Vangelis Remembered for Vulnerable Music and Oscar-Winning Film Scores

Vangelis, born Evángelos Odysséas Papathanassíou in 1942 in Agria, Greece, sadly passed away at 79 earlier this month. His musical journey began at the tender age of four when he experimented with sounds using everyday items. He gained fame with the Greek rock band Aphrodite’s Child, who moved to Paris after the 1967 coup and released the popular song “Rain and Tears.” Vangelis is well-known for his film scores, winning an Oscar for Best Original Score for “Chariots of Fire” in 1981, although he skipped the ceremony. His score for "Blade Runner" features iconic tracks like "Rachel's Song." His last album, "Juno to Jupiter," came out in 2021. Interestingly, his father competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics.