The multi-instrumentalist Demis Roussos sold over 60 million albums worldwide, establishing a career that spanned progressive rock, pop, and global variety charts. Emerging from the cosmopolitan music scene of Alexandria, he moved through the ranks of mid-century bands before achieving massive success as a solo vocalist throughout Europe, Latin America, and Japan.
Early influences in Alexandria
Born in 1946, Roussos was raised within a Greek family in Egypt. His father, George, was an engineer and guitarist, while his mother, Olga, participated in theatrical groups. His musical foundations were established in the Greek Church Byzantine choir, supplemented by exposure to jazz and traditional Arabic melodies. The family eventually relocated to Greece following the 1956 Suez Crisis.
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After moving to Greece, Roussos joined the group The Idols at age 17. He later collaborated with Vangelis and Loukas Sideras to form Aphrodite's Child. The band gained recognition for their operatic vocal style, culminating in the progressive rock project 666. Beyond this group, Roussos maintained a creative relationship with Vangelis, contributing vocals to the Blade Runner soundtrack and recording the album Magic.
International solo career
Launching his solo career in 1971 with the hit We Shall Dance, Roussos achieved widespread fame by the mid-1970s. His single Forever and Ever topped UK charts in 1976. His diverse repertoire included works such as Rain and Tears, Je suis malade, and Que C'est Triste Venise. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he continued to produce successful albums, notably Le Grec and Insight, while touring globally and collaborating with artists like Jon Anderson and Michel Elefteriades.
Legacy and final years
In his later career, Roussos remained active, participating in the Âge Tendre et Têtes de Bois tour and releasing his final studio album in 2009. He held citizenship in both Greece and France and received the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honour. Roussos died in Athens in 2015 and was interred at the First Cemetery of Athens.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Alexandria
- Died: 2015, Athens
- Primary instruments: Bass, voice
- Notable band: Aphrodite's Child
- Solo breakthrough: We Shall Dance (1971)
- Total sales: Over 60 million albums
- Award: Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Burial site: First Cemetery of Athens
Questions readers ask
What was his breakthrough hit?
His first solo success was the 1971 single We Shall Dance, which reached the top ten in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Did he collaborate with Vangelis after Aphrodite's Child?
Yes, they recorded the album Magic in 1977 and collaborated on film scores, including tracks for Blade Runner.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Notable work: Rain and Tears
- Notable work: Lontano, lontano
- Notable work: Que C'est Triste Venise
- Notable work: L'Amour, c'est comme un jour
- Instruments: guitar, bass guitar and voice
- Genres: pop music, progressive rock and variety
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