Anna Vissi

Infobox musical artist
Name = Anna Vissi
Img_size =


Landscape =
Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Anna Vissi
Alias =
Born = birth date and age|1957|12|20
Larnaca, Cyprus
Died =
Origin = Greece
Instrument =
Genre = Modern laika, pop, dance
Occupation = Musician, songwriter, composer, actress
Years_active = 1973-present
Label = EMI (1977-1982),
CarVi (1983)
Sony BMG (1984-Present),
Moda Records (2005)
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.annavissi.net www.annavissi.net]
Current_members =
Past_members =
Notable_instruments =

Anna Vissi (Greek: "Άννα Βίσση"; born December 20, 1957) is a Cypriot-Greek singer, famous mainly in Greece, and her home country Cyprus, with minor international success in the United States. Since 1995, she has gone 28x platinum in Greece and in 2005, she also enjoyed success in the US, claiming the number one position on the Billboard Dance Charts with "Call Me".

Biography

Childhood & Origins

Vissi was born in 1957, in Larnaca, Cyprus. She has been singing from a very early age, beginning formal musical studies at the age of six at a local conservatory.cite web|url=http://www.mad.tv/artists/?id=11&m=bio|title=ΒΙΟΓΡΑΦΙΚΟ: Αννα Βίσση|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] At the age of twelve she entered a talent competition and won first prize.cite web|url=http://www.musiccorner.gr/biografies/vissi.html|title=ΑΝΝΑ ΒΙΣΣΗ|date=2003-12|publisher=MusicCorner.gr|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] Two years later, she was the main singer at Ayia Tilliria, which was also her first TV appearance. In 1973, her family moved to Athens, Greece where she was able to pursue her studies at the National Conservatory. She would eventually appear with a number of well-known Greek singers, such as George Dalaras, Haris Alexiou, and Vasilis Papakonstantinou, in the famous nightclubs of Plaka, in Athens. During this time she also studied law at the University of Athens. Her first important collaboration, alongside Georgios Dalaras, was with composer Stavros Koujioumtzis. Koujioumtris composed two songs for Vissi, "S' Agapo" and "Sta Hronia tis Ipomonis". She also collaborated with many important Greek composers such as Mikis Theodorakis (1974/1975), Georgios Hadjinassios (1974), Doros Giorgiadis (1974), Nikos Karvelas (who later became her husband; 1975) and Mihalis Terzis (1976).

Late 1970s

In 1977 she went on tour with Georgios Dalaras and Haris Alexiou, giving remarkable concerts with the most famous at Rainbow, London (June). In the same year, she won the prize for best singer and best song ("As Kanoume Apopse mia Arhi") of the year at the Annual Song Festival of Thessaloniki (Palais des Sports). In 1978 she was proposed by ERT (Greek National Television) to represent Greece at the 23rd Eurovision Song Contest. There were two songs to select from — "Poso S'Agapo" and "O Kyrios Nobel". Finally, due to controversies between the composers of the songs, her participation was disqualified and Tania Tsanaklidou went to the contest.

1980s

1980-1982: Eurovision Song Contest

In 1980, Anna took part in the 25th Eurovision Song Contest representing Greece with the song "Autostop", finishing 13th with 30 points. Two years later, she represented her native Cyprus at the 27th Eurovision Song Contest with the song she composed herself "Mono I Agapi", which ended 5th with 85 points scoring Cyprus their highest position to date. The songs have not been released on any album or single until 2006, when both were released on CD single in time for Vissi's third Eurovision appearance. "Mono I Agapi" however, was released as a 7 -inch vinyl in 1982 with and English version titled "I'm Gonna Be A Fool for You" as a b-side.

1983-1990: Nikos Karvelas

In 1983 she married Nikos Karvelas, a composer, with whom she collaborated in 1975. After their marriage, she started a close collaboration with Karvelas. Since 1975, all her releases have become gold or platinum and have included songs by Karvelas. In 1986, she participated at the Cypriot National Final for Eurovision Song Contest, with the song "Thelo Na Gino Star", taking second place. This song is still unreleased today. In 1986, Vissi released "I Epomeni Kinisi", followed by "Empnefsi!" and "Tora" in 1988. In 1988 she made her debut as a radio producer on ANT1 Radio. Her radio program had the title of one of her songs "Ta Koritsia Einai Atakta" and was aired every weekend. In the same year she participated with the song "Kleo" at the Greek National Final for Eurovision Song Contest, ending third.

