Yannis Chryssomalis “Yanni” By: Cody Bowman

Yannis Chryssomalis “…Sometimes we get caught up in our troubles and our problems and we let life sort of slip away, and life is precious, all of life. And one must try to take in as much of it as possible.” -Yanni (1992)

About Yanni Born on November 14, 1954 Parents were Sotiri and Felitsa One of three children Family was musically inclined Mother Sings Father and Brother play guitar and piano Yanni’s music gifts were apparent at an early age.

Continued Didn’t enjoy practicing the piano Began to play piano at the age of six Refused lessons Heard music in his head, wanted to play what he heard Better off teaching himself Own pace, his own way

More Than Just Music Broke National Greek swimming record. 50 meter freestyle event Decided to go with musicial career

College University of Minnesota College education encouraged by parents Major in Psychology Never walked away from music even how busy he was Played in a local rock band Played piano and Keyboard

After College Received degree in 1977 Joined a Minneapolis-based rock group called “Chameleon” Toured and made albums In 1980, began to take his own music to the charts Recorded and released his own material

Continued Used experiences with Piano and Keyboard to create first album “Optimystique” In 1984, Yanni signed with Atlantic Record Second album “Keys to Imagination”

Hollywood Busy time for Yanni Released two albums and worked on a third before moving to Hollywood Hollywood Recorded 4 film scores Released 3 more albums. In 1990, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra accompanied Yanni in concert Adding new, unique style of things to come

Albums Dare to Dream earned first Grammy Nomination Fall of 1992, Performed Yanni “Live at the Acropolis” Recorded and Videotaped Sold over 7 million copies worldwide Became a fixture on public television

Goals Provided support to PBS Appeared in several PBS pledge specials Goal to become first westerner to perform at both the Taj Mahal in India and the Forbidden City in China. Album released in the fall of 1997

Future for Yanni “I will always do instrumental music, but now I’m just trying to expand my horizons and open the doors to some incredible talent that can give voice and lyrics to my work.”-Yanni Talking about Yanni-Wake Entertainment

“The Rain Must Fall” Parents encouraged to play music at his own pace Music came naturally to him Pouring rain, turning in to a massive thunderstorm Ends with a ray of light coming through the clouds

“Nostalgia” “You have to understand our thoughts are our precious resources, everything begins there. At some point, thought turns into a dream and that’s where the magic begins. A mans dream or a woman’s dream is so powerful, it could change the world. We have seen it happen in history, time and again. Where the possible, magical, became the reality.”-Yanni (1992) Song is about his home, where he grew up.

Bibliography and References 2011 Rovi Corporation, Yanni-Wake Entertainment: Yanni “Heart of Midnight” CD album, original soundtrack recording Yanni “Live at the Acropolis” CD album, with the Royal Phiharmonic Concert Orchestra stewartgjohnstone.com cleveland.com thelliersblog.blogspot.com