Panayiotis Haliyiannis, one of the most famous clarinetists of the 1950’s and 60’s, has passed away at the age of 78. The National Herald reported that Haliyiannis,, who was born in Parakalamos, Greece, died March 18, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J.
He was a beloved musician and instructor. In 1961 he accepted the proposal of a Greek restaurateur and came to New York with his band and started working at the nightclub Kifissia on 8th Avenue in Manhattan. Later, he started to appear in Diaspora events and several social events arousing crowds with his playing. At weddings, christenings and other celebrations Haliyiannis was always there to play his exile songs.
In 1975, Haliyiannis got married. He and his wife, Maria, had a son. She passed away in 2000. He continued his career and work in music. The funeral was to held at St. Demetrios Church in New Jersey.
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