The biography of Sotiria Bellou titled "Pote dortia pote exares," a book that has been particularly cherished, is being republished and released by Angelaki Publications. This is a special moment as 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of her birth.

Sotiria Bellou left her mark with her unique voice on dozens of musical creations. Her powerful and moving interpretations did not merely entertain but often captivated, touching upon broader social issues. For nearly half a century, her voice gave wings to numerous songs, making them an inseparable part of the Greek soul. For this reason, the Sotiria of immortal folk songs will always reside in our hearts.

The uniqueness of her voice and her unparalleled interpretative contribution have placed her among those who labored, sacrificed, and contributed to the evolution of the history of Greek song. The author has brought to light a treasure of experiences and narratives from a personality that simultaneously reflects the images of an entire era, which has significantly marked the history of folk music and, more broadly, our popular culture.

Through narratives from herself and those who knew her, along with rich photographic material and documents, her tumultuous life is illuminated, revealing her anxieties, struggles for survival, as well as her social struggles—her sorrows, but also the joys of a remarkable career. A life filled with hardships, wounds, but also "miracles," of a human nature that is "explosive," rebellious, and in every way undeniably free, and a soul that became the "voice of the people." A voice that has left an indelible mark on the Greek -both folk and art- song of the 20th century.

Foreign Press on Sotiria Bellou:

"Bellou was the last and possibly the greatest singer of rebetiko, which in the Greek music scene corresponds to American blues or Argentine tangos. And Bellou had a style—emotional strength and flair that intertwined with her ability to inspire respect. Despite her tormented life, she never lost her spirit or her courage to stand tall." The Guardian by Constantine Buhayer

"Sotiria Bellou, a leading singer of popular rebetiko music, often described as the Greek blues, died on Wednesday, two days before her seventy-sixth birthday." The New York Times by Paul Anastasi

"Her music was music of the soul. One could say that Sotiria Bellou is to Greece what Billie Holiday is to America. But Greece holds more respect for Bellou than America does for Holiday. Yes, in the end, I am sure that I cannot see Sotiria Bellou separately from Greece. Sophia Adamidou, thank you for this very important book." Kathleen Dixon, University of North Dakota.