Mikis Theodorakis, the man who gave Zorba the music to dance, died on September 2, 2021, at the age of 96.
Known for his music throughout the world, as well as his anti-dictatorship activism, Theodorakis was a beloved force in Greece.
His rich and prolific body of work has defined the Greek music scene for almost a century.
In addition to the music for “Zorba the Greek,” the 1964 Hollywood film that made Greece a household name worldwide, his music has been performed by groups like the Beatles and the world’s top symphonies.
He was active during the resistance movement against the Nazi occupation in Greece and eventually would become an icon amongst leftists and their anti-facist cause in Greece.
He famously said once that freedom in Greece was his religion.
Much of his music included pain from his own experiences in exile on the island of Macronissos, where he was tortured for his political views.
The following handful of songs are iconic examples of when the world’s most renowned entertainers performed Theodorakis’ music.
Edith Piaf – Omorfi Poli
Joan Baez – The Ballad of Mathausen
The Beatles – The Honeymoon Song
Shirley Bassey – Life Goes On
Theme from Serpico
Zorba the Greek
