Here are 6 famous musicians from Greece died at 68:
Demis Roussos (June 15, 1946 Alexandria-January 25, 2015) also known as Demis Russos, Ντέμης Ρούσσος, Demis Rousos, Artemios Ventouris Roussos, Roussos, Demis, Demis Roussous or Artemios Roussos was a Greek singer, bassist, guitarist and actor.
Related albums: Seine Größten Erfolge, The Phenomenon 1968 - 1998, 20 Golden Hits, Best Of, Demis Roussos, Volume 2, Gold, Greatest Hits, Immortel, Island of Love (disc 1) and Lo Mejor De (disc 1). Genres he performed include Pop-folk, Pop music, World music, Progressive rock, Folk music, Pop-folk and Soft rock.
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Manos Hadjidakis (October 23, 1925 Xanthi-June 15, 1994 Athens) also known as Manos Hadzidakis, Manos Hatzidakis, Manos Xatzidakis, M. Hadjidakis, Manos Xantzidakis, Hadjidakis, Manos, Manos Hatjidakis, Manos Chatzidakis, Manolis Hatzidakis or MANOS, XATZIDAKIS was a Greek musician, composer and film score composer. His child is called George Theophanopoulos-Hatzidakis.
His albums include Ornithes, I Alli Agora, To Hamogelo tis Tzokontas, O Megalos Erotikos, Ta paraloga, Reflections, Pote Tin Kyriaki, Sweet Movie, Tis Gis to Xrisafi and Pornografia. His related genres: 20th-century classical music.
He died caused by type 2 diabetes.
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Anton Christoforidis (May 26, 1917 Mersin-October 31, 1985 Athens) was a Greek personality.
He was a professional boxer, who competed in the light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Christoforidis won the European middleweight title in 1939 and competed in several world championship fights throughout his career.
During World War II, Christoforidis became a member of the Greek Resistance and fought against Nazi occupation forces. He was captured and imprisoned by the Germans but managed to escape and return to Greece after the war.
After his retirement from boxing, Christoforidis became a successful businessman and a philanthropist. He established a foundation to help young athletes and donated money to several charitable causes in Greece.
In recognition of his achievements both in and out of the ring, Christoforidis was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.
Christoforidis began his boxing career at the age of 16 and quickly made a name for himself in the sport. He competed in his first professional fight in 1935 and went on to win his first national championship just two years later. In 1939, he won the European middleweight title and successfully defended it several times.
During World War II, Christoforidis joined the Greek Resistance and fought against German occupation forces. He was eventually captured and imprisoned in a concentration camp, but managed to escape and return to Greece after the war. Christoforidis resumed his boxing career in 1946 and fought in several world championship fights, including a bout against Joe Louis in 1947.
After retiring from boxing in 1954, Christoforidis pursued a successful career in business and became a prominent philanthropist. He established the Anton Christoforidis Foundation, which provides financial assistance and support to young athletes in Greece. He also donated money to several charitable causes, including hospitals and orphanages.
In addition to his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Christoforidis was honored by the Greek government with several awards, including the Cross of Valour and the Golden Cross of the Order of Phoenix. He remains a legendary figure in Greek sports and boxing history.
Anton Christoforidis was born in Mersin, Turkey, to parents of Greek descent. When he was four years old, his family moved to Thessaloniki, Greece, where he grew up and developed a passion for sports. In addition to boxing, Christoforidis excelled in soccer and track and field.
During his boxing career, Christoforidis fought in Europe, the United States, and South America. He had a professional record of 65 wins (27 of them by knockout), 19 losses, and 3 draws. In addition to his European middleweight title, he also held the Greek light-heavyweight and heavyweight championships.
Christoforidis was known for his quick and powerful punches, as well as his exceptional footwork and defensive skills. He was often referred to as the "Golden Greek" or the "Greek Idol" by his fans.
Outside of the ring, Christoforidis was a devoted husband and father. He married his wife, Eleni, in 1942, and they had three children together. Christoforidis was also a devout Orthodox Christian, and he often attended services at the Church of Saint Dionysios in Athens.
Christoforidis passed away on October 31, 1985, at the age of 68. He was mourned by many in Greece and around the world who remembered him as both a boxing legend and a humanitarian. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of boxers and philanthropists in Greece and beyond.
In addition to his achievements in sports and philanthropy, Anton Christoforidis also had a brief career in the entertainment industry. He appeared in a few movies, including the 1947 American film "The Beginning or the End," which was based on the development of the atomic bomb. Christoforidis played a small role as a Greek Resistance fighter in the movie. He also had a guest appearance on an episode of the American TV show "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1953, where he demonstrated his boxing skills.
