Demis Roussos, originally from Alexandria, Egypt, found international success as a member of the band Aphrodite’s Child before launching a solo career in 1971. His distinctive voice and blend of romantic melodies and exotic influences earned him global fame, with hits like “Forever and Ever”. Roussos collaborated with Vangelis on the Blade Runner original soundtrack in 1981 and continued recording and performing until his passing in 2015 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 68. In 2025, a remastered version of his 2009 album DEMIS was released in Dolby Atmos, honoring his legacy as a mystical and beloved music icon who sold over 60 million records.

Born Artémios Ventouris-Roussos in 1946, Demis Roussos grew up in Alexandria’s Orthodox Christian community before fleeing to Greece during the 1961 Suez Crisis. His musical journey began as a jazz trumpeter and bass player before forming Aphrodite’s Child in Athens in 1967 with Vangelis Papathanassiou. The band’s fusion of baroque keyboards and psychedelic pop led to worldwide success, culminating in their acclaimed 1972 concept album 666. Roussos’ solo career took off in 1971 with his chart-topping hits, cementing his status as a music icon. His enduring impact is celebrated through the reissue of DEMIS, showcasing his timeless music in a new light.