Legendary Greek singer Marinella, 86, is making progress after suffering a stroke that led to extensive brain bleeding in September, according to doctors at Hygeia Hospital in Athens.
On Wednesday she was transferred from the ICU, where she has been receiving treatment for the past 21 days, to a general hospital room for further recovery.
The stroke occurred as Marinella was performing at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient Roman theater, at the base of the Acropolis. The singer collapsed on stage during her third song, leading to the cancellation of the concert, which was also set to feature Antonis Remos.
It was during her third song of the night—the well-known “Words Are Unnecessary,” one of her biggest hits—when the singer collapsed on stage. During the verse, “My God, you taught us how much to love,” the 86-year-old performer suddenly fainted on stage. Her musicians immediately rushed to help her.
The 86-year-old iconic Greek singer collapsed on stage during a special tribute concert in her honor. It was a performance showcasing the soul, power, and interpretive talent of the one and only Marinella.
Marinella’s remarkable musical journey
The concert marked a culmination of Marinella’s remarkable musical journey.
Since the beginning of her professional singing career in 1956, she has released 66 solo albums, and has also been featured on many albums by other musicians.
With her interpretation, passion, expressiveness, voice, talent, and theatricality, she has united entire generations of Greeks through her music.
Both the public and experts alike have hailed her as a legend, recognizing her outstanding artistic career and the profound influence she has maintained for over six decades in the music industry.
A household name for generations of Greeks, Marinella has maintained a commanding stage presence well into her 80s, with a career spanning more than six decades. Born Kyriaki Papadopoulou in Thessaloniki in May 1938, she began performing in the mid-1950s and adopted her stage name early in her career.
Marinella was the first artist to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest, competing in 1974 when the event was held in Brighton, England, and famously won by ABBA with “Waterloo.”
She revolutionized the traditional style of Greek folk performances by incorporating dynamic movements and a flamboyant stage presence, moving away from the custom of performing while seated. Her songs, which resonate across generations, explore themes of love and loss.
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