Famous Greek singer Demis Roussos died in the morning of Sunday, January 25, while hospitalized at Ygeia Hospital in Athens, Greece.

The news of the singer’s death was confirmed on January 26 by his friend and journalist, Nikos Aliagas, who tweeted the news in both Greek and French.

Demis Roussos’ death was confirmed later the same day by his daughter, who spoke to Greek and French media.

Artemios “Demis” Ventouris Roussos was born June 15, 1946 and had international hit records as a solo performer in the 1970s after having been a member of Aphrodite’s Child, a progressive rock group that also included Vangelis. He has sold over 60 million albums worldwide.

Demis Roussos was born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, in a family where his father George (engineer Yorgos Roussos) was Greek and mother Nelly Mazloum was Egyptian of Italian origin. His parents lost their possessions during the Suez Crisis and consequently decided to move to Greece.

The hospital said Demis Roussos died following a lengthy hospitalization, but did not give an exact cause of death.

“He had a superb voice, he traveled in the world … he loved what he was doing,” singer Nana Mouskouri told French radio RTL in a tribute.

“He was an artist, a friend. I hope he is in a better world.”

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