Giorgio Theologitis (20 December 1888 - 22 June 1997) professionally George T. Katsaros was a Greek-American rebetiko singer, songwriter and guitarist, who was known for compositions of romantic ballads in the old style. During a career spanning close to 100 years starting from when he was a young child in Greece, he performed in venues ranging from Greek restaurants, to ballrooms, hotels, clubs, and on ships traveling internationally. [2]
Biography
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Born in Amorgos, he took the stage name of Katsaros', meaning Curly, because of his curly beard. His mother worked in the royal kitchen of King Constantine I.[3] His father died when he was five, so he started performing at a young age to help support his family.[4] He emigrated to United States in 1913, where one of his first engagements was performing at a New York cabaret, and signed a contract with RCA Records in 1918.[5] He was later contracted to Decca and Columbia Records, although his recording career was said to be less successful than his touring and live performances.
He temporarily retired from large-scale touring in 1958, and primarily performed locally in the Tarpon Springs area in Florida afterwards until he was more widely rediscovered by fans of rebetiko in 1987.[6] In 1988, he toured in his native Greece and made at least one return visit in 1995.[3] He performed until he was at least 107.[7]
For his contributions to music, he was awarded by the Secretary of State. the Florida Folk Heritage Award at the 38th Florida Folk Festival in 1990.[8]
Katsaros died on 22 June 1997 in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where he had resided since 1958, at the age of 108.[9]
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