Vasilis Karras
| Vasilis Karras Βασίλης Καρράς |
|
|---|---|
| Birth name | Vasilis Kesoglidis (Βασίλης Κεσογλίδης) |
| Also known as | Vasilis Karras |
| Born |
November 12, 1953 Kokkinochori, Kavala |
| Origin | Greece |
| Genres | Contemporary laika, laïka |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Labels | Vasipap, Minos EMI, Universal Music Greece, The Spicy Effect |
| Website | http://www.vasiliskarras.gr/ |
Vasilis Karras (Greek: Βασίλης Καρράς; born Vasilis Kesoglidis on November 27, 1953) is a Greek folk singer. In 2010, he celebrated his 30th year as a recording artist.
Karras was born in Kokkinohori, near Kavala, Greece. At the age of 10, his family moved to Thessaloniki. Also around this time his brother Damian and his sister Anastasia were born. Growing up in the streets of Thessaloniki allowed Karras considerable independence and many of the friendships he created there have lasted well into his life until now.
In the summer of 1969, Karras made a brief appearance at the club "Prosfygas" in Evosmos, Thessaloniki and made an immediate impact. Even though he was only 16 years old, he became a favourite in the city suburbs due to his distinctive then raspy voice. The club owners allowed Vasilis to sing on many more occasions, and thus a legend was born. The audience in his home city took a particular liking in his style.
In the 1970s, Karras cemented his reputation as a young upstart on the Greek 'laika' (folk songs) stage singing throughout Northern Greece and towards the end of the decade had begun to develop his own repertoire, working with song writers and also creating his own work.
In 1980, his first album Alismonites Ores was released which set Karras on the long path towards fame and recognition. It was also at this time that Vasilis decided to devote his life and career to folk music and sing professionally.
By the 1990s, his unique style and appeal to the Greek public catapulted Karras to national stardom. Partnerships with Michalis Rakintzis, Zafeiris Melas and Konstantina also furthered his reputation in Greece. In 1996, Karras contacted acclaimed songwriter Phoebus with the prospect of creating an album based on his songs. Phoebus responded positively and enthusiastically went to work creating songs that fit Vasilis' unique style and complemented his singing abilities. The result was the hit album Tilefonise Mou which went two time platinum and is Karras' all time best-seller. This album also started a new era for Vasilis: the introduction of a modern, western upbeat style to his music, which complemented his bouzouki-based folk/dance songs. It would become a style that Vasilis would perfect for many years to come and adopt prominently in his discography from then on.
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