Greek Folk Singer Giannis Floriniotis Dies Aged 76

The famous Greek folk singer Giannis Floriniotis died on Tuesday at the age of 76. He reportedly died from cardiac arrest after recently being hospitalized to treat pulmonary edema.

Giannis Floriniotis, whose real surname was Apostolidis, began singing at the young age of 14 and became famous in Greece for his musical talents and eccentric presentation and performances.

The late singer was well known for songs like “Ftou sou paidi mou ftou sou”,”Katathesi Psihis”, and “Ase To Tzoker Kai Piase Ton Theio”.

Giannis Floriniotis passes away

The news of Floriniotis’ death was announced on social media by his friend Evi Kranideli who paid tribute to the late singer in a touching Facebook post.

“40 years of family friends The day before yesterday I called him I told him what are you doing my little bird?” wrote Kranideli. “He tells me I’m on oxygen, I can’t walk, I’ll go to Thessaloniki to see a doctor. And now my Giannakis died of a stroke. Happy resurrection Yannis Floriniotis my soul. Does it matter that you will always be a big brand?”

Floriniotis had reportedly been taken to the Sotiria hospital to be treated for pulmonary edema but later died from cardiac arrest.

Life and career

Floriniotis was born in Florina, a town in northwestern Macedonia, Greece, on February 15, 1947. He was of Pontic Greek descent.

At the age of 14, he embarked on his singing journey, and by the time he turned 16, he joined a folk ensemble consisting of five members. Together, they traveled extensively across various regions of Greece. By the time he reached 18, he had amassed an extensive collection of songs, having previously performed under the moniker “little Giannakis.”

In 1970-71, Floriniotis arrived in Athens for the first time. He performed in various establishments, showcasing his singing and dancing talents while donning eccentric attire. Wherever he performed, he achieved tremendous success but he also faced intense criticism for his unconventional appearances.

His first album was titled Now I want Now and was immediately popular, and rapidly achieved a gold album status.

Later in life, Floriniotis tried his hand at politics. In 2019, he entered the municipal elections and secured a position as a municipal councilor alongside the former prefect of Thessaloniki, Panagiotis Psomiadis.

Giannis Floriniotis leaves behind a rich musical legacy and a reputation for his vibrant stage presence. His unique style and unconventional performances made him a notable figure in Greek folk music.