Mimis Plessas, Giant of Modern Greek Music, Dies at 99

Mimis Plessas, a loved Greek composer whose track featured in ratings of movies, tv presentations and theatrical productions and who equipped the soundtrack to tens of millions of Greeks’ lives, has died only a past shy of his a hundredth birthday.

His loss of life was once showed Saturday (Oct. 5) through his spouse, Loukila Carrer. High Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paid tribute to Plessas, writing, “A chief composer, a stunning student and a sort guy has left us.

Born in Athens on Oct. 12, 1924, Plessas started his musical walk at a tender day. He become a piano soloist at order radio prior to getting into international piano competitions occasion nonetheless in his 20s. His reward for composition would cement his legacy.

Plessas become a relentless presence on Greek tv, his delicate means and singalong melodies endearing him to generations. Regularly seated on the piano, accompanying famend Greek stars, he was once a fixture of musical moments and celebrations for many years, his track turning into intertwined with the crowd’s cultural cloth. His 1969 composition, “O Dromos” (The Side road), remainder one of the crucial highest-selling albums in Greek historical past.

He collaborated with a constellation of Greek track icons, together with Nana Mouskouri, Vicky Leandros, Giannis Poulopoulos, Marinella, and lyricist Lefteris Papadopoulos, shaping the soil of Greek track. His paintings defied style, mixing conventional Greek track methods with parts of jazz and classical, developing an easy-on-the-ear signature tone — softer than the crispy jangle of a lot of his contemporaries.

“His ‘Road’ was rich, full of melodies that start from jazz and permeate Greek song, as well as Greek cinema,” Mitsotakis mentioned. “Mimis Plessas was unique, just like the moments he will forever give us with his music.”

Plessas’ contributions prolonged past composing. He produced a widespread radio quiz display, In 30 Seconds, and he served as a pass judgement on on diverse Greek and world track festival panels. He was once additionally a member of prestigious inventive societies, together with the Greek Community of Theatrical Authors and the Community of Greek Composers and Lyricists.

Plessas is survived through his spouse, a son and a daughter. Funeral preparations weren’t instantly identified.