Cornelis Vreeswijk

Cornelis Vreeswijk (1937-1987) was a Dutch-Swedish actor, songwriter, and poet. He was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on December 30, 1937. He grew up in the Netherlands and studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, Sweden.

Vreeswijk was best known for his folk music and his acting career. He was a prolific singer-songwriter, who wrote over 600 songs in his lifetime. He was also a poet, and many of his songs were based on his own poetry. His songs often featured themes of love, loss, and longing. He also wrote about social issues, such as the Vietnam War and the nuclear arms race.

Vreeswijk made his acting debut in the Swedish film titled "Bittergärningar" in 1960. He went on to appear in several more Swedish films, including "A Man Called Ove" (1969). He also starred in the Swedish television series "Kalle Blomkvist" (1973-76).

Vreeswijk was an outspoken critic of the Swedish government and its policies. He was an advocate for free speech and anti-establishment sentiments. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Swedish Folk Music Association, which was founded to promote the traditional music of Sweden.

Vreeswijk wrote and performed songs in several languages, including Swedish, Dutch, English, and French. He also wrote a few songs in Spanish. His songs have been covered by many well-known musicians, including Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Donovan.

Vreeswijk passed away on November 12, 1987 at the age of 50. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be popular in both Sweden and the Netherlands.