Szabolcs Szörényi was born on September 26, 1943 in Budapest. In September 1956, together with his brother Levente, his parents enrolled him in the state boarding school for boys in Sobi, where they entered the institute’s mandolin band. Szabolcs played the guitar, then switched to the bass guitar and stayed with this instrument. Two years later, he went to the high school in Vác, where Levente also followed him, where they formed a trio. They made electric ones at home from acoustic instruments, and with their band called Mediterrán, in which Imre Kőszegi and János Bajtala played in addition to the brothers, in 1962 they reached the semi-finals of the national Ki Mit Tud?.
In January 1965, Levente brought him to the Illés group, which had been operating for many years, and during the year the classic line-up was formed: in addition to the two Szörényis, Lajos Illés, who plays keyboard instruments, János Bródy, the guitarist, and Zoltán Pásztory, the drummer.
In 1966, they won the second prize shared at the 1st Dance and Song Festival with their song Meg sáj mundan csók, then at the 1968 festival, they won almost all prizes, including the main prize, with their folk music-rooted composition When I Was Still a Little Girl. Szabolcs served in the army for a few months between the two festivals in 1967, until then János Bródy replaced him on his instrument in the band.
Source: Fortepan / Zoltán Szalay
The Illés group gained incredible popularity in the second half of the sixties and the beginning of the seventies, with only Omega and Metro as their rivals. Most of the music for their songs was composed by Levente Szörényi and Lajos Illés, the often resonant, politically sensitive lyrics written by János Bródy expressed the feelings of the youth rebelling against the behavioral patterns of the previous generation.
Szabolcs Szörényi rarely appeared as an author, but he wrote, among other things, the songs Újra itt van, Sárika, Az és a importanto, nem a haj – he also sang the latter in his characteristic bass voice – and one of Zsuzsa Koncz’s greatest hits, Mister Alcohol.
In 1974, Szabolcs Szörényi, together with his brother and Bródy, became a member of the Fonograph band. In 1984, the three sold-out farewell concerts practically also meant the retirement of Szabolcs Szörényi from the stage. After that, he was there at Illés’ performances in 1990, 1996, and 2001, as well as at the 2005 concerts, which were considered his final farewell.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Szabolcs Szörényi’s Musical Legacy
Editor: Welcome to our Time.news interview series! Today, we have a special guest, renowned music historian and expert in Hungarian folk music, Dr. Anna Juhász. Anna, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Juhász: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss the incredible journey of Szabolcs Szörényi.
Editor: Szabolcs Szörényi’s contributions to Hungarian music are truly remarkable. Can you tell us about his early influences and how they shaped his musical path?
Dr. Juhász: Absolutely! Szabolcs was born into a dynamic cultural climate in Budapest. His introduction to music began early in a state boarding school, where he played in a mandolin band. The transition he made from guitar to bass guitar was significant—his ability to adapt and innovate would later define his musical style.
Editor: I find it fascinating that he formed a trio with his brother Levente during high school. How did their partnership influence their work with the band Mediterrán?
Dr. Juhász: The bond between Szabolcs and Levente was crucial. They not only shared instruments but also a vision. Their DIY approach—modifying acoustic instruments into electric ones—illustrates their resourcefulness and creativity. Mediterrán’s journey, especially their semi-final achievement in the national Ki Mit Tud? festival, marked a pivotal moment in their careers.
Editor: In 1965, Szabolcs joined the Illés group, which became iconic in Hungarian music. What can you tell us about this transition and the classic lineup?
Dr. Juhász: Joining the Illés group was an extraordinary leap for Szabolcs. The classic lineup, which included notable musicians like Lajos Illés and János Bródy, fused various musical influences—pop, rock, and traditional folk. This collaboration allowed Szabolcs to explore his style more deeply and helped set the foundation for their future successes.
Editor: They had quite a few accolades during the late 1960s, including wins at the Dance and Song Festivals. What was the significance of their song “When I Was Still a Little Girl”?
Dr. Juhász: That song was revolutionary for its time! It resonated with many, blending folk roots with contemporary sounds. Winning almost all the prizes at the 1968 festival not only elevated the band’s status but also highlighted a blending of cultural traditions that spoke directly to the Hungarian youth of that era.
Editor: Szabolcs’s brief service in the army in 1967 is often a footnote in his story. How do you think that experience impacted his music or perspective?
Dr. Juhász: While military service separated him from the band, it created a unique experience that likely influenced his songwriting. Music often serves as a reflection of personal experiences, and he returned with fresh perspectives that would enrich his contributions.
Editor: As a figure who has contributed immensely to Hungarian music history, how do you see Szabolcs’s influence today?
Dr. Juhász: Szabolcs Szörényi’s impact is still palpable. His ability to merge traditional and modern sounds has inspired countless musicians in Hungary and beyond. He is a beacon for new artists exploring their cultural identities through music.
Editor: What do you think is the key takeaway from Szabolcs’s journey for aspiring musicians today?
Dr. Juhász: The most important lesson is to embrace creativity and adaptability. Szabolcs’s journey exemplifies how innovation, collaboration, and staying true to one’s roots can lead to enduring success. His story encourages younger musicians to explore their path authentically.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Juhász, for sharing your insights on Szabolcs Szörényi. It’s clear that his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Dr. Juhász: Thank you for having me! It’s always a joy to celebrate such rich cultural history.