Greek singer, songwriter, and composer Dimos Moutsis has passed away in Athens at the age of 86.

He collaborated with some of the most prominent figures in the Greek music scene over the past fifty years, including poets and lyricists Nikos Gatsos, Manos Eleftheriou, and Kostas Tripolitis, as well as celebrated singers Grigoris Bithikotsis, Manolis Mitsias, and Dimitris Mitropanos.

Many of his songs were performed by Moutsis himself, with a notable characteristic being the melodic violin that often took center stage in his compositions.

In 1981, “Fragma” was released, with lyrics penned by Tripolitis. The folk songs on the album were performed by leading rebetika figure Sotiria Bellou, with Moutsis contributing only the refrain of “De Les Kouveda,” which turned out to be one of the most popular songs on the album.

In 1990, “Taxidiotis tou Pantos” featuring the legendary Nana Mouskouri was released, marking the last album he composed for another singer besides himself. He returned in 1994 with “Gia Poulima Loipon!” once again featuring his own lyrics and vocals.

Moutsis was born in Piraeus and began his musical journey at the age of 7. By 21, he had completed his music studies, earning the top prize as a soloist on the violin.