Mary Linda, the much-loved singer who left an indelible mark on Greek music for more than five decades, died on Wednesday morning. She was 91.
Born Maria Dimitrakopoulou on November 9, 1935, in Pyrgos in the Peloponnese, Mary Linda moved with her large family to the Kolonos district of Athens, where her musical journey began at the age of 12. After appearing on a talent show, she went on to perform in variety and cabaret productions before recording her first song, “Pikro Potiri”, composed by Kostas Kaplanis.
Praised for her remarkable vocal range and captivating stage presence, Mary Linda rose to national fame after meeting and marrying legendary bouzouki virtuoso Manolis Hiotis. Together, they became one of Greece’s most celebrated musical couples, performing across Greece and abroad while starring in dozens of Greek films.
Mary Linda together with Greek bouzouki virtuoso Manolis Hiotis. Photo: Finos Film
Although the couple later divorced, their artistic partnership transformed the Greek music scene. Hiotis’ jazz-inspired compositions, combined with Mary Linda’s distinctive vocals, elegance and sassy dance routines, introduced a cosmopolitan style of entertainment that left a lasting mark on Greek popular music.
Mary Linda performed works by most of Greece’s greatest composers, including Manos Hadjidakis and Mikis Theodorakis, and remained one of the last surviving artists from the country’s golden era of post-war music creation.
One of the defining moments of her international career came in 1964, when she and Hiotis performed at the White House during a U.S. tour for then-President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Mary Linda with world-famous Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis.
Following her divorce, Mary Linda married Alexandros Theocharis, with whom she had a daughter, Evangelia.
According to her final wishes, the funeral service will be held at the Church of Agios Andreas on Friday, July 24, at the Athens Nursing Home, where she spent the last years of her life. She will be buried at Athens First Cemetery.
Beyond her celebrated career, Mary Linda will be remembered for her warmth, humility and kindness; qualities that endeared her to colleagues and audiences alike.
Tributes poured in following news of her death, including a message of condolence from Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, while political leaders and members of Greece’s artistic community paid tribute to one of the country’s most enduring musical icons.
