Greek singer Rena Koumiotis has passed away at the age of 74, according to her official Facebook page.
Koumioti, who is one of the foremost representatives of the Greek New Wave genre, was fighting a personal health battle over the past two months.
“The great performer will always live among us with her songs,” the Facebook post reads.
“Those of us who had the greatest honour to experience her up close, got to know her ethos, soul, modesty and dignity.”
Koumioti was born in the Nea Ionia district of Athens, Greece. Her father was a refugee from Constantinople (Istanbul) and her mother a refugee from Smyrna (Izmir).
Her breakthrough came when in 1968. While singing at the Apanemia musical club in Athens, she was heard by Lefteris Papadopoulos who then asked her to sing with Giannis Poulopoulos for the Dromos album.
Her discographical career was short — with her last album recording in 1980. She remained active with live performances until her recent health battle.
Source: Protothema.gr.
