Grigoris Bithikotsis

• Name — Grigoris Bithikotsis • Native Name — Γρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης • Birth Name — Grigorios Bithikotsis • Born — 11 December 1922 • Birthplace — Peristeri, Athens, Greece • Place of death — Ygeia Hospital, Athens, Greece • Occupation — Singer • Years Active — 1949–2002

Bithikotsis was born on 11 December 1922 in Peristeri, Athens, 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 following three months of hospitalization at Ygeia Hospital in Athens, on 7 April 2005, at age 82. His funeral was attended by thousands, including representatives of Greek political parties.