Under communism all spheres of cultural life in Bulgaria came under strict supervision from the state authorities. Pop music made no exception. Back in the late 1960s authors in popular music were given an assignment by government leadership to provide for greater diversity of themes and styles. Songwriters were advised to address folklore or comedy for inspiration. In this line Atanas Boyadzhiev and poet Bogomil Goudev created a very successful song that drew motifs from urban folklore. The song I Dreamt a Dream won the Grand Prix at the 1969 edition of The Golden Orpheus Festival. The song was performed by Margaret Nikolova and Kiril Semov.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s the Bulgarian pop music scene saw the rise of humorous songs. The song Grotesque by Alexander Yosifov on lyrics by Dimitar Tochev was about a two average guys traveling in Europe and declaring their patriotism. The song was however banned because control bodies decided it could be viewed as ironic to communist leader Todor Zhivkov.
We end our journey to the Bulgarian pop music achievements in the late 1960s and early 1970s with examples of songs based on youth themes. My Brother by Atanas Naumov is a good song based on a children’s theme. The most famous work in this vein was One Bulgarian Rose by Dimitar Vultchev written especially for the World Youth Festival held in Sofia back in 1968. It is still remembered today in the rendition of star Pasha Hristova.
Translated by Daniela Konstantinova
Previous editions:180113historyofEstradapopsong.aspx
About ten years ago, a little girl with a big voice appeared on a TV show. Mihaela Marinova, then 15, is now an established singer. In that time, she has earned the love of audiences, won a number of awards, taken part in hundreds of concerts and has..
True to her characteristic ethno style with a contemporary sound, Dimana Mircheva, known as DIA, presents her latest single - "Kusno e". In it, the singer and songwriter builds on her messages, always drawing on Bulgarian legends and beliefs, which..
Slightly unconventional but quite popular pop and rock musician Stenli starts the year with a new single. The track Ako Tryabva (If I Have To) will be part of his upcoming album. The music for If I Have To was written by Stenli. He also did the..
True to her characteristic ethno style with a contemporary sound, Dimana Mircheva, known as DIA, presents her latest single - "Kusno e". In it, the..
About ten years ago, a little girl with a big voice appeared on a TV show. Mihaela Marinova, then 15, is now an established singer. In that time, she..
Mostly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Clear