Yannis Palaiologou

Country - Greece

Years of playing the bouzouki - 1960-2008

Other instruments played - Guitar, Tzoura, Baglama, Percussion

Bouzoukia Owned - -

Favorite Luthiers - -

Short Biography

Yannis Palaiologou was born in 1944 in Nikaia. He was the son of Roza (Markos Bambakarhs sister). His father Manoli was also a bouzouki player and a singer.

He started off playing professionaly in 1960 when he was only 16 years old. The venue was called “Madoubala” and he played there with his uncle Argiri Bambakarh. Palaiologou has collaborated with all the important singing legends of the past few decades. He was the permanent bouzouki player for Stratos Dionisiou and Stelios Kazantzidis. He is considered by many as the most influential bouzouki player after Hioti. His sound and style were unique for his time and many players have since tried to emulate his playing.

Some of Palaiologou's recordings include:

  • Agriolouloudo
  • Katw ap'to poukamiso mou
  • Thn paraskeuh to bradu
  • Gurizw ap'thn nuxta
  • Kaye kaye
  • In the album: H Kaith Grey tragouda Kazantzidi
  • In the album: Orthodoxa (Kaldaras)
  • In the album: 11 Nees dhmiourgies (Tsitsanh)
  • In the album: Mahdes oi hlioi mou
  • In the album: Mathima prwton (Akh Panou)
  • In the album: H Grey tragouda Bakali