Demis Roussos

Demis Roussos – Life, Music & Legacy

Explore the life of Demis Roussos (Artemios Ventouris-Roussos, 1946–2015) — Greek singer, composer, and international icon. Learn about his journey from Alexandria to global stardom, his musical style, hits, challenges, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Demis Roussos (real name Artemios Ventouris-Roussos) was a Greek singer and musician whose rich, emotive voice and distinctive style made him a beloved figure across Europe, Latin America, and beyond.

Roussos achieved fame first as a member of the progressive rock band Aphrodite’s Child, then soared as a solo artist with hits like “Forever and Ever”, “Goodbye My Love, Goodbye”, and “From Souvenirs to Souvenirs.”

He sold over 60 million albums during his career, and became known for his dramatic vocal delivery, tunics, and charismatic stage presence.

Born June 15, 1946, and passing January 25, 2015, Roussos left a legacy of cross-cultural musical bridges and emotional resonance.

Early Life and Family

Artemios “Demis” Roussos was born on June 15, 1946 in Alexandria, Egypt, to Greek parents of the Greek expatriate community in Egypt.

His father, Yorgos (George) Roussos, was a classical guitarist and engineer; his mother, Olga, was involved with amateur theatre in the Greek community.

From early age, Demis sang in the Greek Orthodox Church choir in Alexandria and studied music—his upbringing blended classical and folk sensibilities.

After the Suez Crisis of 1956, his family left Egypt and relocated to Greece.

He took “Demis” as a pet-name (from Artemios) as he began his artistic career.

Musical Career

Early Bands & Aphrodite’s Child

As a young man in Greece, Roussos joined several bands. At age 17, he formed The Idols, where he met Vangelis Papathanassíou (later known as Vangelis) and Loukas Sideras.

Later, he joined a group called We Five, performing cover material in Greece.

In 1967–68, Roussos co-founded Aphrodite’s Child with Vangelis and Sideras. The band achieved success in the late ’60s and early ’70s with a blend of rock, progressive, and experimental sounds.

Their final and most acclaimed album was 666, a conceptual work based on the Book of Revelation, which grew into a cult classic.

Solo Career & International Hits

After Aphrodite’s Child disbanded, Roussos embarked on a solo career. One of his first solo songs was “We Shall Dance” (1971).

His breakthrough came with the 1973 album Forever and Ever, which included “Goodbye My Love, Goodbye”, “Velvet Mornings”, and “From Souvenirs to Souvenirs.”

Over the years, he recorded songs in multiple languages (Greek, English, French, Spanish) and remained especially popular in Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia.

He collaborated with Vangelis occasionally—e.g. the 1977 album Magic, and contributed vocals on some tracks in Vangelis’ projects.

Roussos remained active into the 2000s, releasing his last studio album Demis in 2009.

Challenges & Notable Episodes

Weight & Health

During his lifetime, Roussos struggled with his weight. In the early 1980s, he lost some 50 kg in 10 months and in 1982 published a book A Question of Weight (in collaboration) discussing his struggle.

In his later years, he battled serious health issues, including stomach, pancreatic, and liver cancer.

1985 TWA Flight Hijacking

In June 1985, Roussos was aboard TWA Flight 847 from Athens to Rome when it was hijacked. He, along with four other Greeks, was released after 5 days; many other hostages remained longer.

Later Years & Death

By January 2015, his health had deteriorated, and he was hospitalized in Athens. He died on January 25, 2015, aged 68.

His funeral was held at the First Cemetery of Athens, a resting place of notable Greek figures.

Legacy and Influence

• Cross-Cultural Appeal: Roussos’s music bridged Mediterranean, folk, pop, and progressive styles, resonating with audiences across linguistic and cultural borders.

• Signature Vocal Style: His high vibrato and passionate delivery set him apart from many contemporaries, making his voice instantly recognizable.

• Pop Romance & Nostalgia: His romantic ballads remain staples in many countries, often evoking deep nostalgia.

• Cultural Ambassador: He represented modern Greek music on the world stage, contributing to global awareness of Greek artistic talent.

• Inspiration to Artists: Many performers in Europe and Latin America cite admiration for his emotive singer persona and ability to connect emotionally.

Famous Quotes by Demis Roussos

Here are several quotes attributed to him, reflecting his outlook on music, life, identity, and faith:

“Musicians are like a preacher, a teacher, an actor. You are the mediator who can transfer the energy of beautiful music to the others.”

“I am somebody who believes that every political direction is valid, as with every religion. The basis of Christianity is perfect, just like the basis of Islam. But then the leaders change the direction, and lose the quality.”

“I can’t conquer all the world at the same time.”

“It is great to be Greek, because I have one of the best heritages in the world.”

“First I was rich, then I was poor, now I am rich again and I want to stay that way.”

“I started as a jazz musician, not a singer, then I became a rock ’n’ roll artist with Aphrodite’s Child.”

These phrases offer glimpses into his identity as an artist, his spiritual sensibilities, and his humility.

Lessons from Demis Roussos

• Let Voice Be Identity: Roussos shows how a distinctive voice, used sincerely, can become a lasting artistic signature.

• Embrace Hybridity: His mixes of rock, folk, Mediterranean, and pop illustrate how blending genres can broaden one’s reach.

• Resilience Through Struggles: Despite health and weight challenges, Roussos continued to perform and create, showing perseverance.

• Music as a Bridge: His multilingual and international recording strategy demonstrates that music can transcend language barriers.

• Faith & Art Coexist: His quotations reflect that he saw spirituality and creativity as interwoven parts of his life.

Conclusion

Demis Roussos remains one of the most singular voices in modern music. His journey—from Greek roots in Alexandria, through progressive rock, to global romantic balladeer—captures a career that was bold, emotionally rich, and cross-cultural.

Though he passed away in 2015, his songs continue to stir feelings, cross borders, and evoke memories. Would you like me to compile a full list of his major songs and albums, or analyze one of his key albums in depth?