Björn Afzelius (27 January 1947 – 16 February 1999) was a Swedish singer-songwriter and a key figure in the Swedish progg movement, which combined progressive rock with left-wing, anti-commercial and often politically charged lyrics. Afzelius was renowned for his heartfelt and melodic songs, which often dealt with themes of love, social injustice, and political activism. Starting his musical career as a member of the Hoola Bandoola Band, alongside fellow musician Mikael Wiehe, he helped lay the groundwork of Swedish progg music.

After the band split in 1975, Afzelius embarked on a prolific solo career, releasing numerous albums that demonstrated both his poetic finesse and his commitment to social and political causes. His introspective and thoughtful writing style was deeply influential on Swedish music, and his legacy endures through his extensive catalogue and perennial fanbase. Albums like "Tusen bitar - sånger om kärlek och rättvisa" and "Afzelius, sång & gitarr" offer a rich glimpse into his musical and ideological contributions. Not just a songwriter, Björn Afzelius was also known for his powerful live performances, captivating audiences with his genuine passion and connection to the music, as seen in releases like "En man, en röst, en gitarr". His untimely death in 1999 at the age of 52 left a void in the Scandinavian music scene, but his work continues to inspire artists and activists alike.

Genres

Classic Swedish Pop

Svensk Progg

Related Artists

Ulf Lundell

Cornelis Vreeswijk

Mikael Wiehe

Fleetwood Mac

Dan Hylander

Led Zeppelin

Eagles

Neil Young

Nick Drake

Håkan Hellström

Donovan

Dan Fogelberg

Latest Release

Tusen bitar - en film om Björn Afzelius

Björn Afzelius

Album - 16 Tracks - Released September 1, 2014