Άκης Πάνου

Akis Panou (b. 15 December 1933, Kallithea, Athens - d. 7 April 2000) was a Greek Laïkó composer and lyricist, painter, and skillful bouzouki manufacturer. Inspired by his brother, self-taught musician Vangelis, Akis played the baglama since an early age. His first recording as a soloist dates from 1950 and his first composition was recorded in 1957 ("Το παιδί μου απόψε πίνει", performed by Καίτη Γκρέυ, released the following year). By the end of the 1960's Akis' songs became very popular and met commercial success until the early 1980's. His last performance on stage was in 1996. Overall, around 200 of his songs have been recorded. Akis Panou was also a roots-down "philosopher" with a unique moral code. Controversial and "anarchic" in nature, he demanded full control of his work at all costs. In August 1997 Akis shot dead his daughter's spouse and received a life sentence in prison. His health soon deteriorated and a few years later he died of cancer.