Real name: Αργύριος Βαμβακάρης = Argyrios Vamvakaris

Effective period / Period of releases: 1963 - 1982

Argyris Vamvakaris (nicknamed Κοιλιάς (Kilias = Belly)) was a Greek rebetiko & laïkó three-string, four-string & five-string bouzouki virtuoso. Born 18 October 1930 in Aspra Khomata, Nikea, Piraeus, Greece - Died 3 August 1983 in Athens, Greece.
He started his career at the age of nine, performing next to his oldest brother Μάρκος Βαμβακάρης in clubs, but also in recordings, singing backing vocals on some tracks. In 1950, he composed his first song, Ο Καϋμός της Μάννας / Το Κορδόνι. In the following years, he performed with the biggest names of the time. In 1961, he and his family left for the US where he worked in various clubs, while at the same time he came to Greece for recordings. He returned to Greece in 1981.
Father of Linardos Bambakaris. Youngest brother of Markos Vamvakaris and uncle of his sons, Στέλιος Βαμβακάρης & Δομένικος Βαμβακάρης. Uncle of Γιάννης Παλαιολόγου (son of his youngest sister Roza) and Αντώνης Βαμβακάρης as well.