In 1989 she releases the studio album "Fotia" (Fire) being one of the first albums to feature western sounds. The lead single "Pseftika" became a big hit. She performed at "Diogenis Palace" in that same year, Athens' biggest night club at the time.

1990s

1990-1992: "Demones"

In the early 1990s, she continued performing around Greece with Nikos Karvelas, with appearances at Diogenis Palace and then at Rex. In November 1991, Vissi and Karvelas stared in the first Greek rock opera, Demones. It was based on a libretto by Stavros Sideras and staged at Athicon Theater in Athens for two years. Roger Williams was the director and Anna Vissi (Queen & Rozanne), Yannis Samsiaris (Daniel), Mpessy Malfa (Witch & Loa) and John Modinos (Inquisitor) were the leading actors. Demones was played on foreign TV stations and attracted the attention of Broadway agents.

1992-1994

A year later in October 1993, Vissi landed the leading role of Aphrodite, in the one act opera "Ode to the Gods" by Stavros Sideras. It was held only once in Limassol, Cyprus, during the celebrations for the Commonwealth Day. The then-president of the Republic of Cyprus, Glafkos Kleridis, and Queen Elizabeth II, were amongst the audience. The following years Karvelas and Vissi released albums that became gold and platinum. They included "Lambo" in 1992, "Emeis" in 1992, "Live!" in 1993, "Re!" in 1994, and "O! Kypros" with traditional Cypriot songs in 1995.

1994-1998: "Klima Tropiko" and "Travma"

In 1994 she was the hostess on the ANT1 weekly TV show "Me Agapi, Anna", while one year after she did a concert in Cyprus, supporting the defenses of the island. In 1996 Anna released the triple-platinum album "Klima Tropiko".cite web|url=http://www.maplejammusic.com/artists/bios/annavissi.html|title=ANNA VISSI|publisher="Maple Jam Music Group"|accessdate=2008-04-24] After giving more than 40 concerts all over Greece, she started winter appearances at club Gazi. On New Year's Eve, by invitation of the Mayor of the city of Athens, she performed in the Parliament Square in front of more than 20,000 people which was broadcast on TV all over Greece and Cyprus.cite web|url=http://www.annavissi.net/index6.html|title=Biography|publisher="AnnaVissi.net"|accessdate=2008-04-26]

In February 1997, Vissi won three Greek Music Awards: Best Female Singer, Best Interpretation, and Biggest Airplay Song. In April 1997, Vissi released "Travma" which went gold in 12 days and triple platinum in six months selling over 150,000 units.A couple months later, a new CD single was released with the songs "Crush", "Mavra Gyalia", and "Eleni" as well as a re-release of her multi platinum album "Travma" with a bonus CD containing songs from previous albums, only in Australia.

1998-2000: "Antidoto"

In 1998, Vissi released her new studio album titled "Antidoto", which sold more than 80,000 copies in just a week, breaking all previous records to that point. In 1998, Vissi gave a charity concert at the Presidential Palace in Cyprus, with the presidential orchestra of the Russian Confederacy (Telethon) and continued with two concerts in London, in February 1999 (Forum Music Theatre, Palladium Theatre). There was also a mini tour in the U.S., giving concerts in Los Angeles, Atlantic City, Chicago, Boston and New York (Madison Square Garden). The Los Angeles Times wrote: "A performance so charismatic, so filled with sheer magnetic talent... expect big things from this potential new international star", while the New York Times wrote: "With raised arms and delicately stepping feet, she was no unapproachable, packaged pop diva, but an irrepressible entertainer".

In New York City, Anna performed a mini concert for her fans at the Virgin Mega Store in Times Square. This performance was part of a series of events hosted by the Virgin Megastore, promoting some of the world's biggest stars, with Anna being the only Greek singer to receive this honor. The event was promoted throughout the tristate area by KTU (radio station) and was part of "Anna Vissi day" at the biggest Virgin Megastore in the US.

