Marek Grechuta (1945–2006)

Singer, poet, composer, and painter; architect by education. His unique work combines elements of poetic song, progressive rock, and even jazz rock. Having moved from Zamość to Kraków, he began studying architecture at Kraków Technical University, where he met the composer Jan Kanty Pawluśkiewicz. Together, the musicians established the Architects' Cabaret Anawa, and released Korowód, an album recognised as one of the most important in the history of Polish popular music. Grechuta made his début in 1967, when he came second in the Student Song Festival in Kraków. In 1971 he left Anawa to establish an ensemble under the name WIEM (W Innej Epoce Muzycznej, meaning "in another musical epoch"). In 1976, began his cooperation with the Piwnica Pod Baranami Cabaret, which continued for nearly 10 years. In 2006, he was awarded the Grand Prix of the 43rd National Song Festival in Opole. Buried in the Rakowicki Cemetery, where a monument to the artist was unveiled on 9th October 2007 - on the first anniversary of his death. Awarded posthumously the Commander Cross of the Order of Poland Reborn by the President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczyński. Beginning in 2008, every year the Marek Grechuta Festival, entitled Korowód, is held in Kraków to present and promote the artist's work.