- A self taught musician, Vangelis began composing at the age of four, but could not read or write musical notation.
- Contrary to popular opinion, the "g" in Vangelis is hard, (as in the word, "angle") and not soft (as in "angel")
- He has composed The Official FIFA World Cup 2002 Anthem.
- Vangelis has just finished doing a charitable tribute album to the painter, El Greco. "A Tribute To El Greco" is only available in Greece, it is @150 pounds sterling, and all proceeds go to a Greek museum in order to purchase some of El Greco's works. (1996)
- Was asked by his collaborator to replace Rick Wakeman on keyboards in Anderson's band Yes. Vangelis refused, perhaps for the better, citing that becoming a supporting member of a band would stifle his creativity and style.
- Member of the 'Official Competition' jury at the 44th Cannes International Film Festival in 1991.
- His memorable track from Chariots of Fire (1981) is commonly used in the world of sports events ever since the 1984 Olympics. In Brazil, it is used during the Marathon of São Silvestre which takes place every year on December 31.
- He had no children.
- He died exactly ten years to the day after Donna Summer, who had famously covered he and Jon Anderson's song "State of Independence" in 1982.
- In the 1980s, AT&T used the main theme of Missing (1982) as background music for its commercial spots.
- Before going solo, Vangelis was a member of the mid-60s pop group, Forminx and the early progressive rock group, Aphrodite's Child.
- He collaborated two times with director Ridley Scott: in Blade Runner (1982) and 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992).
- Born on the same date as Eric Idle.
- He won an Oscar for Best Original Score for Chariots of Fire.
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