2000s

2000-2001: "Everything I Am" and "Kravgi"

Followed by a short break from music, in April 2000 Anna Vissi performed at London's Royal Albert Hall, at the so-called 'millennium show', singing in front of people from Sony International, marketing managers from Europe, and fans from the UK. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=45|title= Η 'Aννα Βίσση στο Royal Albert Hall|date=2000-02-14|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10]

On May 13, 2000, she performed as a special guest star in her native Cyprus, at the 49th annual Miss Universe Pageant which took place at the Eleftheria Stadium in Nicosia. She sang for the very first time her song "On a Night Like This".

Some months later, her first international single was released called "Everything I Am", containing the original version and three remixes of the song (Almighty Mix, Eiffel 65 RMX, Groove Brothers Remix), and a song with both Greek and English lyrics called "Moro Mou, No Tomorrow". She also filmed her first video clip of that single, directed by Antti Jokinen (Solar films, Finland), that cost 80,000,000 drachmas (310,000 dollars).

Apart from the English single, she also released a new Greek single called "Agapi Ypervoliki", containing six new songs. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=823|title=Η Αννα με Αγάπη Υπερβολική!|date=2000-07-23|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] Having sold more than 75,000 copies in 10 weeks, it became triple platinum and finally settled at four times platinum. To promote the single, she started appearances at Asteria Club with Karvelas and the boy band ONE, with Shaun Fernandez as the choreographer.

In September 2000, she gave a charity concert at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, in front of 12,000 people, with ONE and a group of dancers from Sony International. She sang songs from the very beginning of her career to her current carrier (1973-2001).

The same year she released her international English language album called "Everything I Am" which although started as ambition effort to launch an international career, failed to chart in the US.cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=1344|title=Λεπτομέρειες για το "Everything I Am"!!!|date=2000-10-16|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] It contained 12 songs by Russ Ballard, Mark Taylor, Graham Stack, Steve Torch, Paul Stanley, Tina Shafer, Julian Harris, Danielle Gerber and Nikos Karvelas. Producers of the album were Brian Rawling, Ric Wake and Peter Asher. In Greece, after a week, the album reached gold status (20,000 copies +) eventually reaching platinum, while Australia, South Africa, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Turkey, Finland, Norway, and Asia started to promote it [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=191|title=H Άννα Βίσση σε όλο τον κόσμο|date=2000-03-31|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] , with little success.

In November 2000, "Kravgi" was released. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=1481|title=Η Αννα Βίσση και το νέο της album!|date=2000-11-06|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] It was a double album with 24 new songs and included a duet with Katy Garbi. It reached double platinum status in just a couple of hours, a record [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=2012|title=Νέο ρεκόρ για την Αννα Βίσση|date=2001-01-04|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] , and eventually went 7x Platinum making it one of the most successful albums of all time in Greece. Some months later, she started appearances with Garbi and the boyband ONE at Fever Club [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=2497|title=Ξανανοίγει το Fever!|date=2001-02-22|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] , while she accepted the invitation of the Mayor of Athens to perform in the Parliament Square, at the celebrations of the New Year's Eve 2001.

Just before Easter, a second single from her international album was released. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=3286|title=Cd Singles σε επανακυκλοφορία!|date=2001-05-11|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] It was called "Still in Love with You" with remixes (Radio Edit, Soda Club Radio Mix, Soda Club Mix, Soda Club TV Track) and production by Brian Rawling.

2001-2004

On the 6 June, 2001 she was the main singer in a production in Bucharest (Unirii square, nearby river Dambovitei) along with the No Smoking band and the cinema director and producer Emir Kusturica. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=3705|title=Δείτε την Αννα στο Βουκουρέστι!|date=2001-06-22|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] The concert (2001, Peace Odyssey) included a multimedia show, opening with a water screen. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=3625|title=Η Αννα σε ένα αληθινό υπερθέαμα!|date=2001-06-13|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] More than 150,000 people were present. Kusturica along with producer and director Angelos Hadjiandreou undertook the artistic direction of the event, marrying music with the most modern expression of art. Three months later (September 3, 2001) she gave a concert in Cyprus (GSP Stadium), singing in front of more than 18,000 viewers, for more than three hours. Just a day before, she was awarded for the seven times platinum "Kravgi".

