Zorba the Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis has died at age 96

The legendary composer, Mikis Theodorakis, died Thursday aged 96 at his home in central Athens.

He was a legendary figure in Greece and was world renowned for his huge body of work, including his most notable compositions for the soundtrack of the movie ‘Zorba the Greek’ starring Anthony Quinn.

Born on the Greek island of Chios on July 29, 1925, Mikis Theodorakis began composing at the age of 13 and had his first concert at age 17. His songs became part of the cultural heritage of Greece, and though some of his songs became anthems of resistance for the population he was loved by many no matter which side of the political spectrum they were on.

He was a political activist and called himself a ‘fighting citizen”. But in the end he was better known for his musical heritage. Tributes have since been pouring in.

“Today we lost a part of Greece’s soul. Mikis Theodorakis, Mikis the teacher, the intellectual, the radical, our Mikis has gone,” said Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis has declared a national three-day period of mourning in honor of one of the most iconic figures in Greek history.