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2 Plus 1

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article 2 Plus 1, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025
2 Plus 1
Company typeMusical group
IndustryMusic
Founded1971 in Warsaw, Poland
FounderJanusz Kruk, Elżbieta Dmoch
Defunct1999
Headquarters
Warsaw
,
Poland
ProductsStudio albums, singles

2 Plus 1 was a renowned Polish ensemble recognized for their work in pop, folk, and later incorporating elements of synthpop and rock. Established in 1971 by Janusz Kruk and Elżbieta Dmoch, the group produced ten studio albums, three of which earned Gold certification in Poland. Their repertoire included notable tracks such as "Chodź, pomaluj mój świat", "Windą do nieba", and "Iść w stronę słońca". Garnering numerous accolades, they toured internationally across countries like Germany, the Soviet Union, the United States, Canada, and Cuba. The band’s most significant popularity spanned from the 1970s through the mid-1980s. They also found success in Western European markets and Japan with singles like "Easy Come, Easy Go" and "Singapore". Following Kruk’s passing in 1992, the band dissolved, although they briefly reunited in the late 1990s. Today, 2 Plus 1 is regarded as one of Poland’s most influential and successful musical acts.

1971–1975: Formation and initial achievements

The band was formed in Warsaw in January 1971 by guitarist Janusz Kruk and flautist Elżbieta Dmoch, both previously members of Warszawskie Kuranty. The original lineup also featured guitarist Andrzej Rybiński. Their first live appearance took place at the Hotel Bristol in Warsaw, collaborating with lyricist Katarzyna Gärtner. Initially called Smak Miodu ("Taste of Honey"), they soon adopted the name Dwa Plus Jeden (2 Plus 1). Their debut significant appearance occurred at the National Festival of Polish Song in Opole during the summer of 1971, where they won an award for "Nie zmogła go kula". Shortly after, Rybiński departed to focus on other ventures and was succeeded by Andrzej Krzysztofik. The group’s early material showcased folk-inspired tunes on their first EP. They also began performing internationally, including concerts in West Berlin and the Soviet Union.

In 1972, 2 Plus 1 broke into mainstream recognition with tracks like "Czerwone słoneczko" and "Chodź, pomaluj mój świat". That year saw them participate in the Sopot International Song Festival and record under RCA Italiana. Their debut album Nowy wspaniały świat, released through Polskie Nagrania Muza, contained several popular songs and attained Gold certification. The band was honored as band of the year by various media outlets, resonating strongly with teenage audiences due to their acoustic pop-folk sound. In March 1973, founding members Kruk and Dmoch wed. That same year featured appearances on German television program Disco and awards at the Opole Festival for "Codzienność". Additionally, they recorded "Gwiazda dnia" for the soundtrack of the film In Desert and Wilderness.

By early 1974, 2 Plus 1 had broadened their international reach with tours spanning the United States, Canada, Scotland, France, Switzerland, and West Germany. Their composition "Kołysanka matki" secured third place at the Sopot festival. They took part in the all-star TV special Piosenki z autografem, sharing the stage with prominent performers such as Anna Jantar. The British publication Music Week named them star of the year. Throughout 1975, their touring extended across Eastern Europe including East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and the Soviet Union. Their sophomore album Wyspa dzieci, a concept record featuring hits like "Gwiazda dnia" and "Kołysanka matki", reinforced their commercial prominence.

1976–1979: Evolution in artistry

The ensemble secured another success with the track "Odpłyniesz wielkim autem," which they recorded in English and released in the German market. They composed a suite as a tribute to Polish actor Zbigniew Cybulski, debuting it at the Opole festival in 1976 to favorable critical reception. Following the departure of Andrzej Krzysztofik, Cezary Szlązak joined the group, establishing what would become their most prosperous lineup. Early in 1977, coinciding with the anniversary of Cybulski's passing, they developed their third studio album, Aktor, derived from the suite. Their tour extended across Poland, East Germany, and Czechoslovakia—where the album was issued under the title Herec. Concurrently, they released a single in West Germany featuring "Ring Me Up" and "Free Me".

In 1978, the band unveiled Teatr na drodze, marking a return to a more approachable pop-folk style. This album included one of their most renowned songs, "Windą do nieba", alongside significant tracks such as "Ding-Dong" and "Ballada łomżyńska", which featured collaboration with Czesław Niemen. That summer, they performed in Cuba and recorded a television special. At the Sopot Festival, they garnered accolades for both "Windą do nieba" and "Ding-dong". Additionally, they released the hit single "Taksówka nr 5". In March 1979, 2 Plus 1 returned to Cuba for another tour; their double A-side single "Margarita"/"La Habana mi amor" became the first Polish record issued in that country. Upon returning to Poland, they launched their fifth album, Irlandzki tancerz, inspired by Irish folk music and featuring Polish-language adaptations of Irish ballads. The album was met with positive reviews and commercial success, further supported by a televised musical film.

