Introduction
Tassos Papastamatis (Thessaloniki, 22-01-1938) was a Greek singer and is mostly known for the songs that he performed together with the Greek group “The Forminx” (the first band of Vangelis) in the first half of the 1960s. His particular voice is often compared to that of Frank Sinatra or Bing Crosby, and can be easily recognized on Forminx-songs such as 'Our Last September' and 'A Precious White Rose'.
After “The Forminx” disbanded in 1966, Tassos pursued a solo-career, singing at dances, receptions and hotels such as the prestigious Hilton hotel. With Vangelis he appeared in the Greek radio show “Surprise Party" hosted by Nikos Mastorakis, singing several English Christmas songs, as well as a cover of the song 'Strangers In The Night'. In the footsteps of Aphrodite's Child he moved to France at the end of the 1960s, to try his luck there as a singer, but despite his distinct voice he never scored the hits he must have hoped for. While in France, his old friend Vangelis lend a helping hand to release a single as “Tasso” in April 1969, titled 'Rosetta' and backed with the song 'Days Of Love', which is a composition of Vangelis.
After returning to Greece in the early 1970s Tassos continued singing, and could frequently be seen performing in Greek television shows. A CD with several of his songs was released in 2002. With his career in decline, Tassos isolated himself, lost contact with his family and refused help from his Forminx-friends. He died alone in July 2010 in his apartment in Athens, only to be found some two weeks later.
Tracklist and credits
- ‘Rosetta’
Written by H. Woods and E. Hines. - ‘Days Of Love’
Composed by Vangelis Papathanassiou.
Lyrics by Tassos Papastamatis.
Orchestra and direction: Christian Chevallier.
Production: Lumi-Son.
Discography
7” single
1969 Rosetta / Days Of Love (CBS 4215 Gemini) France
These songs are not available on CD.
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