Nalepa's influence continues to resonate through his groundbreaking work in rock and blues.
The festival, running from September 11 to 15, included a national competition for blues bands and performances by prominent Polish musicians, including Tadeusz's son Piotr Nalepa, who worked with his father from the mid-1990s.
Tadeusz Nalepa with wife Mira Kubasińska and son Piotr during the 7th Polish Song Festival in Opole in 1969. Photo: PAP/Archiwum/Ryszard Okoński
Other acts included Robert Lubera, Sławek Wierzcholski, the Boogie Boys and a series of free "Blues Route" concerts, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
One of the event's highlights was the launch of a book by Mariusz Szalbierz that explores the work of top Polish blues musicians.
The festival wrapped up on Sunday with several accompanying events, including a performance by Małgorzata Pruchnik-Chołka and her band.
Tadeusz Nalepa was born in Zgłobień in 1943 and attended music school in Rzeszów, mastering several instruments.
He launched his career in 1963, forming Blackout in 1965 and later Breakout in 1968.
Breakout was widely regarded as a Polish answer to the blues and rock scenes emerging in the West at the time. The band toured internationally and helped revolutionize the Polish music scene with a sound that blended blues and rock in a way that appealed to younger generations.
Over the years, Breakout released numerous albums, including Blues (1971), Karate (1972) and Ogień (1973), earning Nalepa a reputation as one of Poland's most innovative musicians.
His guitar work had a lasting impact on future generations of Polish bands.
After Breakout disbanded in 1982, Nalepa pursued a successful solo career, collaborating with musicians from renowned Polish bands such as Maanam and Lady Pank.
He continued to record albums and perform live until his passing in 2007. His influence on Polish popular music remains unparalleled.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP