Ioanna "Nana" Mouskouri is an internationally acclaimed Greek singer, whose remarkable career has spanned numerous decades, marked by an impressive array of artistic accomplishments. Born on October 13, 1934, Mouskouri's professional journey has been characterized by an unwavering dedication to her craft, resulting in the release of over 200 albums across at least twelve different languages.
These languages include her native Greek, as well as French, English, German, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Hebrew, Welsh, Mandarin Chinese, and Corsican, showcasing her remarkable linguistic versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences worldwide.
Nana Mouskouri's artistic career reached unprecedented heights of popularity across the European continent with the release of her iconic song "The White Rose of Athens", which was initially recorded in German as "Weiße Rosen aus Athen" and later adapted from her original Greek composition "Σαν σφυρίξεις τρείς φορές" (San sfyríxeis tris forés),also known as "When you whistle three times". This remarkable song marked a significant milestone in her discography, as it became her first record to surpass the impressive sales mark of one million copies, cementing her status as a beloved and enduring musical icon.
Nana Mouskouri's remarkable journey in the world of music and entertainment began in 1963, when she proudly represented Luxembourg at the esteemed Eurovision Song Contest, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and the enchanting melody of "À force de prier". This milestone event marked the starting point of a long and illustrious career, which would soon take her to new heights.
Her association with the renowned composer Michel Legrand proved to be a fruitful collaboration, as it led to the creation of the theme song for the Oscar-nominated film, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. This collaboration not only showcased Mouskouri's incredible vocal range but also her ability to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, as she effortlessly blended her unique style with the film's poignant narrative.
From 1968 to 1976, Mouskouri hosted her own television show, Presenting Nana Mouskouri, produced by the prestigious BBC. This program not only highlighted her remarkable multilingual talents but also her distinctive image, which has become an iconic part of her enduring legacy. Her signature black-rimmed glasses, in particular, have become synonymous with her style and charisma, leaving a lasting impression on fans and critics alike.
Throughout her illustrious career, Nana Mouskouri has consistently demonstrated her remarkable versatility, effortlessly navigating the worlds of music, film, and television. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her natural charm and charisma, have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, inspiring generations of artists and fans around the world.
Mouskouri's widespread appeal as a multilingual television personality and her instantly recognizable image collectively catapulted her to international stardom. One of her most iconic and enduring hits, the 1981 recording "Je chante avec toi Liberté", is arguably her most celebrated achievement to date, boasting an impressive repertoire of at least five languages - French, English, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Noted Greek singer Nana Mouskouri embarked on a new professional venture in 1993, taking on the esteemed role of UNICEF spokesperson, utilizing her widespread recognition and influence to advocate for the welfare of children worldwide.
Subsequently, in 1994, Mouskouri made her mark on European politics, securing a position as a Greek deputy in the European Parliament, serving diligently until 1999.
Fast-forward to 2015, when Mouskouri's remarkable career was recognized with the prestigious Echo Music Prize for Outstanding Achievements, bestowed upon her by the German music association Deutsche Phono-Akademie in acknowledgement of her invaluable contributions to the music industry.
Nana Mouskouri's early life was marked by a significant relocation, as her family uprooted themselves from their humble abode in Chania, Crete, a picturesque Greek city, to the bustling metropolis of Athens, when she was just a tender three years of age.
Constantine, her father, was a film projectionist at a local cinema in Chania, where he spent his days ensuring the smooth operation of the silver screen, bringing joy and entertainment to the community. Meanwhile, Alice, her mother, worked alongside her husband, serving as an usherette at the same cinema, her warm smile and welcoming demeanor making every movie-going experience a delightful one.
This move to Athens, however, would prove to be a pivotal moment in Mouskouri's life, setting the stage for the incredible journey that would unfold, as she grew up to become a world-renowned singer, beloved by millions.
Nana Mouskouri's family, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to provide the best possible education for their children, made the difficult decision to send both Nana and her older sister Eugenía, affectionately known as Jenny, to the prestigious Athens Conservatoire.
From a remarkably young age of six, Nana Mouskouri showcased an extraordinary aptitude for music, a talent that was evident to all who witnessed her performances. However, it was her older sister Jenny who initially seemed to possess the greater natural ability, with a voice that was considered more refined and polished.
Despite Jenny's evident talent, their parents were faced with a daunting financial reality, one that made it impossible for them to support the educational pursuits of both daughters. In the face of this uncertainty, Nana and Jenny's tutor was called upon to make a heart-wrenching decision.
The tutor, who had the privilege of observing both sisters, acknowledged that Jenny possessed a technically superior voice. Nevertheless, it was Nana who demonstrated a profound inner drive and passion for singing, a quality that was deemed essential for a life dedicated to music.
In the end, it was Nana's unwavering dedication and commitment to her craft that led her parents to make the decision to continue her musical education, a choice that would ultimately pave the way for her illustrious career as a renowned singer.
