Renowned Greek folk singer Lakis Halkias dies at 82

Lakis Halkias, celebrated as one of the most important representatives of Greek traditional and folk music, has died at the age of 82. His family announced his passing with deep sorrow on Saturday, August 2nd, and stated that funeral arrangements will be communicated shortly.

Halkias, born Michalis Halkiopoulos in Ioannina on August 30, 1943, hailed from the esteemed Halkias musical dynasty. Following in the footsteps of his father, a renowned clarinetist, he became a vital force in preserving and disseminating the country's rich musical heritage. His musical journey began at a very young age, and by seven, he was actively singing. He also developed skills as a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in guitar, bouzouki, lute, tzouras, and oud.

During the 1960s, Halkias graced the stages alongside top Greek artists such as Sotiria Bellou, Stelios Kazantzidis, Grigoris Bithikotsis, and Giorgos Zambetas. He also shared platforms with legendary rebetiko musicians like Markos Vamvakaris, Giannis Papaioannou, and Vasilis Tsitsanis. Throughout his career, he remained committed to his roots, performing at traditional festivals and celebrations across the Greek countryside with his family ensemble during summers.

His artistic reach extended beyond Greece. From 1967 to 1971, he lived in the United States and Canada, where he collaborated with the world-renowned actor Anthony Quinn in a television presentation of "Zorba" in Sacramento, California. Upon his return to Greece in 1971, his career soared, notably through a significant collaboration with composer Giannis Markopoulos. In 1984, he undertook the ambitious project of setting to music excerpts from Homer's "Iliad" and performed Nikos Mamagakis's music for Nikos Kazantzakis's "Odyssey" at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

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The family of Lakis Halkias with pain and sorrow announces his death. The date and time of the funeral will be announced soon.