, with a large body of work that included novels, essays, and poetry. She used her writing as a means of expressing her political views and advocating for social justice, becoming a strong voice for women's rights in Greece. In addition to her creative work, Papagianopoulos was also a frequent contributor to newspapers and magazines, writing articles on a range of topics including education, culture, and politics. Her legacy has left a significant mark on Greek culture and music, with her contributions still celebrated and performed to this day.
Papagianopoulos was a vocal advocate for education and believed that it was crucial for women to have access to education. She founded a school for girls in Athens and became a prominent spokesperson for the importance of education for all. Her belief in the power of education led her to be a founding member of the Greek Women's Union, an organization that focused on promoting education and empowering women. She was also a member of other organizations that fought for social and political issues, such as the League of Women's Rights in Greece.
Papagianopoulos's work and activism were not without consequence. She faced censorship and persecution by the authorities during her lifetime, but her beliefs and principles continued to guide her work. Her legacy as a trailblazer for Greek music and as an advocate for women's rights and education continues to inspire and influence generations. In recognition of her contributions to Greek culture, the Athens Municipality named a music high school after her, and her childhood home in Aydın was turned into a museum dedicated to her life and work.
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Georgios Papanikolaou
Georgios Papanikolaou (May 13, 1883 Kymi, Greece-February 19, 1962 New Jersey) also known as Dr. Georgios Papanikolaou, George Papanicolaou or Georgios Nikolaou Papanikolaou was a Greek physician.
Georgios Papanikolaou is best known for inventing the Pap smear in the early 20th century, a medical test used to detect cervical cancer in women. He graduated from the University of Athens before earning his PhD in Zoology at the University of Munich. In 1913, he emigrated to the United States and worked as a researcher and instructor at several universities.
In addition to his work on the Pap smear, Papanikolaou made important contributions to the field of endocrinology, studying the hormones secreted by the ovaries and placenta. He also authored numerous scientific papers throughout his career. Papanikolaou was awarded several honors for his work, including the Albert Lasker Award in Clinical Medical Research in 1950.
After his death, the Georgios Papanikolaou Foundation was established to honor his contributions to medicine and science. Today, the Pap smear is still widely used worldwide as a screening tool for cervical cancer.
Papanikolaou was born in the small Greek island of Euboea. His father was a doctor and instilled in him a love of medicine from a young age. It was during his studies in zoology that he first began to investigate the cells present in female reproductive organs, a groundbreaking discovery that would lead to his invention of the Pap smear. He worked tirelessly to perfect the technique, often testing samples on himself and his wife. His work led to the early detection and treatment of cervical cancer, saving countless lives.
In addition to his medical achievements, Papanikolaou was a talented artist and musician. He played the violin and regularly attended performances of the New York Philharmonic. He also loved to paint and drew inspiration from the natural beauty of his homeland.
Papanikolaou's legacy continues to live on through his groundbreaking work in the field of medicine. In 1969, the American Society of Cytopathology established the George Papanicolaou Award in his honor, recognizing excellence in research and contributions to the field. His work serves as a testament to the power of scientific innovation to improve public health and save lives.
Despite facing challenges and skepticism from other doctors at the time, Georgios Papanikolaou never gave up on his research and it eventually revolutionized the way cervical cancer is detected and treated. His invention of the Pap smear is considered one of the most important medical discoveries of the 20th century, and has helped significantly reduce the mortality rate of cervical cancer. Papanikolaou's contributions to medicine and science continue to inspire and pave the way for future medical breakthroughs.
He died caused by heart failure.
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Karolos Koun
Karolos Koun (September 13, 1908 Bursa-February 14, 1987 Athens) was a Greek theatre director.
Koun is considered one of the most influential figures of contemporary Greek theatre. He studied at the National Theatre of Greece before founding his own theater company, The Art Theatre, in 1942. Koun was known for his innovative approach to theatre, incorporating elements of Greek tradition and myth into his productions. He also worked as a drama professor and served as the director of the newly established Drama School of the National Theatre. In addition to his work in Greece, he also directed productions in other countries, including the United Kingdom and France. Today, his legacy continues through the Karolos Koun Art Theatre, which was founded in his honor in 1989.
Koun's contributions to Greek theatre were significant, as he brought a new approach to the stage, introducing elements of symbolism and surrealism. He was also known for his collaboration with contemporary Greek writers, including Nikos Kazantzakis and Yiannis Ritsos, and for his commitment to bringing theatre to new audiences. Koun was awarded numerous honors during his lifetime, including the Greek Academy of Arts and Letters Award, the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters, and the Order of the Phoenix, one of Greece's highest civilian honors. His influence can still be seen today in the work of contemporary Greek theatre directors, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in Greece and beyond.
Throughout his extensive career, Karolos Koun directed countless plays, both classic and contemporary, and was known for his experimental and innovative use of lighting, sound, and set design. His productions often involved audience participation and interactive elements, breaking down the traditional barrier between performer and spectator.
Koun also had a passion for bringing theatre to underprivileged communities, and he founded the Children's Art Theatre in Athens in 1958, which provided free theatre education and workshops to children from low-income families. He believed that theatre had a transformative power and could help foster creativity and critical thinking, and this belief was reflected in his work both on and off the stage.
Beyond his contributions to the arts, Koun was also politically active, advocating for social justice and human rights. He was a member of the Greek Resistance during World War II, and his theatre company often produced plays with themes of resistance and liberation. Koun also served as a member of the Greek Parliament in the 1960s, using his position to promote cultural and educational initiatives.
Today, Karolos Koun is widely regarded as one of the most important theatre directors of the 20th century, not only in Greece but around the world. His legacy continues to live on, inspiring new generations of theatre artists to push the boundaries of tradition and experiment with new forms and styles.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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