Shortly after, Vissi stared in the Musical "Mala - I Mousiki Tou Anemou", written by Karvelas, based on a true love story that took place during World War II in Auschwitz, between Mala Zimetbaum and Edward Galiñski. The play, which was staged at Palace Theatre in Athens (19 January 2002), was written by her husband Nikos Karvelas, directed by Yannis Kakleas and accompanied by a symphony orchestra conducted by Yorgos Niarhos. The show received positive reviews mostly, while it was also shown on Mega Channel a year later. The soundtrack also reached gold status in Greece. The soundtrack of the album was also released and charted.cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=7265|title=Κυκλοφορεί το album "Μάλα-Η Μουσική του Ανέμου"|date=2002-05-18|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10]

In late 2002, Vissi released the album "X", which was produced by George De Angelis. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=8732|title=Eρχεται το Χ!|date=2002-10-09|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] Shortly after, the album was featured on CNN's "Music Room", where they talked about how the album reached number 1 in Greece, and has already sold 75,000 copies and was still going strong. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=9397|title=H Αννα Βίσση στο CNN!|date=2002-11-22|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] The album quickly reached number 1 on the IFPI charts, and was certified 2x platinum. In the winter of 2002-2003 she was at "Fever Club" in Athens, performing with Giannis Parios. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=9111|title=Το Μαρτύριό σας ξεκινάει!|date=2002-11-06|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] In May 2003, Vissi performed with Nikos Karvelas and Irini Merkouri at "Club Boom" in Thessaloniki, Greece] . [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=11973|title=Βίσση - Καρβέλας - Μερκούρη στη Θεσσαλονίκη|date=2003-05-12|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10]

On July 15, 2003, Vissi gave a concert at "A Plaz Voulas/Apollonies Aktes", with special guest star Nikos Karvelas. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=12576|title=Η συναυλία του καλοκαιριού|date=2003-06-27|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] In September 2003, Vissi gave another concert in Cyprus, at the Tzirion Stadium in Limassol, with songs from her 30 years career. The same year, she was awarded with a prize for her whole contribution from the Cyprus Paralympic Organization, while a square in Larnaca was named after her. She also met and talked with the president of the Republic of Cyprus, in the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia.

Just before 2004 on December 05, 2003, Vissi released the double album "Paraksenes Eikones" which went 2x platinum in six months.cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=13991|title= Ερχονται οι Παράξενες Εικόνες|date=2003-11-18|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] The album produced many hits, while the song "Treno" was the most played song of 2004 in Greece. To promote the album, she started appearing at Diogenis Studio for the winter season 2003-2004, with Konstandinos Christoforou, Nino and Hi-5.

2004-2005: "Call Me" & "Nylon"

On the 31 March 2004, Anna Vissi performed in the Liberty Square in Nicosia, at a concert part of the celebrations for Cyprus's entry at the European Union, after an official invitation from the Republic of Cyprus.

In May 2004 she went on a small tour in England and U.S. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=15441|title=Η Αννα Βίσση live στο Λονδίνο!|date=2004-04-20|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] , with Lambis Livieratos (with whom she collaborated back in the early 90s), while in July, her album "Paraksenes Eikones" was re-released with a bonus CD single called "Remixes 2004". On 29 August 2004 she performed at the closing ceremony of the XXVIII Olympiad, in Athens. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=16458|title=Τελετή Λήξης 2004|first=2004-08-29|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=17335|title=Η διεθνής καριέρα της Αννας Βίσση|date=2004-12-16|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] She then gave a concert in Cyprus on 3 September, at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, where she sang for the first time her new English song called "Call Me".

On December 20, 2004, Vissi released a live album and DVD. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=17749|title="Aποκλειστική" Αννα Βίσση|date=2005-02-05|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] After that concert she moved to the U.S., for the preparation and promotion of her single "Call Me". In US, the single was released by Moda Records. It features twelve remixes, and went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music Club Play chart and number 2 on the Billboard Hot Dance Airplay chart. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=18223|title=#1 στο Billboard η Αννα!|date=2005-04-08|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] Anna then performed at the legendary Copacabana in New York for the KTU PartyGras. During the winter and through to the summer of 2005, Anna went around to clubs as part of her Mini-USA Tour to promote "Call Me". Some of the clubs included, "Central", "Mirage", "DNA", "The Sound Garden", and "Studio 9".

