Grigoris Bithikotsis
Grigoris Bithikotsis (Greek Γρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης, December 11, 1922 – April 7, 2005) was a Greek folk singer/songwriter with a career spanning five decades. He is considered one of the most important figures in Greek popular music.
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 Tou 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 1950s 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 three months of hospitalization. His funeral was attended by thousands, including representatives of all the Greek political parties.
Acting
Movie
The Red Lanterns
as singer
1963
Movie
Modern Cinderella
as singer
1965
Movie
Synoikia to Oneiro
as singer
1961
Movie
Liar Wanted
as singer
1961
Movie
The Underdog
as singer
1960
Movie
The Wastrels
as singer
1961
Movie
The steps of life
as Singer
1962
Movie
The False
as Singer
1974
Movie
Athens by Night
1962
Movie
I stole my wife
as singer
1964
Movie
We without money
as singer
1963
Movie
Sometimes even the strong cry
as Singer
1967
Movie
The Stupid Face
as Singer
1965
Movie
Rolled in the mud
as singer
1955
Movie
The Devastated
as singer
1966
Movie
The man who returned from pain
as singer
1966
Movie
I leave with Bitterness in Foreign Countries
as singer
1964
Movie
It is a great pity
as singer
1964
Movie
The Dressmaker
1964
Movie
Tired life
as Singer
1964
Movie
The Harbor Bum
as singer
1961
Movie
Angels Without Wings
as Singer
1965
Movie
Those who forgot God
as Singer
1964
Movie
Grooms Wanted with Dowry
as singer
1970
