Sofia Vempo (February 10, 1910 – March 11, 1978)

Sofia Vempo (February 10, 1910 – March 11, 1978)

Born in the town of Kallipoli in Eastern Thrace, she was a patriotic singer and actress, who was famed for her nationalist and patriotic songs, during Greece’s defense of World War 2.

Following the population exchange of 1923, her family were transferred to the village of Tsaritsani, south-east of Elassona in Thessaly.

After getting her performing start singing in pastry shops in Thessaloniki in 1930’s, soon after, she began singing professionally and appearing in theatres all over Greece.

At the outbreak of the Greco-Italian War in October 1940, Vempo’s voiced stirred the feelings of all Greeks, with her patriotic and satirical songs. Becoming the National voice of the country, where she was dubbed the – Singer of Victory.

When the Germans invaded Greece, she had to go into exile, while still performing for the troops. Sofia Vempo even donated a lot of her own money towards the Hellenic Navy.

Because of her role in the war and her efforts during the Axis occupation, she was awarded the rank of Major in the Greek Army.