At first, he had to hide the instrument at a friend's house and practice in secret, as his father disapproved of the new rembetiko style that had captured his son's interest.
He met composer Mikis Theodorakis in 1959 and the two collaborated producing folk songs.
Bithikotsis composed over 80 songs, including: Stu Belami to ouzeri and Tou Votanikou o magas.
Throughout his life, Bithikotsis performed frequent concerts at numerous venues, including one in Athens upon the occasion of his eightieth birthday.
His funeral was attended by thousands, including representatives of all the Greek political parties.