ATHENS, Greece — The Greek music world mourns the loss of Dionysis Savvopoulos, a legendary singer-songwriter whose poetic and politically charged lyrics left an indelible mark on Greek culture. Savvopoulos, affectionately known as Nionios, passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His family confirmed the news on his official social media account, stating that he had been hospitalized in recent days. Born on December 2, 1944, in Thessaloniki, Savvopoulos abandoned his law studies to pursue music, moving to Athens in 1963. His career took off in the 1960s, during which his subtly revolutionary songs became anthems of resistance against the 1967-1974 military dictatorship. His debut album, ‘Fortigo’ (1966), and subsequent works like ‘The Fool’s Garden’ (1969) and ‘The Dirty Bread’ (1972) cemented his status as a leading voice of artistic dissent. Savvopoulos’ music blended Greek folk, rock, and international influences, earning him widespread acclaim. Tributes poured in from across Greece, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Konstantinos Tassoulas praising his contributions to art and culture. A gifted performer, Savvopoulos continued to enchant audiences until recently, performing at a summer festival earlier this year. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and two grandsons. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.