Vangelis

Biography

Date of Birth 29 March 1943, Volos, Greece Birth Name Evangelos Odysseus Papathanassiou Mini Biography Vangelis is a composer and performer who works almost exclusively with electronic instruments. He is probably most well know for his Chariots of Fire (1981) and Blade Runner (1982) soundtracks or for the tracks used in the "Cosmos" (1980) television series. He has been involved in many musical collaborations, the most famous that with Jon Anderson. Trivia A self taught musician, Vangelis has been composing since the age of four, but cannot read or write musical notation. Before going solo, Vangelis was a member of the mid-60s pop group, Forminx and the early progressive rock group, Aphrodite's Child. Was asked by his collaborator to replace Rick Wakeman on keyboards in Anderson's band Yes. Vangelis refused, perhaps for the better, citing that becoming a supporting member of a band would stifle his creativity and style. Contrary to popular opinion, the "g" in Vangelis is hard, (as in the word, "angle") and not soft (as in "angel") He has composed The Official FIFA World Cup 2002 Anthem. Member of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1991 In the 1980s, AT&T used the main theme of Missing (1982) as background music for its commercial spots.