JANUARY 4TH:
On this day in 2011, Mick Karn, born Andonis Michaelides, a British musician of Greek-Cypriot descent – best known as the bassist for the influential new wave band Japan, passed away. Renowned for his innovative fretless bass playing and unique sound, Karn’s style became a defining element of Japan’s music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Beyond his work with Japan, Karn pursued a successful solo career, releasing several albums that showcased his experimental approach to music. He also collaborated with artists such as Peter Murphy (as Dali’s Car), David Torn, and Kate Bush. Karn was not only a musician but also a visual artist, known for his sculpture and painting. Karn passed away after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most innovative bass players in contemporary music.
JANUARY 6TH:
On this day 1903, Maurice Abravanel, the renowned conductor of Greek Sephardic descent, celebrated for his long tenure as the music director of the Utah Symphony, was born in Thessaloniki into a distinguished Jewish family. He emigrated to Europe to study music and later moved to the United States, where he became a prominent figure in classical music. Abravanel’s leadership transformed the Utah Symphony into a world-class orchestra, and he was known for championing contemporary music and American composers. Over his 32-year tenure (1947-1979), he elevated the orchestra’s profile, including making it one of the first U.S. orchestras to record the complete symphonies of Gustav Mahler.
JANUARY 7TH:
On this day in 1939, Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark was born in Rome to Prince Christopher of Greece and Denmark and his second wife Princess Francoise d’Orleans of France. His father passed away when he was a year old, leaving Michael as an only child, and his mother died in 1953 when he was 14, leaving him an orphan. He studied political science in Paris and then repatriated to Greece for military duty, serving a term in the Hellenic Coast guard. Later in life, Prince Michael, who died last July, became a historian and author and has written several historical books and biographies of Greek and other European figures, in addition to working as a contributing writer to Architectural Digest. He married Marina Karella, daughter of Theodore Karella and Ellie Chalikiopoulos. Marina is a Greek artist and sculptor of international reputation whose work has been exhibited in Athens, Paris, and New York. Their wedding was held at the Royal Palace in Athens and was nondynastic – which obtained the legally required authorization of King Constantine II only after Michael renounced all rights of succession to the Greek throne for him and his descendents.
Also on this day in 1944, Napoleon Lapathiotis, the Greek poet, died at the age of 56. A native of Athens, he began writing and publishing poetry when he was just 11 years old. In 1907, along with others, he established the Igiso magazine, in which he published his works. In 1909, he graduated from the law school of the University of Athens and published his first book of poems in 1939. Lapathiotis was openly gay and had communist beliefs. Poor in later life and an opium addict, he committed suicide with a revolver. The 1985 film, ‘Meteor and Shadow’, was based on his life.
JANUARY 8TH:
On this day in 1955, Spyros Livathinos, the former Greek soccer player and coach and current Panathinaikos scout, was born in Patras, Greece. Livathinos started his career in the Panathinaikos youth system. In 1975, he made it to the greens’ first team where he played a total of 267 league games in 10 seasons, winning three Alpha Ethniki and four Greek Football Cup titles. He also made 27 appearances and scored one goal for the Greek national football team. Livathinos then moved to Cyprus where he became a player/coach of Pezoporikos. In 1988, he led the Larnaca club to the championship of Cyprus and retired as a player. He continued his coaching career with Ethnikos Asteras, Kaisariani Club, and Panachaiki. Livathinos is currently a scout for Panathinaikos.
