Kazantzidis

Stelios Kazantzidis (Greek: Στέλιος Καζαντζίδης) was a Greek singer regarded as one of the defining figures in 20th-century Greek folk and laïka music. Born in 1931, he rose to prominence in the 1950s and maintained a recording and performing career for several decades, becoming a central interpreter of songs that range from traditional laments to modern social and urban themes.

He collaborated with leading composers such as Mikis Theodorakis and Vassilis Tsitsanis, contributing to the popularization of Greek songs about daily life, exile, labor, love, and political sentiment. His robust, expressive voice and ability to convey emotion made him a staple of Greek radio and live stages, and he helped bridge earlier rural styles with contemporary urban music.

Kazantzidis's repertoire included works by composers who addressed the refugee experience after the Asia Minor catastrophe, as well as songs of the beloved urban laïka tradition. His performances often highlighted issues of working-class life, poverty, and resilience, and his interpretations influenced generations of Greek singers and audiences.

He remained active into the later part of the 20th century, and his recordings have been reissued and compiled posthumously. He died in 2001, leaving a lasting impact on Greek music. His work is cited in discussions of Greek popular song for its emotional directness and its role in shaping modern Greek musical identity.