In July 2005 Anna returned to Greece and released "Call Me" as a CD single by Sony BMG, along with a new English song titled "Lie". [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=18758|title=Anna is coming back!|date=2005-06-25|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] The single reached number 1 on the IFPI singles charts and achieved gold certification. In that same month, Vissi visited the studios to start recording her new Greek album. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=19000|title= Έτοιμα τα νέα κομμάτια της Αννας|date=2005-07-27|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] In August 2005, Anna took to the stage of the "Coca-Cola Sound-Wave" which was held in Mykonos.cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=19077|title=Anna Vissi live MAD report|date=2005-08-13|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] There she sang her new English song "Lie" and surprised fans and media by appearing on stage with half her head shaved. This performance was considered by many her come-back to the Greek music scene after being absent for more than a year.

On September 27, 2005, Vissi released a new Greek album titled "Nylon".cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=19271|title=Αποκλειστικά "Nylon" news|date=2005-09-19|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] The album went Platinum within 24 hours and peaked at number 1 on the IFPI Greek Top 50 albums chart. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=19848|title=H 'Αννα Βίσση γιορτάζει στο Love Radio|date=2005-12-08|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] Shortly after in October 2005, the album was released as a dual disc, the first ever to be released in Greece. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=19491|title=Διπλό dual disc από την Αννα Βίσση|date=2005-10-15|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] The dual disk featured special footage from her and Nikos Karvelas in the studio. On the CD Anna has a duet with the lead singer of the hip-hop group Goin' Through called "Erota i Polemo" (Love or War). The album is different than other albums Vissi has released with a more rock feel to it as well as a mix of other genres including rock, dance, ballads and hip hop. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=19387|title="Nylon" facts & news|date=2005-10-01|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] On Novermber 24, 2005, Vissi started performances at "Club Votanikos" in Athens, Greece with Goin' Through, Dimitris Korgialas, Evridiki, and Despina Olympiou until March 2006. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=19674|title=Αννα Βίσση..."Για Τελευταία Φορά"|date=2005-11-13|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10]

2006-2007: Eurovision Song Contest & Tour

Greek national broadcaster ERT chose Anna Vissi to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=20125|title=EuroVISSIon 2006 και επισήμως!|date=2006-01-24|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] There were 4 songs to pick from, which Anna Vissi sang during a song selection show on 14 March 2006 at "Votanikos Club". [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=20399|title=Στον "Βοτανικό" ο ελληνικός τελικός της Eurovision|date=2006-03-01|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] The Greek viewers used televote and SMS messages along with a panel of judges to choose the song they wanted Vissi to sing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=20535|title=Σήμερα το βράδυ ο ελληνικός τελικός|date=2006-03-14|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] Two of the competing songs, were composed by Nikos Karvelas, namely "Everything" and "Who Cares about Love", with Vissi herself writing the lyrics to "Everything". [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=20487|title=Πλήρης επιβεβαίωση του MAD|date=2006-03-10|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] The third song, "A Beautiful Night" was written by composing group Pegasos, while the last song, "Welcome To The Party", was written by Greek composer Dimitris Kontopoulos. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=20475|title=Τα τραγούδια της Eurovision|date=2006-03-09|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] "Everything" was selected as the representative song of Greece, winning 47.79% of the votes. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=20544|title="Everything" για την Eurovision!|date=2006-03-15|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] The day after the final, Vissi filmed the video clip. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=20633|title=Από σήμερα στο MAD τo νέο video-clip της Αννας Βίσση|first=2006-03-22|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] Her old record company Minos EMI released a CD single of her two prior Eurovision entries "Autostop" and "Mono I Agapi" shortly after.

After the video to the song was completed, Anna Vissi embarked on a promotional tour across Europe starting on April 12 2006 with Russia. She also visited Malta, Cyprus, Albania, Serbia & Montenegro, Romania, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Belgium, and ended her tour on May 10 2006 in Israel.

