Mats Paulson

Biography

Mats Paulson, born 28 January 1938 in Linköping, Sweden, was a Swedish singer, songwriter, poet, painter, and composer whose career spanned more than six decades. He debuted in 1964 with the album Tango i Hagalund and achieved widespread recognition with the 1966 album En stad, en morgon, which featured his enduring classic “Visa vid vindens ängar.” Paulson wrote hundreds of songs loved across generations, including “Barfotavisan” and “Baggenslåten,” many of which have been covered by artists such as Alexander Rybak and Håkan Hellström. His works are characterized by evocative lyrics and melodies that capture the spirit of Swedish folk and popular music traditions. Alongside his musical output, Paulson was an accomplished visual artist and poet, exhibiting his paintings and publishing written works. He also appeared in Swedish television programs and collaborated with artists across genres, demonstrating a lifelong creative curiosity. Paulson’s influence on Swedish music and culture is significant, and his songs remain fixtures in the nation’s musical heritage. Mats Paulson died on 19 September 2021 at the age of 83 in his home in Saltsjöbaden, Sweden.