Jaroslav Hutka

Jaroslav Hutka is a Czech folk singer, songwriter, and political activist known for his poetic lyrics and strong voice in the Czech dissident movement. Born in 1947 in Olomouc, Czechoslovakia, Hutka became a prominent figure in the 1960s folk scene, drawing inspiration from traditional Czech music as well as Western artists like Bob Dylan. He co-founded the music group Šafrán, which became a touchstone of Czech folk culture during a time of political repression.

Due to his outspoken criticism of the communist regime, Hutka was forced into exile in the Netherlands in 1978, where he continued to write and perform for Czech audiences abroad. After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, he returned to Czechoslovakia and remained an influential voice both musically and socially. His recent work, including albums like Skleněný den and Doba klíčová, continues to reflect his deep connection to Czech history, language, and the enduring spirit of resistance.