Life and career of the singer Marinella

Marinella, born Kyriaki Papadopoulou on May 19, 1938, in Thessaloniki, passed away at the age of 88. She grew up in a family of six, experiencing the hardships of the war and the occupation. Her career began early, with her first radio appearance at age five and later touring with acting troupes. In 1956, she adopted the stage name Marinella, suggested by Takis Harmas. She gained prominence through her collaboration with Stelios Kazantzidis, with whom she recorded hits starting in 1957, such as 'Nitsa, Elenitsa' and 'I proti agapi sou eimai ego'. The couple was together for ten years and married in Chalandri on May 7, 1964, with Manolis Chiotis and Mary Linda as best men, though the marriage eventually ended. Known for her distinctive style and vocal duets, she successfully toured internationally, including the United States, Australia, and Istanbul. She was also noted for her solo career, with her first solo recording, 'Irtha pali konta sou', released in 1959.