西岡恭蔵 (Kyozo Nishioka), active primarily from the 1970s until his death in 1999, was a renowned Japanese singer-songwriter whose music had a significant influence on the Japanese folk and rock scenes. His melodic guitar playing, combined with his poignant lyrics, resonated with fans and fellow musicians alike. Born on October 12, 1948, in Tokyo, Nishioka's career began in earnest when he became involved with the influential folk group, The Folk Crusaders, in the late 1960s.

An artist characterized by his introspective songwriting and a distinct vocal style, 西岡恭蔵 was also known for his unique interpretations of Western songs, which is exemplified by the album "ディランにて" where he covered the works of Bob Dylan, a clear influence on his music. His body of work includes a series of live and studio albums encapsulating his journey through genres and styles. Albums like "南米旅行" illustrate his experimentation with various cultural sounds, while live recordings such as "77.9.9 京都「磔磔」" capture the raw energy and emotion of his performances. His posthumous release, "西岡恭蔵 不滅のベスト SHOWBOAT編," is a collection that showcases the enduring appeal of his music, further cementing his legacy as one of Japan's beloved musical talents. Despite his passing in 1999, 西岡恭蔵's soulful music continues to influence and inspire new generations of artists and listeners.