Vassilis Tsitsanis
- Born:
- January 18, 1915, Trikala, Greece
- Died:
- January 18, 1984, London, England
- Nationality:
- Greek
- Profession(s):
- Bouzouki Musician, Singer, Songwriter
Early Life and Education
- Born into a large family in Trikala, Greece.
- Began learning the mandolin and violin at a young age.
- Moved to Athens in 1936 to study law but quickly abandoned it for music.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began performing in Athens' taverns and music halls.
- Developed a distinctive style of rebetiko music, blending traditional sounds with his own innovations.
- Established himself as one of the most important figures in the history of rebetiko music.
- His songs addressed themes of poverty, love, and social injustice, resonating with a wide audience.
- He collaborated with many famous Greek singers, including Sotiria Bellou and Marika Ninou.
- During the German occupation of Greece in World War II, he kept the spirit of the people alive through his music.
Notable Works
Discography (Selection)
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Συννεφιασμένη Κυριακή (Synnefiasmeni Kyriaki - Cloudy Sunday) | 1948 |
| Όταν πίνεις στην ταβέρνα (Otan pinis stin taverna - When you drink in the tavern) | 1950s |
| Αρχόντισσα (Archontissa - Aristocrat) | 1938 |
Legacy and Impact
Vassilis Tsitsanis is revered as one of the founders of modern rebetiko. His songs continue to be performed and recorded by musicians worldwide. The enduring popularity of his music is a testament to its power and emotional depth. Scholars and fans alike search for definitive resources to learn about his life, solidifying the need for thorough 'vassilis tsitsanis biography books'.