1979–1981: Expansion on the international stage

During the summer of 1979, 2 Plus 1 recorded their third single aimed at the German market—a disco-pop number titled "Easy Come, Easy Go". They showcased this song on West Germany’s Musikladen and East Germany’s Ein Kessel Buntes. The track entered the Top 40 charts in Germany. Their subsequent album, also named Easy Come, Easy Go, was recorded in English with contributions from German and American musicians and released in early 1980. It achieved moderate success and earned Gold status in Poland. Among its singles was "Singapore," which climbed to number seven on Japanese charts. That year, they headlined the Sopot Festival performing material in English.

In 1981, the band issued the non-album single "Iść w stronę słońca", which became one of their most popular songs in Poland. Their second internationally oriented album, Warsaw Nights, included singles such as "Mama Chita" and "Lady Runaway". Performances took place in Villach, Austria, followed by an extensive tour across the United States. However, with martial law declared in Poland at the end of 1981 restricting foreign travel, the group shifted focus back to their home audience. Their last international release was the single "Rocky Doctor" in 1983.

1982–1987: Shift toward new musical styles

In 1982, 2 Plus 1 released a double A-side single influenced by new wave—"Kalkuta nocą" and "Obłędu chcę"—which gained significant popularity. Their eighth studio album, Bez limitu (1983), represented a transition toward new wave, rock, and synthpop genres. It produced hits like "Nic nie boli" and "XXI wiek (Dla wszystkich nas)" and achieved Gold certification. The band stood out as one of the few acts from the 1970s to sustain commercial appeal into the mid-1980s.

A televised performance at Warsaw Congress Hall in February 1984 preceded their successful synthpop single "Wielki mały człowiek". Collaborating with artists Maciej Zembaty and John Porter, they produced their ninth album, Video (1985), which fused synthpop with New Romantic elements. This release featured notable tracks including "Video" and a bilingual Polish-English duet titled "Chińskie latawce". A television special accompanied its promotion. That same year saw Cezary Szlązak debut his solo single.

Following Video, the group scaled back live performances and media appearances. In 1986, they issued a retrospective live compilation titled Greatest Hits Live. By 1987, Janusz Kruk had composed music for theatrical productions and recorded "Ocalić coś" for a compilation project. During this period, Janusz and Elżbieta ended their relationship; although divorced in 1989, they maintained amicable relations.

1988–2008: Dissolution and Subsequent Developments

In 1988, 2 Plus 1 commenced work on their final studio project, showcasing new compositions during television appearances. Their tenth album, Antidotum (1989), achieved moderate recognition, featuring songs such as "Ocalę Cię". The group embarked on a tour across the United States; however, extensive touring was curtailed due to Janusz Kruk’s declining health. Subsequently, he shifted his focus toward creating music for theatrical productions. The 1991 release of 18 Greatest Hits marked the band's debut on CD format.

Janusz Kruk passed away from a heart attack in June 1992, prompting Elżbieta to retreat from the public eye. The 1997 compilation Greatest Hits Vol. 2 included several rare tracks. Toward the end of 1998, Cezary and Elżbieta briefly revived the band with fresh members, achieving successful tours and television appearances on programs like Szansa na sukces. Nevertheless, Elżbieta departed in early 1999, which resulted in the band's ultimate dissolution. Following this, Cezary Szlązak established his own musical ensemble.

Since the early 2000s, multiple compilation albums have been issued by various record companies. In 2002, Elżbieta made a guest appearance at a tribute event held at a community center in Łomża. A television feature in 2005 brought attention to her challenging living circumstances, eliciting public empathy. In August 2008, she participated in a private fan meeting in Warsaw.

Band members

  • Janusz Kruk (vocals, guitar) 1971–1992
  • Elżbieta Dmoch (vocals, flute) 1971–1999
  • Andrzej Rybiński (guitar, backing vocals) 1971
  • Andrzej Krzysztofik (bass guitar, harmonica, backing vocals) 1971–1976
  • Cezary Szlązak (saxophone, clarinet, backing vocals) 1976–1999
  • Michał Król (guitar) 1998–1999
  • Dariusz Sygitowicz (drums) 1998–1999
  • Wacław Laskowski (drums) 1976–1986

During the mid-1970s, additional support came from Adam Pilawa (piano, violin) and Andrzej Wójcik (drums).

Discography

Most notable songs

  • 1972: "Czerwone słoneczko"
  • 1972: "Chodź, pomaluj mój świat"
  • 1973: "Wstawaj, szkoda dnia"
  • 1973: "Hej, dogonię lato"
  • 1973: "Gwiazda dnia"
  • 1974: "Kołysanka matki"
  • 1974: "Na luzie"
  • 1978: "Windą do nieba"
  • 1978: "Ding-dong"
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