Born in Cyprus, Anna started her musical career at the early age of
six, by attending the Cyprus Conservatory. At 12, she won the first
prize at a local song contest. Her mother was soon convinced of her
daughter's talent and moved the entire family to Greece, where she thought
better opportunities existed for her musical career.
A close collaboration with Nicos Karvelas, who was already a well known
songwriter with many #1hits to his credit, that is lasting to this day.
Besides writing most of her songs, Karvelas penned Greece's first ever
rock opera for Anna: "Demons" and the musical "Mala".
Anna's collaboration with Nicos commenced in the early 80's and through
the years they have collaborated on numerous projects together (approximately
14). The unification of their passion for music has generated voluminous
hits. Together they have produced more than 20 #1hits such as: Kryvame
tin agapi mas, San ta pinasmena peristeria, Oute ena sagapo, Dodeka,
Eleni, Trellainomai, Paralio, Den Thelo Na Xereis, Min psahnis tin agapi,
and many many more.
In 1999 Anna drew sold out shows in London and at her first-ever mini
tour of the USA, including Los Angeles, Atlantic City, Chicago, Boston
and New York City, where she performed at The Theatre at Madison Square
Garden. The Los Angeles Times raved, "...a performance so charismatic,
so filled with sheer magnetic talent...expect big things from this potential
new international star."
2000 Anna Vissi performed at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, March
5th, gathering the entire Greek community, many Greek VIPs/celebrities
that travelled from Greece, and a significant number of Britain's who
went to meet the extraordinary Greek singer up close. Millions of TV
viewers all over the world watched Anna Vissi make her international
debut when she performed at The Miss Universe Pageant in her native
Cyprus.
During the month of April Anna becomes the ambassadress of good will
for the Mac Aids Fund in Greece. The cosmetic's company Mac opens its
first retail store in Greece, and officially invites Anna to promote
the lipstick Mac Viva Clam III. Taking chances is what Anna Vissi is
all about. "Mala" was the challenge she set to conquer in
her search of new expressional dimensions. Not only did Anna Vissi pass
her acting ambitions with flying colors, but she left in awe everyone
who observed her inexhaustible talent on stage.
2004 Anna was the main attraction at the celebrations for Cyprus' entry
in the E.U., performing in front of 80 000 people! She then went on
a successful tour in England and the USA, which was completed with a
huge concert in Cyprus on 3/9. She also performed at the Closing Ceremony
of the Athens 2004 Olympiad, a great honor.
2005 The English version of "Ise", "Call me", is
released and Anna moves to the USA to promote it. The single was a great
success, and the song peaked at #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music Club
Play Charts and #2 on Billboard's Dance Radio Airplay Charts!