On April 19 2006 she released a single for her Eurovision entry "Everything". It featured the original version of "Everything" and a remix of it by DJ Valentino and Christodoulos Siganos. Anna then also re-released "Nylon" as "", which includes all of the songs from her album "Nylon", as well as the representative song "Everything" in original, remixed and karaoke version.cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=20909|title=Anna Vissi updated|first=2006-04-12|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] "Euro Edition" also contains the three other Greek Eurovision Preselection songs: "Beautiful Night", "Who Cares About Love" and "Welcome to the Party", which has entered the playlist of American satellite radio station "Sirius Beat". [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=21550|title=Η 'Αννα Βίσση ξανά στο Billboard?|date=2006-06-06|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10]

During the contest, Anna performed in the 16th spot of the night and appeared alone on stage, wearing a Jean-Paul Gaultier outfit. Although she had been one of the favorites during the pre-contest period, she only managed to get 9th place with 128 points (hers was one of the two pre-qualified entries to finish in the Top 10 (the other was Romania). [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=21339|title=Νικητές της Eurovision οι Lordi|date=2006-05-21|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] The other 8 songs were all qualified from the semi-final). Finland won the contest with the rock band Lordi and their song 'Hard rock hallelujah'. In interviews prior to the contest, she had stated that if there was anyone she would like to lose to, it would be the Finnish entry. Lordi had also expressed their liking of the Greek song in interviews too.

Following the contest, "Everything" was released in Finland on May 24 2006 by Sony BMG Finland. It has already been released in Sweden and it peaked at 24. It featured a different cover, than the original single. The Dual disk version of "Nylon" was also re-released with the Eurovision single.cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=21403|title="Nylon" & "Everything" σε διπλό dual-disc|first=2006-05-29|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] Anna gave a concert at London's Royal Albert Hall on May 27, 2006. She also had a concert on September 8, 2006 at G.S.P. Stadium in Nicosia, Cyprus, which kick-started her Mini-Greek Tour. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=22507|title=Ακολουθεί την 'Αννα Βίσση ο Valentino|first=2006-09-15|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] The tour was called "The Best of Anna Vissi 2006" and was covered by Alpha.

In the fall of 2006, she embarked on a Greek mini-tour performing around Greece in sold-out concerts as well as Cyprus with Goin' Through. [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=22419|title=Anna Vissi on the road|date=2006-09-06|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10]

In the beginning of 2007, Vissi moved to Los Angeles, United States to start work on an English album. In February 2007, she accompanied long time friend Patricia Field to the Oscars in Los Angeles, California. [cite web|url=http://www.loveradio.gr/showbiz/index.php?year=2007&month=2&id=592#ndt|title=Σήμερα φεύγει η Αννα Βίσση για Los Angeles, με τελικό προορισμό... τα Oscar! |date=2008-02-22|publisher="Love Radio Broadcasting"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-04-01]

Vissi also started a world tour in January 2007. She traveled to Australia with Konstantinos Christoforou and had 3 concerts in Melbourne and Sydney and from April 10, 2007 through May 1, 2007 [cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=23184|title='Αννα Βίσση live σε Αμερική & Αυστραλία|date=2006-11-10|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-10] , she toured North America. Along with Takis Zahartos, she performed in Chicago, New York, Atlantic City, Connecticut (Foxwoods), Los Angeles, Montreal, and Toronto. [cite web|url=http://www.loveradio.gr/showbiz/index.php?year=2007&month=1&id=524#ndt|title=Ετοιμάζεται για Αυστραλία η Άννα|date=2007-01-15|publisher="Love Radio Broadcasting"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-04-01] [cite web|url=http://www.loveradio.gr/showbiz/index.php?year=2007&month=3&id=654#ndt|title=Oι συναυλίες της Αννας Βίσση σε ΗΠΑ και Καναδά!|date=2007-03-27|publisher="Love Radio Broadcasting"|language=Greek|accessdate=2007-04-01] Vissi continued her tour in October 2007 with a mini-European tour. The concerts included Amsterdam and Brussels with her concert in Paris being canceled without an explanation. During the tour, she stated that she was only half way through her world tour.

In September 2007, Sony BMG Greece released a compilation titled "The Essential Anna Vissi". The album contains 17 tracks, including some of Vissi's biggest hits. It also includes the previously leaked, but unofficially released English song "Is it Safe?".

