Life and Songs of Nana Mouskouri, the White Rose of Athens

Nana was born as Ioanna Mouskouri on October 13, 1934, in the township of Chania on the Island of Crete, Greece. Ever since the launch of her international singing career in the early 1960s, the global pop icon Nana Mouskouri has thrilled listeners around the world. With her soaring, angelic voice, singing in 15 languages in genres including pop, folk, classical, jazz, French chansons, and movie songs, Nana has touched the hearts of fans from all walks of life. Endowed with extraordinary artistic talent, Nana has recorded over 450 albums and sold 300 million-plus records in 60 years, acquiring more than 300 gold and platinum albums along the way. She is also the world’s highest-selling female recording artist and has performed in more than 10,000 shows in world-class venues, such as the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, the Berlin Philharmonie, and Royal Albert Hall. In the late 60s to mid-70s, she hosted her own well-loved TV show with the BBC, “Presenting ... Nana Mouskouri.”

Nana is not only passionate about her artistic endeavors, but is also devoted to protecting the vulnerable and has strong pacifist beliefs. In October 1993, she was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, replacing the late respected actress Audrey Hepburn. She went on missions to many countries, visited schools, hospitals, safe homes, and centers for children, and gave concerts to raise funds in support of UNICEF programs. In recognition of her extraordinary humanitarian efforts, Nana received the prestigious World of Children and UNICEF Goodwill Laureate Awards.