Wailing, warbling Greek singer Demis Roussos, who sold more than 60 million albums worldwide, has died aged 68 in Athens.

Demis Roussos was best known and loved for his solo hits in the 1970s and 1980s, including “Forever and Ever”, “When Forever has Gone” and “Island in the Sun”. Demis Roussos’ career was launched in the late 1960s when he joined Vangelis in forming progressive rock group Aphrodite’s Child. Aphrodite’s Child produced three albums including “It’s Five O’Clock” and “The Apocalypse of St John”, and enjoyed huge success in Europe in the late 1960s, notably in France.

Later Demis Roussos went solo, topping the charts in several countries with “Forever And Ever” in 1973, before it peaked at No1 in the UK in 1976. “Forever and Ever” was immortalised in Mike Leigh’s 1977 BBC TV play “Abigail’s Party”, as it provided the centrepiece of the party soundtrack ( providing the musical backdrop for the thwarted ambitions of the party hostess and host and their dull guests ). Demis Roussos’ chart success will be best remembered for his appearances on BBC Top of the Pops in his voluminous kaftan and sandals. He was the epitome of the eccentric dresser, but his voice transcended his bad taste in attire, always stealing the show!!

The Record Press author felt that Demis Roussos’ vocal style was akin to the wailing and warbling mating call of a Greek mountain goat in his homeland!! That said, it was very melodic and powerful and I believe “When Forever has Gone” ( No2 1976 ) is one of the greatest ballads of all time….Although Demis Roussos, like the rest of us, will not be remembered “When Forever has Gone”, he will certainly be remembered by legions of 1970s housewives who loved his songs. Not least a suburban housewife by the name of Abigail!!

Which are your favourite Demis Roussos songs? Let us know in the Reply Box below.

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