Vasilis Karras Biography: Cause of Death, Wife, Child, Movies, Songs, Age, Net Worth, Height, Siblings, Parents

Vasilis Kesoglidis, widely known as Vasilis Karras, was a legendary Greek laïko singer celebrated for his distinctive raspy voice and emotive performances in folk music.

With a career spanning over five decades, he became a cultural icon in Greece, known for hits like “Den Pao Pouthena” and “Nychta Kselogiastra,” which captured themes of love, loss, and his beloved Thessaloniki.

His extensive discography, numerous platinum albums, and global performances for the Greek diaspora cemented his status as one of Greece’s most cherished artists.

Profile

• Full Name: Vasilis Kesoglidis
• Stage Name: Vasilis Karras
• Born: 12 November 1953
• Date of Death: 24 December 2023
• Age: 70 years old
• Birthplace: Kokkinohori, Kavala, Greece
• Nationality: Greek
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actor
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. Kesoglidis and Mrs. Kesoglidis
• Siblings: Damianos Kesoglidis, Anastasia Kesoglidou
• Spouse: Christina Kesoglidi (m. 1973–2023)
• Children: Irene Kesoglidou
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5–10 million

Early Life and Education

Vasilis Kesoglidis was born on November 12, 1953, in Kokkinohori, Kavala, Greece, to parents of Pontian descent, Mr. and Mrs. Kesoglidis. At age 10, his family relocated to Thessaloniki, where his siblings, Damianos and Anastasia, were born.

Little is known about his formal education, but he developed a passion for music early on, performing at local venues while working as a car mechanic. His ethnicity was Greek with Pontian roots, and his religious beliefs were not publicly known.

Career

Vasilis Karras began his musical journey at 16, making his debut in 1969 at the Prosfygas nightclub in Thessaloniki’s Evosmos district while working as a car mechanic. His raspy voice and authentic style quickly won over local audiences, leading to wider performances across Northern Greece in the 1970s.

By the decade’s end, he was crafting his own songs and collaborating with songwriters, culminating in his debut album Alismonites Ores in 1980, which marked his commitment to a professional career in laïko music.

Karras’s breakthrough came with the 1997 album Tilefonise Mou, created with songwriter Phoebus, which went double platinum and became his best-selling work, blending modern, upbeat elements with traditional bouzouki-based folk. His 1999 album Epistrefo further solidified his reputation with hit singles that remained staples in his live performances.

Collaborations with artists like Michalis Rakintzis, Tolis Voskopoulos, Despina Vandi, and Pantelis Pantelidis, along with his songwriting for others, expanded his influence. Albums like M’echis Kani Aliti (1997), with over 180,000 copies sold, and his Thessaloniki-themed works, such as Apo ti Thessaloniki me Agapi (1987), resonated deeply with fans.

Karras’s legacy endures through his extensive discography of over 40 albums, many of which have achieved gold and platinum status, and through his global performances for Greek communities in the United States, Australia, and Canada. His final album, Eimai Edo (2023), included the hit “Gia Parti Tis,” reflecting his continued relevance.

Known for his “Kapsourika” style—love songs about nostalgia and lost loves—he performed at major venues like Pyli Axios. He supported charitable causes, such as a 2000 benefit concert for a sick child. His contributions remain a cornerstone of Greek folk music, inspiring generations of artists and fans.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @vasilis_karras_official
• Facebook Handle: Vasilis Karras
• Twitter Handle: Unknown
• YouTube Handle: @VasilisKarrasOfficial

Personal Life

Vasilis Karras was married to Christina Kesoglidou, with whom he had a daughter, Irene. The couple maintained a private life, with Christina and Irene by his side during his final days.

Karras faced significant health challenges, battling cancer for over two years and contracting COVID-19, which led to his passing from a heart attack in 2023 at Thessaloniki’s Diavalkaniko Hospital.

Discography

• Alismonites Ores (1980)
• Apo ti Thessaloniki me Agapi (1987)
• Mia Vradia sti Thessaloniki (1988)
• Tilefonise Mou (1996)
• M’echis Kani Aliti (1997)
• Epistrefo (1999)
• Rotas An Se Eho Erotefthi (2020)
• Eimai Edo (2023)

Net Worth

Vasilis Karras had an estimated net worth of $5–10 million at the time of his death. His wealth was primarily derived from his prolific music career, including album sales, royalties from gold and platinum records, and extensive live performances in Greece and abroad.