Vasilis Karras(1953-2023)

Vasilis Karras was a Greek laiko singer, songwriter, and composer who became one of the most popular performers of modern Greek popular music. He moved with his family to Thessaloniki at the age of 10 and made his first musical appearance at 16 at a nightclub in Evosmos. Alongside singing, he worked as an automobile mechanic and later in the engine department of the Greek railway, experiences that influenced some of his songs. His professional career developed in Thessaloniki before he achieved nationwide popularity, with the album 'M' echeis kanei aliti' becoming his biggest commercial success, selling more than 180,000 copies. Throughout his career, he collaborated with numerous Greek composers and lyricists and recorded duets with prominent singers, while also writing songs for other performers. In 2017, he was recognized by Guinness World Records after attracting 17,000 people to a sold-out concert at Arena Sofia in Bulgaria, with a further 5,000 reportedly unable to obtain tickets. He continued performing and recording for decades, establishing a distinctive presence in Greek laiko music.