85 years since the birth of Boris Godzhunov, one of Bulgaria’s great voices

Today marks 85 years since the birth of Boris Godzhunov, one of the most beloved voices in Bulgarian popular music.

Born on 22 May 1941 in Pazardzhik, he rose to fame in the late 1960s, becoming one of the defining figures of Bulgarian pop music. Few people know that before turning to the stage, he graduated from one of the most prestigious technical schools of the time, specializing in fine mechanics and optics. After a brief stint at the Boyana Film Studios and an optical-mechanical factory in Sofia, he chose to follow his true calling — music.

In 1963, he enrolled at the Krastyo Sarafov Higher Institute for Theatre Arts, now known as the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts. At the same time, he studied at the School for Pop Singers at Bulgarian National Radio, where many of Bulgaria’s future stars began their careers.

At the start of his musical journey, Godzhunov performed rock ’n’ roll and cover versions of international hits as a soloist with one of Bulgaria’s first rock bands, Srebarnite Grivni (The Silver Bracelets), and later with the Bulgarian Radio Big Band. His first recorded song was A Girl Is Wanted, composed by Petar Stupel with lyrics by the celebrated Bulgarian poet and satirist Radoy Ralin.

Between 1968 and 1971, Boris Godzhunov was a soloist with Orchestra Sofia — one of the leading ensembles in Bulgarian pop music at the time, known for shaping the genre and launching the careers of many singers.

Godzhunov toured extensively abroad, performing in Russia, Poland, Serbia, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Cuba, Algeria and Japan. Fate, however, dealt him a tragic blow. On 22 December 1971, he survived the devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of many musicians from Orchestra Sofia, as well as that of the legendary Bulgarian singer Pasha Hristova. The tragedy remains one of the darkest moments in the history of Bulgarian popular music.

In 1998, Boris Godzhunov received the Golden Orpheus Grand Prize for lifetime achievement. Among the most beloved songs in his repertoire is Hope, with lyrics by poet Nedyalko Yordanov, music by Atanas Kosev, and arrangement by Razvigor Popov. The song won third prize at the Golden Orpheus festival in 1973 and remains cherished by listeners of all generations.

Although Boris Godzhunov passed away on 14 June 2015, his warm voice and unforgettable songs continue to live on in the hearts of Bulgarian audiences.

A tribute to his memory and talent!

By Krasimir Martinov
Edited by E. Karkalanova