Polish blues pioneer Mieczysław Wróbel dies at 72

Mieczysław Wróbel, a pioneer of Polish blues, has passed away at the age of 72. His death was announced by musicians associated with his group, Mietek Blues Band, which he founded in Gdańsk in 1976.

Wróbel and his band were pillars of the national blues scene, performing at major festivals such as Rawa Blues, Jazz Jantar, Jarocin, and Summer Jazz Days. A significant milestone in his career occurred in 2000 when the band performed before B. B. King during his concert in Sopot.

Throughout his career, Wróbel released several albums, including ‘Tribute to the Blues’, ‘Road’, and ‘Zwykłe słowa’. His work with the band was also recognized with a Fryderyk Award nomination for the ‘30 Years Have Passed Members Meeting’ live recording. Wróbel was regarded as a mentor to many musicians who passed through his band.