Greek songs that became international hits…
Not many people today realize that some classic songs which became international hits were actually written by Greek composers,
many of them by the famous Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hattzidakis, and Giannis Spanos.
From The Beatles to Edith Piaf and Nat King Cole to Shirley Bassey, many well-known singers across the world, have recorded some
timeless Greek melodies.
1. The Beatles: “The Honeymoon Song”
“If You Remember my Dream,” written by Mikis Theodorakis and originally sung in Greek by Giovanna, was chosen by the Beatles
and turned into “The Honeymoon Song.”
2. Brenda Lee: “All Alone am I”
An English version of a Manos Hatzidakis song is “Don’t Ask the Heavens.” It was originally sung by actress Tzeni Karezi in the film
“Island of the Brave.”
3. Shirley Bassey: “Life Goes On”
Mikis Theodorakis composed the music for this song, which featured in the play “The Hostage” by Brendan Behan and was inspired
by the struggle of the Irish for independence.
4. Brigitte Bardot: “Les Amis de la Musique”
This is a light-hearted composition by Giannis Spanos and was sung by the French idol in her heyday.
5. Harry Belafonte: “In the Small Boat”
This song was made famous by movie star Aliki Vougiouklaki. It was written by Manos Hatzidakis for the film Madalena. The
popular singer, Harry Belafonte, recorded it in Greek!
6. Nat King Cole: “In the Cool of the Day”
The composer is Manos Hatzidakis, again and the original title was “Turn Your Pain into Joy.” It was the title song of this 1963
movie, which starred Peter Finch and Jane Fonda, and it was sung by Nat King Cole.
7. Connie Francis: “Never on Sunday”
Written by Manos Hatzidakis, who won an Oscar for the music from the film of the same title, it was sung in Greek by leading
actress Melina Mercouri. American singer Connie Francis recorded another version.
8. Dalida: “Darla Dirladada”
This is a traditional fisherman’s song from the island of Kalymnos. It has been performed by several Greek singers, but French
singer Dalida made it an international hit.
9. Edith Piaf: “Les Amants de Teruel”
The legendary French singer Edith Piaf gave voice to “Les Amants de Teruel,” the French interpretation of the original Mikis
Theodorakis song “Beautiful City.”
10. Milva: “Sogno di Liberta”
Again a Mikis Theodorakis composition, this song was originally called “Denial”. The Italian version is called “Dream of Liberty” and
is sung by Milva.
Not many people today realize that some classic songs
which became international hits were actually written by
Greek composers, many of them by the famous Mikis
Theodorakis, Manos Hattzidakis, and Giannis Spanos.
From The Beatles to Edith Piaf and Nat King Cole to Shirley
Bassey, many well-known singers across the world, have
recorded some timeless Greek melodies.
1. The Beatles: “The Honeymoon Song”
“If You Remember my Dream,” written by Mikis
Theodorakis and originally sung in Greek by Giovanna, was
chosen by the Beatles and turned into “The Honeymoon
Song.”
2. Brenda Lee: “All Alone am I”
An English version of a Manos Hatzidakis song is “Don’t Ask
the Heavens.” It was originally sung by actress Tzeni Karezi
in the film “Island of the Brave.”
3. Shirley Bassey: “Life Goes On”
Mikis Theodorakis composed the music for this song,
which featured in the play “The Hostage” by Brendan
Behan and was inspired by the struggle of the Irish for
independence.
4. Brigitte Bardot: “Les Amis de la Musique”
This is a light-hearted composition by Giannis Spanos and
was sung by the French idol in her heyday.
5. Harry Belafonte: “In the Small Boat”
This song was made famous by movie star Aliki
Vougiouklaki. It was written by Manos Hatzidakis for the
film Madalena. The popular singer, Harry Belafonte,
recorded it in Greek!
6. Nat King Cole: “In the Cool of the Day”
The composer is Manos Hatzidakis, again and the original
title was “Turn Your Pain into Joy.” It was the title song of
this 1963 movie, which starred Peter Finch and Jane Fonda,
and it was sung by Nat King Cole.
7. Connie Francis: “Never on Sunday”
Written by Manos Hatzidakis, who won an Oscar for the
music from the film of the same title, it was sung in Greek
by leading actress Melina Mercouri. American singer
Connie Francis recorded another version.
8. Dalida: “Darla Dirladada”
This is a traditional fisherman’s song from the island of
Kalymnos. It has been performed by several Greek singers,
but French singer Dalida made it an international hit.
9. Edith Piaf: “Les Amants de Teruel”
The legendary French singer Edith Piaf gave voice to “Les
Amants de Teruel,” the French interpretation of the original
Mikis Theodorakis song “Beautiful City.”
10. Milva: “Sogno di Liberta”
Again a Mikis Theodorakis composition, this song was
originally called “Denial”. The Italian version is called
“Dream of Liberty” and is sung by Milva.
Greek songs that became international hits…