Christoforidis' boxing career was not without controversy. In 1940, he fought against Max Schmeling in Berlin, Germany, and lost by a disputed decision. Many Greeks believed that Christoforidis had won the fight and accused the judges of bias. The controversy surrounding the fight contributed to tensions between Greece and Germany during World War II.
Despite this controversy, Christoforidis' legacy as one of Greece's greatest athletes and philanthropists remains strong. His foundation continues to support young athletes in Greece, and his name continues to be recognized in the world of boxing.
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Sofia Vembo (February 10, 1910 Gelibolu-March 11, 1978 Athens) also known as Efi Bebo, Sofia Vempo, Efi Bempo or Vembo, Sofia was a Greek actor and singer.
Sofia Vembo was born in Gelibolu (Gallipoli), Turkey, to parents who had migrated from the island of Syros. She moved to Athens with her family as a young child and began her career as a singer in the 1930s, becoming one of the most popular singers of the era. Her style was unique and distinctive, and her powerful voice won her fans across Greece.
In addition to her singing career, Sofia Vembo was also an accomplished actress, appearing in numerous films during the 1940s and 1950s. She was known for her striking beauty, and her performances on both stage and screen earned her critical acclaim.
During World War II, Sofia Vembo became a symbol of resistance against the occupying forces, singing patriotic songs that rallied the Greek people. Her songs gave hope to the Greek people during a difficult time and she became known as the "voice of the Resistance".
Sofia Vembo continued to perform and record music until her death from cancer in 1978. She was a beloved figure in Greece, and her legacy as a singer and actress continues to be celebrated today.
Sofia Vembo was not only a talented performer, but she was also a fervent patriot who deeply loved her country. During the Greek Civil War, she openly supported the Royalist movement, performing at rallies and events. Her controversial political stance eventually led the military government that ruled Greece at the time to ban her from performing for several years. However, she continued to support her causes and remained a popular icon in Greece despite the ban.
In addition to her professional achievements, Sofia Vembo was also a philanthropist who dedicated time and resources to various charitable causes. She established a foundation that provided scholarships for young artists and musicians, and she regularly visited hospitals to comfort patients.
Today, Sofia Vembo is remembered as one of Greece's greatest artistic and patriotic figures. Her influence is still felt in Greek music and culture, and her songs continue to be popular and beloved by many Greeks around the world.
Sofia Vembo's contributions to Greek culture were recognized and honored by the Greek government posthumously. In 1985, she was awarded the Gold Cross of the Order of Phoenix, one of the highest honors given by the Greek state. Her home in Athens has been converted into a museum dedicated to her life and work, showcasing her many awards, personal belongings, and photographs from her illustrious career. Sofia Vembo's impact on Greek music and her unwavering dedication to her country and its people have cemented her place in Greek history as a true icon and legend.
In addition to her impressive career and philanthropic activities, Sofia Vembo was also a devoted wife and mother. She married journalist Andreas Pastras in 1934, and the couple had two children together. Despite the demands of her career, Sofia Vembo remained committed to her family and was known for her warm and caring nature. She was also a role model and inspiration to many young Greeks, particularly women, who admired her talent, patriotism, and dedication to her craft.
Sofia Vembo's music and performances were not only popular in Greece but also made an impact on international audiences. She performed in several European countries, the United States, and the Middle East, where her unique voice and passionate performances won her many fans. Her influence as an artist and cultural ambassador extended far beyond Greece, and she represented the best of Greek music and culture wherever she went.
Despite her success, Sofia Vembo remained humble and grounded throughout her life. She never forgot her roots or the struggles that many Greeks faced during difficult times, and she used her platform and talent to bring comfort and hope to those in need. Her legacy as a singer, actress, and philanthropist continues to inspire new generations of Greeks, who recognize in her an embodiment of the best of their country and its people.
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Ioannis Rallis (April 5, 1878 Athens-October 26, 1946 Ampelokipoi, Athens) was a Greek politician and lawyer.
He served as the Prime Minister of Greece three times, first from 1943 to 1944 during the German occupation of Greece, then briefly in 1945, and finally from 1946 until his death later that year. Rallis was known for his conservative and authoritarian politics, and was criticized for his collaboration with the German occupation forces during World War II. Despite this, he remained a popular figure among some sections of society, particularly on the right wing of Greek politics. Prior to his political career, Rallis had a successful legal practice and was known for his work as a barrister.
In addition to his political and legal work, Ioannis Rallis was also a prolific writer and contributed to several newspapers and magazines throughout his career. He was a supporter of the Greek monarchy and served as the Minister of Justice during the regime of George II. Rallis was also a member of the Poros Academy, a literary society founded by his father, Georgios Rallis, which aimed to promote Greek culture and literature. His political legacy remains controversial, with some seeing him as a collaborator and others as a patriot who did what was necessary to protect Greece during a difficult time in its history.
