Legendary Greek folk singer Kaiti Grey, celebrated for her timeless voice and enduring contributions to Greek music, passed away at the age of 100. Renowned for hits such as “To Marazi” and “To Vouno,” Grey died at home after battling health challenges, including a stroke in October.
Born Athanasia Gizili in 1924 in the village of Mytilinioi on the island of Samos, Grey’s early life was marked by significant change. Adopted by the Kalaitzis family, she was raised in Piraeus. Initially pursuing acting, Grey transitioned to music, releasing her first song, “To Marazi,” in 1952. The track’s success catapulted her into the limelight, establishing her as a leading figure in Greece’s most prestigious nightclubs.
Over her illustrious career, Grey recorded more than 1,500 songs, collaborating with some of Greece’s greatest composers and artists. She continued to inspire audiences with her authenticity, emotional depth, and connection to Greek folk traditions until her retirement in 1996.
Grey’s personal life was as eventful as her career. She was engaged to legendary singer Stelios Kazantzidis for five years and later to actor Andreas Barkoulis. She married twice—first to Nikos Iliadis, with whom she had two sons, one of whom predeceased her in 2021, and later to Michalis Papanastasopoulos.
Grey’s contributions to Greek music, her collaborations, performances, and recordings have left an indelible mark on the Greek cultural landscape, ensuring her legacy endures for generations.
