Cornelis Vreeswijk 1937 – 1987

Biography

Cornelis Vreeswijk was born on August 8, 1937, in IJmuiden, Netherlands, and would become one of the most distinctive voices in Dutch-Swedish musical culture. His life bridged two nations and two artistic traditions, creating a unique legacy that resonated across Scandinavia and beyond. As a troubadour, he embodied the spirit of a traveling musician-poet, crafting songs that blended folk sensibilities with deeper emotional and social commentary.

Though his life was cut short, Vreeswijk made an indelible mark during his fifty years. He devoted himself to music and song, working across both his Dutch heritage and his adopted Swedish home. His work as a performer and composer reflected a deep commitment to his craft, earning him recognition as an important cultural figure of his era. Vreeswijk passed away on November 12, 1987, in Stockholm, succumbing to liver cancer.

Following his death, Vreeswijk was laid to rest at Katarina kyrkogård in Stockholm Municipality, Sweden—a final resting place that reflects his deep connection to the country where he had built much of his life and artistic career. Though his time was limited, his influence endured, leaving behind a body of work that continued to inspire musicians and listeners long after his passing.