Jerzy Rogacki

Jurek “Jerzy” Rogacki had been the founder and headman of the notable Polish maritime music group, Cztery Refy (“Four Reefs”).  He was most often associated with his Anglo concertina.  He is considered one of the pioneers in the Polish “shanty movement”, having founded Refpatent in 1973 and performing with it until it disbanded in 1980.  He later also founded Cztery Refy in 1985.  Within that group he was regarded as cantankerous, but formidable as a director, editor and publisher of the group’s recordings.  He also translated many western European shanties and maritime songs to Polish which benefitted performers beyond his own group.

Rogacki passed away on 9 August 2019.

[Read Cztery Refy’s bio page.  Read the Folk24.pl memorial article.]