Iconic Greek singer Nana Mouskouri has announced her retirement from performing, just weeks before her 90th birthday.
In an interview with the German magazine Der Spiegel, Mouskouri revealed her plans to step away from the stage after a few more performances. “I think I’ve done enough,” she said, adding that she no longer wants to disappoint her fans by giving subpar performances.
To commemorate her 90th birthday on October 13, a new album featuring re-recorded versions of her greatest hits will be released. “When I listen to these recordings, I can’t hold back my tears,” Mouskouri shared with Der Spiegel.
As one of the most beloved and celebrated singers in the world, Nana Mouskouri’s retirement marks the end of an era. Her music will continue to inspire and delight audiences for generations to come.
With more than 200 music albums in 12 different languages — including Mandarin Chinese and Corsican — Nana Mouskouri certainly has reason to celebrate 90 years of an extraordinary life.
Born in Chania, Crete on October 13, 1934, the singer is no doubt one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. Baptized Ioanna but called Nana from childhood, she demonstrated musical talent from the age of six. She began formal singing lessons at the age of 12.
Across a career of seven decades, Mouskouri has performed more than 10,000 shows at venues around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic and New York’s Lincoln Center.
Nana Mouskouri Speaks to Greek Reporter
In 2018, when she released the album “Forever Young,” the iconic Greek singer spoke with Greek Reporter about the studio album and her career.
“I didn’t do a record for quite a long time. Honestly, only the younger artists can bring the music further. We, the older artists, we brought our music up to a point,” Mouskouri told Greek Reporter.
“I searched for songs from artists such as Bob Dylan, who was one of my favorites, and a few European singers as well. I tried to find songs that were not sad.
“As a Greek, I am always a very optimistic person, and even if a song is sad, you find a certain truth and you sing it, which is normal. I covered a song ‘Love Is a Losing Game’ by Amy Winehouse that speaks about love. We know that love can be a losing game, but it can also not be a losing game. The truth is emotional and very important.”
In 2019 Nana Mouskouri was offered the highest honor the French State can give a foreign citizen.
At a ceremony that was held at the Embassy of France in Athens, Ambassador Christophe Chantepy handed the ”Commandeur de l’ordre nationale de la Legion d’honneur” medal to Mouskouri.
The distinction (Commander of the National Order of the Legion of Honor in English) is the fourth to be given to Mouskouri by the Republic of France.
Related: Nana Mouskouri Celebrates 89 Years Young