Tolis Voskopoulos was learning bouzouki in the dressing room and my mother said to him “Come on, you have our ears””
The revelation that his parents did not want him to deal with the theater and music made by Christos Thivaios speaking on the show “Studio 4”, expressing, among other things, “that my father was also a tenor, he was looking for an opportunity to tell me that I am false ».
“Of course I want to write a great zeibekiko, like the ones written by Giorgos Theofanous. Eh, I can’t do it. That’s why these composers, who can and do. Or to be a popular singer, like Paschalis Terzis or Bithikotsis… I’m not, there’s nothing else I can do. It doesn’t mean I’m against it. They can and they do it great”, said Christos Thivaios and continued: “Now both sides have accepted each other. In other words, my songs can be heard on the tracks of the night, just as I would have -happy to play the guitar, to learn a song by Notis Sfakianakis. And I like it too.”
Christos Thebeos also said, speaking about his parents: “It was something I lived through. It was an art society. My father was treasurer at SEH and we all went during the summer with the pensioners and stayed there. There were many rooms. It was a huge stone house with a garden in Voula. Downstairs was a large kitchen with counters, tables and such. They also cooked and exchanged recipes. In the afternoon they had a coffee and played cards. When television came along, they also watched television. A little later everyone was excited, because Tolis Voskopoulos came and stayed a little longer down with Marinella. I made bicycle visits to his house, because I knew him. In the dressing room he was learning bouzouki and my mother would say to him “come on, you’ve got our ears off”.
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How did Tolis Voskopoulos influence the next generation of Greek musicians and artists?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Music Expert on Tolis Voskopoulos
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, an expert in Greek music and culture, who will help us dive deep into the legacy of the iconic Tolis Voskopoulos. Thank you for being with us today.
Expert (E): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a significant figure in Greek music.
TNE: Let’s start with Voskopoulos’s early life. I recently read about how, despite his talent, his parents initially discouraged him from pursuing a career in theater and music. How do you think this impacted his journey?
E: That’s a fascinating aspect of his story. The pressures from family can often shape the paths of young artists. In Voskopoulos’s case, the fact that his father was a tenor himself probably added to the weight of expectation. His family’s reluctance likely fueled his determination to prove himself, and this tension can often lead to a rich emotional depth in an artist’s work.
TNE: Interesting point! It’s almost as if he had to carve his own identity against the backdrop of his father’s expectations. Was there a moment in his career when you think he truly broke free from that pressure?
E: Absolutely! His performances, especially during the ’70s and ’80s, were a significant departure from any confines placed on him by his family. The emotional resonance of his music, especially his bouzouki playing, really captured the Greek spirit. It was in those moments on stage, like when he was learning bouzouki in the dressing room, as he revealed, that he found not just his voice, but a sense of freedom.
TNE: Yes, I understand that he had a particular way of connecting with his audience. Can you tell us more about how his personal experiences and struggles influenced his music?
E: Voskopoulos’s music is deeply autobiographical. His struggles, particularly the push and pull between personal desire and familial expectations, resonate in his lyrics and performances. It’s this authenticity that allows listeners to connect with him on a profound level. His larger-than-life persona onstage gives way to a more vulnerable artist when you look at the narratives he shared. The bouzouki became not just an instrument but a voice for his feelings and experiences.
TNE: You mentioned that he connected deeply with his audience; can you elaborate on the impact he had on Greek music as a whole?
E: Tolis Voskopoulos is often considered a bridge between traditional Greek music and more contemporary styles. His ability to incorporate traditional elements into modern expressions helped popularize bouzouki music to new generations. Moreover, his charisma and musicality broke barriers; he inspired many young musicians to embrace their cultural heritage while also allowing room for innovation.
TNE: It seems that his legacy extends far beyond performance. What do you think is the most important lesson today’s artists can learn from him?
E: One of the key lessons from Voskopoulos’s life is the importance of authenticity and resilience. He faced familial pressure but ultimately forged a path that was true to himself. Artists today can be inspired to embrace their unique narratives, no matter the external pressures. Staying true to one’s roots while evolving artistically is a delicate balance, but Voskopoulos’s journey illustrates how rewarding that path can be.
TNE: Thank you for sharing such insightful thoughts! As we continue to celebrate Tolis Voskopoulos’s contributions, I hope new generations of artists will take these lessons to heart.
E: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss his remarkable journey. He is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of music.
TNE: This has been a fantastic conversation! We appreciate your expertise and insights today.
E: Thank you! It was a pleasure.
