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About Giannis Ploutarchos
Early Life
Giannis Ploutarchos was born Giannis Kakosaios on December 18, 1970, in Mavrogeia, a small village near Orchomenos in central Greece. He grew up in a family that struggled financially, and by age six he was already singing, often alongside his family as they worked in the fields to make ends meet. At thirteen, he was carrying 50kg sacks to help support the household. His earliest musical influences came from dimotiká (Greek folk music) and traditional Byzantine music, sounds that shaped his voice long before he had any formal career in music.
Musical Style & Sound
Ploutarchos is best known for romantic ballads delivered in a distinctive, emotive voice, though his live shows also move into more upbeat Laïko material that gets crowds on their feet. His sound draws on the traditional bouzoukia club tradition, where he built his early reputation performing alongside established Laïko names before headlining on his own. That grounding in live club performance, rather than a purely studio-built image, remains central to how his career and fanbase developed.
Career Rise
At sixteen, Ploutarchos left his village for Athens, telling his family he intended to study hairdressing while secretly pursuing music. He worked at a hair salon by day and performed at nightclubs by night, gradually moving from smaller venues like Rodolfo to bigger stages including Neraida, Fantasia, and Tonel, where he shared bills with established Laïko artists such as Giannis Poulopoulos and Rita Sakellariou. It was producer Girgos Makrakis who gave him the stage name "Ploutarchos." His first single became a commercial breakthrough, leading to a major record deal and a career now spanning more than two decades.
Diaspora Impact
Ploutarchos has built one of the strongest followings among the Greek diaspora of any contemporary Laïko artist, with regular touring across Australia, the United States, and other communities with large Greek populations. He has spoken openly about his connection to diaspora audiences, describing their reception as deeply moving each time he returns. Beyond performing, he has supported the Agapi Foundation, a charity named after his parents that provides housing and services for children with special needs, adding a philanthropic dimension to his relationship with Greek communities abroad.
About
Known for his humility and incredibly melodic voice, Giannis Ploutarchos is the premier romantic singer of his generation. Since his debut in the late 90s, he has specialized in "Kapsoura" (heartbreak songs) and traditional Laïkó that resonates with all ages. His album Mikres Foties is a multi-platinum landmark in Greek music. In recent years, he has frequently performed alongside his children, Giorgos and Panagiota, passing the musical torch. His 2025-2026 schedule includes intimate acoustic tours across the United States, where he remains one of the most respected and "wholesome" figures in the industry.
Diaspora Impact
Beloved by Greek families abroad for his traditional values and emotional, nostalgic vocal style.