In November 2007, she held a special charity concert in London for the "Oinoussian Benevolent Fund". It was held at the "Royal Opera House" in Covent Garden with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and she raised £250,000, excluding the entrance tickets costing £200.cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/news/read/9532|title=Anna Vissi in London charity concert|last=Viniker|first=Barry|date=2008-10-31| publisher="ESCToday"| accessdate=2008-07-31] [cite web|url=http://www.loveradio.gr/showbiz/index.php?year=2007&month=10&id=965#ndt
title=Ετοιμάζεται για Λονδίνο η Άννα|date=2007-10-26|publisher="Love Radio Broadcasting"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-04-01]

2008: New albums

On New Year's Day, Vissi kicked off the new year by holding a big concert in her birth town of Larnaca, Cyprus.cite web|url=http://www.lgr.co.uk/music/news/12039/anna-vissi-rocks/|title=Anna Vissi ROCKS!!!|last=Neophytou|first=Tony|date=2008-03-10|publisher="London Greek Radio"|accessdate=2008-03-31] Having spent a large portion of 2007 recording a new English album in LA, word began spreading about its details. Robin DiMaggio stated that he was working with Vissi on the album and that some of the writers include Glenn Ballard, Diane Warren, and Brian Haus. [cite web|url=http://www.myspace.com/robindimaggio|title= Robin DiMaggio Myspace] Also on Mark Needham's website, "Anna Vissi - Forthcoming album, scheduled release 2009" was listed under "Mix Engineer: Current Mixing Projects". [cite web|url=http://www.markneedham.com/|title=Anna Vissi - Forthcoming album, scheduled release 2009|publisher="MarkNeedham.com"|accessdate=2008-08-07] It was revealed that the album will be released in the first half of 2009.cite web|url=http://anna-vissi.blogspot.com/2007/11/anna-vissi.html|title=Anna Vissi: «Θα με Εκφράζει Απόλυτα το Νέο Άλμπουμ»|date=2007-11-23|publisher="anna-vissi.blogspot.com"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-07] In an interview with fans, Vissi talked about the album, describing it as "“A rock album with unbelievably nice songs, that some of the biggest people in the USA music industry worked on. It is an album that could only be made in the US, that represents who I am, and I believe that this album will be a big plus in my career so far.”"

In February 2008, Vissi signed to "Maple Jam Music Group" for the Management of the release of her upcoming English album in the US. [cite web|url=http://encore.celebrityaccess.com/index.php?encoreId=113&articleId=24886|title=MANAGEMENT SIGNINGS:|date=2008-02-07|publisher="celebrityaccess"|accessdate=2008-03-30] It is unknown whether she has also signed with their label, to which, Robin DiMaggio is signed. [cite web|url=http://www.mad.tv/news/?id=29058|title=Όλα έτοιμα για την Άννα Βίσση|date=2008-02-27|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-03-30] In April 2008, "Maple Jam Music" released a statement on their website saying that "Soon, Anna Vissi's unprecedented talent will capture the attention of a much broader audience as she comes to Los Angeles, California, to record a brand-new album unlike any before it. This album, set for a world-wide release in early 2009, promises to be her most dynamic yet. This album brings with it a new sound which will diffuse among all Anna's loyal fans and spreading further to new ones, uniting them across the globe." In an interview with "Ellinikos FM", Nikos Karvelas was asked about new Anna Vissi work. Karvelas replied that she was currently in the US working on a new very rock album with non-Greek writers hinting that the new album will be rock flavored. [cite web|url=http://ellinikosfm.gr/index_more.php?art_id=4437|title=Anna Vissi|publisher="Ellinikos FM"|language=Greek]

In April 2008, MAD TV hosted a competition for its "Greek Week" in which visitors to their website were able to vote for their 10 favorite Greek music videos, with the winners being showcased in a special "Greek Top 30 Countdown" on April 20. Vissi was the most nominated artist with 13 videos, and managed to secure the #1 position with "Treno", while "Agapi Ipervoliki" came in at #4 when the Top 30 were announced. cite web | title = MAD Greek Week Nominations "(Greek)"| url = http://www.mad.tv/special/greekweek/. Retrieved on June 04, 2008]

On 28 June 2008, Vissi posted the song "Diri Dakta" that had been recorded previously via her official myspace for her fans, not part of her new album release. [cite web | title = Anna Vissi Myspace | url = http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=33311822&MyToken=cb4cace5-1079-4ddc-b0bb-41bcd7f9b509]