During his first term as Prime Minister from 1943 to 1944, Rallis was appointed by the Germans to lead a collaborationist government, known as the Security Battalions. This government was known for its brutal treatment of civilians and political opponents, and is widely regarded as a stain on Greece's history. Following the defeat of the Axis powers in World War II, Rallis was briefly exiled to the island of Syros before returning to Greece to serve as Prime Minister for a second term in 1945.
During his final term as Prime Minister in 1946, Rallis faced significant challenges, including a civil war between communist and government forces, economic instability, and social unrest. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his conservative policies and sought to create a stable government that could restore order and rebuild the country after years of war and occupation.
Rallis' death in October 1946 came as a shock to many Greeks, and his funeral was attended by thousands of mourners. Despite his controversial legacy, many Greeks continue to view Rallis as a pivotal figure in their country's history, with some seeing him as a flawed but dedicated leader who worked tirelessly to protect Greece during a time of great turmoil and upheaval.
During his time as Prime Minister, Rallis was also involved in the negotiations surrounding the Treaty of Peace with Italy, which was signed in February 1947. He was instrumental in securing Greek territorial claims in the Dodecanese Islands and played a significant role in the establishment of the Greek Communist Party as an illegal organization. Rallis was supportive of the monarchy and believed that it was essential for maintaining political stability in Greece. However, his government was also criticized for its human rights abuses, including the imprisonment and torture of political dissidents.
Rallis came from a prominent political family - his father, Georgios Rallis, was also a politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece from 1921 to 1922. Following in his father's footsteps, Rallis was active in politics from a young age and was known for his intelligence and rhetorical skills. He studied law at the University of Athens and worked as a barrister before entering politics.
Despite his controversial legacy, Rallis remains an important figure in Greek history and is remembered for his contributions to the country's political and cultural life. His writings on Greek history and culture continue to be studied and debated, and his role in shaping the country's post-war development remains a subject of intense interest to historians and political scientists.
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Germanos Karavangelis (June 16, 1866 Lesbos-February 11, 1935 Vienna) was a Greek personality.
He was a prominent diplomat, politician, and scholar who played a significant role in Greek-Austrian and Greek-German relations, particularly during the early 20th century. Karavangelis served as Greece's envoy to the Austrian Empire, later the Austro-Hungarian Empire, from 1906 until World War I. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to strengthen ties between the two nations and promote Greek culture and values. After the war, he continued his diplomatic career in Germany, where he was tasked with rebuilding relations between Greece and Germany, damaged by the war. In addition to his diplomatic work, Karavangelis was also an accomplished scholar and author, publishing numerous articles and books on Greek history, philosophy, and culture. He was highly respected both in Greece and abroad for his intellectual achievements and diplomatic skills.
Karavangelis was born in the village of Eressos on the island of Lesbos. He studied law and political science at the University of Paris, where he earned his doctorate in law. After graduation, he returned to Greece to practice law, but he eventually turned to politics and diplomacy, thanks to his exceptional linguistic skills and foreign connections. In addition to his diplomatic missions, he served as a member of parliament and a cabinet minister under several Greek governments. He was known for his moderate views and his advocacy for Greece's national interests without compromising its independence and sovereignty. Karavangelis was married twice and had four children. He died in Vienna while on a diplomatic mission, and his remains were brought back to Greece for burial. He is remembered as one of Greece's most distinguished diplomats and intellectuals of the 20th century.
During his diplomatic career, Germanos Karavangelis made significant contributions to Greek-Austrian and Greek-German relations. He played a key role in securing Austria's support for Greek interests in the Balkans and laid the groundwork for military collaboration between Greece and Austria during World War I. He also cultivated strong ties with the Austrian imperial family and was a popular figure in Viennese society. In Germany, he focused on promoting Greek culture and establishing cultural exchanges between the two nations. Karavangelis was an accomplished scholar and wrote extensively on Greek literature, philosophy, and history. His works include a translation of Aristotle's Politics into modern Greek, as well as several essays on Greek tragedy and the classical canon. Karavangelis was a member of the Athens Academy and received numerous accolades for his contributions to Greek culture and diplomacy. His legacy continues to inspire Greek diplomats and intellectuals today.
Karavangelis was a polyglot, proficient in several languages including Greek, German, English, French, Latin, Italian, and Turkish. His linguistic abilities were a great asset in his diplomatic career, allowing him to communicate effectively with foreign leaders and diplomats. In addition to his diplomatic and intellectual pursuits, Karavangelis was also a passionate advocate for education and social justice. He worked to improve access to education in Greece and promoted the rights of minorities, particularly the Jewish community. He was a strong believer in liberal democracy and believed that Greece could serve as a model for democratic governance in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Karavangelis's contributions to Greek diplomacy and culture have earned him a place in the annals of Greek history as a visionary leader and a champion of Greek values and interests.
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