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Markos Vamvakaris
From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist
Markos Vamvakaris fled the island of Syros at the age of twelve for the port of Piraeus, where he had all sorts of odd jobs and learned the bouzouki. In 1932 he made his first records, which he sang himself in a rough, sober voice. With Batis, Delias and Pagioumtzis he formed the famous Piraeus quartet. Songs such as Frangosyriani made the bouzouki the heart of rebetiko.
Listening
Listening tip. Listen to Efumernam' ena vradi, one of his first recordings from 1932, and notice the bouzouki playing short, sharp runs between the lines.
Efumernam' ena Vradi · Μάρκος Βαμβακάρης, 1932
Fragkosyriani · Μάρκος Βαμβακάρης, 2005
Taxim-Zeimbekiko · Μάρκος Βαμβακάρης, 1998- Karadouzeni · Markos Vamvakaris, 1935Apple Music ↗
Discography
Studio albums
- 1941Τα τσαγκαράκια / Ο κουμπάρος ο ψαράς
- 1982Ζωντανή ηχογράφηση στου «Βρανά» την άνοιξη του 1961
- 1994Φραγκοσυριανή
- 1996Οι Μεγάλοι Απόντες
- ?Death Is Bitter
Mentioned in other articles
- Rebetiko Genre
In the 1930s, Markos Vamvakaris made the bouzouki, a long-necked lute, the principal instrument.