Renowned Greek singer Demis Roussos, a household name in the 1970s and 1980s across Europe and beyond, has died in Athens at the age of 68, a hospital has confirmed.

The hospital said the singer died following a lengthy spell of treatment, but did not give an exact cause of death.

Roussos performing at the Edineyat international festival in Ehden town, northern Lebanon, in August 2013. Photo: Jamal Saidi/Reuters

Born in Alexandria, Egypt, in June 1946, Roussos first came to prominence in the late 1960s with the band Aphrodite’s Child before moving on to a solo career.

“He had a superb voice, he travelled in the world ... he loved what he was doing,” singer Nana Mouskouri told French radio RTL in a tribute.

“He was an artist, a friend. I hope he is in a better world.”

Among his many hits are Forever and Ever, My Reason and Lost in a Dream.