Who's behind the notes? Discover Demis Roussos: The Voice of Greece
Demis Roussos was a Greek singer and performer known for his distinctive voice and flamboyant stage presence. Here are some interesting facts about him:
Early Life: Demis Roussos was born on June 15, 1946, in Alexandria, Egypt. His family was of Greek descent, and they eventually moved back to Greece when he was a young boy.
Vangelis Connection: Before pursuing a solo career, Demis Roussos was a member of the progressive rock band Aphrodite's Child. The band also included Vangelis, who later became famous for his electronic music compositions.
Breakthrough with Aphrodite's Child: The band's most famous album is "666," a double concept album based on the Apocalypse of John. Roussos's vocals on songs like "The Four Horsemen" and "Aegian Sea" showcased his powerful and operatic style.
Solo Career: Demis Roussos achieved international success as a solo artist in the 1970s. His breakthrough came with the single "We Shall Dance" in 1971, and he continued to release hits like "Forever and Ever," "My Friend the Wind," and "Goodbye, My Love, Goodbye."
Collaborations: Roussos collaborated with several artists throughout his career. One notable collaboration was with French singer Véronique Sanson on the song "Loin des yeux, loin du cœur."
Stage Presence: Known for his larger-than-life stage presence, Demis Roussos often performed in flamboyant outfits that contributed to his unique persona. His signature look included flowing kaftans and an abundance of jewelry.
International Appeal: Demis Roussos was not only popular in his native Greece but also gained a substantial fan base around the world, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Genre Diversity: While he is often associated with pop and ballad genres, Demis Roussos experimented with various musical styles, including rock, progressive rock, and folk.
Language Proficiency: Demis Roussos was multilingual and sang in several languages, including English, Greek, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. This contributed to his global appeal.
Later Years: In the 1980s and 1990s, Roussos continued to release albums and tour, but his popularity waned. Despite this, he remained a respected figure in the music industry.
Demis Roussos's medley performances often featured a mix of his popular songs, showcasing the range and versatility of his vocal abilities. His legacy lives on through his contribution to the music world, and his distinctive voice continues to be remembered by fans worldwide.