Grigoris Bithikotsis

Grigoris Bithikotsis (Greek Γρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης, IPA2|ɣriˈɣo̞ˑris ˌbiθiˈko̞ˑʦis) (December 11, 1922 - April 7, 2005) was a popular Greek folk singer/songwriter with a career spanning five decades.

Bithikotsis was born in Peristeri, Athens, in 1922 to a poor family. He became interested in music at an early age, and acquired a bouzouki as soon as he was able. At first, he had to hide the instrument at a friend's house and practice in secret, as his father disapproved of the new rembetiko style that had captured his son's interest.

He met composer Mikis Theodorakis in 1959 and the two collaborated producing folk songs. Bithikotsis composed over 80 songs, including: "Stu Belami to ouzeri" and "Toy Votanikou o magas". He possessed a rich singing voice with which he performed his own compositions and those of Theodorakis, who frequently chose his friend Grigoris to perform his masterpieces. The two contributed greatly to the then-emerging laika style of Greek music. A leftist, he was exiled to the island of Makronisos in the 1950's during the reign of King Paul.

Throughout his life, Bithikotsis performed frequent concerts at numerous venues, including one in Athens upon the occasion of his eightieth birthday. He died in Athens, in 2005, following 3 months of hospitalization. His funeral was attended by thousands, including representatives of all the Greek political parties.

Discography

*"14 Hryses Epityhies N1" ("14 Greatest Hits Vol. 1")
*"14 Hryses Epityhies N2" ("14 Greatest Hits Vol. 2")
*"1950-1962"
*"1963-1971"
*"36 Hronia" ("36 Years")
*"Apo tis 45 Strofes No. 4"
*"Alpha – Omega"
*"Chamenes Agapes" ("Lost Loves")
*"I Ellada tou Grigori" ("The Greece of Grigoris")
*"Episimi Agapimeni" ("Best Loved Songs")
*"Gia panta No. 1" ("Forever #1")
*"Gia ton Grigori – I Synavlia to Stadio Erininis kai Filias" ("For Grigoris", in Peace and Friendship Stadium)
*"Mazi" (with Stelios Kazantzidis)
*"Mazi me ton Grigori" ("Together with Grigoris")
*"Megaloprepeia"
*"Mia gynaika fevgei" ("One Woman Leaves")
*"Oktovriou 1978"/"October 1978" - with Mikis Theodorakis
*"O Agnostos Theos" (Strange God)
*"Oi Magalyteres Epityhies Tou" ("His Greatest Hits")
*"Ouranio Toxo" (Rainbow)
*"Prasino fos" ("Green Light")
*"Sti Megali Leoforo" ("On the Broad Avenue")
*"Stratos Dionysiou/Ta zebekika tou Grigori kai tou Stratou" (with Stratos Dionysiou)
*"Ta Afthentika No.2"
*"Apo tous thisayrous ton 45 Strofon" (with Vicky Moscholiou)
*"Tragoudia apo tis 45 Srtrofes"

External links

* [http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_civ_100006_12/04/2005_55120 Obituary in "Kathimerini"]
* [http://www.greekradio.net/media/rebetiko/Rebetiko03.wma "Se toyto to steno"] (Audio file)
* [http://www.greekradio.net/media/rebetiko/Rebetiko21.wma "Enas alitis pethane" (20:40)] (Audio file)