In July 2008, MAD TV confirmed that Vissi has been booked to perform at the "Athinon Arena" for the duration of the winter 2008-2009, as part of her comeback.cite web | title = Η Άννα Βίσση στο Αθηνών Αρένα | url = http://www.mad.tv/news/?id=31448|date=2008-07-11|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-07-30|publisher="MAD TV"] . In an interview with "Down Town Magazine", Vissi also confirmed that her new Greek album will be released in the autumn of 2008.cite web|url=http://beta.mad.tv/news/new.php?id=31345|title=H Άννα Βίσση στο Down Town|work="Down Town Magazine"|publisher="MAD TV"|language=Greek|accessdate=2008-08-06] She added that she feels like she did at the start of her career, having already listened to over 600 songs in the studio in an attempt to find songs she likes. She went on to say that Nikos Karvelas will contribute no songs to the Greek album, making it her first album without him since the 1980s. The reason she gave for this was that the two have gotten tired of each other, but clarified that this does not rule out a collaboration in the future. Natalia Germanou will also be working on the album, as well as many other composers.March 27 2008 segment of "Gossip Night" hosted by Natalia Germanou. [http://www.sfera.gr/gossipnight.asp Sfera Radio] ] She is also reportedly planning a high profile comeback, and plans to change her look for the album release. cite web | title = Η Επιστροφή Της Άννας Βίσση |language=Greek| url = http://www.yupi.gr/gossip/c4069/H_Epistrofh_Ths_%B6nnas_Bissh.html Yupi.gr Retrieved on March 31, 2008]

On October 4 2008, Vissi held a charity gala at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

It was also recently revealed, that the first single from her upcoming Greek album will be released in October 2008. The song will be the title track to a new Greek film to be released in the fall, with a Greek album to follow in the winter.

Current Projects

*For the winter season 2008-2009, Vissi is booked to sing at "Athinon Arena" in Athens, Greece. Peter Young (Takis Kouvatseas) will be the director, while Mia Michaels will be the choreographer.
*Anna is working on a new Greek album to be released in December 2008. The album has been confirmed to have no participation from Nikos Karvelas. [cite web | title = Η Άννα Χωρίς τον Νίκο | url = http://www.yupi.gr/gossip/c4276/H_Άnna_Xwris_ton_Niko.html] The first single will be released in October 2008, and will be the title track to a new Greek movie.
*Anna is currently working on a new English album in LA with a 2009 release date. Some of the songwriters include Diane Warren, Glen Ballard, and Brian Hewes, as well as Robbin Di Maggio as producer for some songs, and Mark Needham as mix engineer. No release date has been announced yet, and either has official word from Anna herself.

Trivia

*She is often referred to as 'The Greek Madonna' in many countries, but to her Greek-speaking fans, she is known as 'Thea' ('Diva'/'Goddess') or 'H Apoliti Ellinida Star' (Absolute Greek star).
*According to "Room 210" (Greek Magazine published in 2004) Anna Vissi is considered "A true diva of the Greek musical stage, a role model for all other performers of similar genres and one who determines all the latest music and fashion trends".
*By music critics and the media, she is often referred to as "The Queen of Greek Pop".
*Anna is one of the best selling female Greek artist of all time with a career spanning over thirty years.
*She is one of the owners of the famous bar restaurant Ciro's Pommodoro Pizza, recently opened in Athens, Greece. She also is one of the owners of "Ammos Estiatorio" in New York City.
*In 1997 Anna won 7 "Popcorn Greek Music Awards" for her album "Travma".
*She entered the Swedish top-30 with the single Everything in summer 2006, reaching number 24.
*Vissi has a daughter named Sofia Karvelas with her ex-husband/composer Nikos Karvelas. She currently lives in the US.
*Anna's sister Lia Vissi, is also a singer.

Discography

ee also

*List of Greeks
*List of Cypriots
*List of number-one dance hits (United States)
*List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart

References

External links

* [http://www.AnnaVissi.net Official Website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/annavissi The Official Myspace of Anna Vissi]
* [http://www.fannatics.gr The Official Fan Club of Anna Vissi - "fANNAtics"]
* [http://www.sonybmg.gr/page/artist/artists_greek.asp?art_id=38 Sony BMG profile]