The Greek music world is poorer today, following the tragic passing of beloved singer Dimitris Kokotas at the age of 57. He died after a courageous 2.5-year battle with health complications stemming from a severe septic episode. His decline began on March 28, 2024, during a rehearsal with actress and performer Triana Anania for the musical show J2US, when he suddenly fell ill and suffered a heart attack. He was rushed to the Genimatas Hospital in Athens, where he remained in a coma for months.
Although his condition showed slight improvement at times, his body ultimately could not recover. Dimitris Kokotas — son of the legendary laïkó singer Stamatis Kokotas — passed away, leaving his family, friends, collaborators, and countless fans in deep mourning. He is survived by his wife, Katerina Petraki, and their daughter, Riana.
Despite carrying the weight of one of Greek music’s most iconic surnames, Dimitris never allowed himself to be defined solely as ‘Stamatis Kokotas’s son.’ Instead, he carved out a distinctive and respected path in the industry — releasing hit songs that resonated across generations and helped shape modern Greek popular music.
Born in Athens in 1968, Dimitris grew up immersed in music thanks to his father’s towering presence in the laïkó scene. His professional breakthrough came in 1994 with his debut solo album Diadoseis (‘Transmissions’), released by Eros Music. Composed entirely by Phoebus, the album sold over 30,000 copies in Greece and Cyprus and earned gold certification.
By 2007, he had released nine more studio albums, collaborating with major figures in Greek music — including Marinella, Katy Garbi, Antonis Remos, Angela Dimitriou, Vasilis Karas, and, of course, his father. In 2013, he joined fellow second-generation artists Haris Varthakouris, Grigoris Bithikotsis, and Stelios Dionysiou for the international tour A Tribute to the Legends, performing across Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, the US, Australia, and Israel. The tour celebrated the timeless hits of their fathers — a heartfelt homage rooted in legacy and artistry.
A particularly emotional highlight came in 2015, when Dimitris performed the iconic song Yie Mou (‘My Son’) alongside Stamatis at the Athens Concert Hall — a powerful, tearful moment that underscored both their bond and shared musical soul. In recent years, he frequently appeared on stage with Giorgos Lembesis, and up until his hospitalization, he continued rehearsing with Triana Anania for J2US.
Stamatis Kokotas remains one of Greece’s most revered laïkó voices — known for his expressive phrasing, emotive delivery, and enduring repertoire. Dimitris honored that legacy not through imitation, but through authenticity, perseverance, and his own unmistakable voice.