Michał Urbaniak he was married four times. From December 1967, for almost 20 years he was the husband of a jazz singer who performed with him Urszula Dudziakwith whom he has daughters: Catherine and Mika. In 1984, he began an affair with the actress that lasted a year and a half Liliana Głąbczyńska (on the artistic stage he uses his mother’s maiden name – Komorowska), whom he eventually married and divorced after seven years of marriage. His third wife was a doctor Barbara Trelafrom whom he also divorced. He has been married since 2013 Dorota Palmowska.
It was the latter who provided information about the death of the legendary musician. Michał Urbaniak was buried on January 7 during state ceremonies at the Powązki Military Cemetery in Warsaw.
Liliana Głąbczyńska-Komorowska and Michał Urbaniak: Chemistry was stronger than reason
In an interview with “Super Express”, Michał Urbaniak’s second wife revealed that she was in contact with him until the end, mainly via Messenger.
“Sometimes it was just a few words, but they had weight and warmth,” says Liliana Głąbczyńska-Komorowska. The actress added that she would reveal some details of their relationship in the autobiographical book she is preparing.
She met the jazz musician in May 1984 while staying in New York. The violinist and saxophonist lived in the USA since 1973 with his first wife, Urszula Dudziak.
“I had the feeling that something was happening that would change me internally, and that it would have long-lasting consequences. It was love at first sight. Chemistry was stronger than common sense. Simple,” emphasizes Liliana Głąbczyńska-Komorowska.
“We really made the decision to be together from the first meeting, and then life moved quickly. I prefer to tell the rest more broadly and calmly in an autobiography – without shortcuts and without sensations. The public knew only a fragment of the story,” he adds in an interview with “Super Express”.
Who was Michał Urbaniak?
Michał Urbaniak he was a saxophonist, jazz violinist, composer and arranger. He was born on January 22, 1943 in Warsaw, but he grew up in Łódź, with which he was associated for many years (he received honorary citizenship of this city). He performed, among others, in teams Andrzej Trzaskowski, Krzysztof Komeda and Miles Davis. He supported the latter on the legendary album “Tutu” from 1985
He first saw the famous trumpeter 20 years earlier in San Francisco. “I never dreamed that I would one day play the violin with Davis,” he admitted in his autobiography. “I, Urbanator”. Throughout his career, Urbaniak has performed with the best of world jazz, including: With Chick Corea, Elvin Jones and team Weather Report. From September 1973 he lived in New York.
As part of the project “Urbanator Days” he conducted teaching activities, organizing free workshops and concerts since 2005. He combined jazz with hip hop in bands Urbanator and UrbSymphony project.
He received the Eagle statuette for the discovery of the year and the main award for best actor at the Tallinn Film Festival for the role of Vladimir in the film “My Bike” (2012).
He created music for many films, including: “Farewell to autumn” (1990), “Manhattan” (1991) i “Big Things” (2001). At the Gdynia film festival, he won awards for the best film music “Debt” (1999) i “Eden” (2002).
In 2016, he received the Golden Fryderyk for his entire achievements, and in 2024 – the Gold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis.
Michał Urbaniak had health problems
Recently, the musician has had major health problems. In September 2020, he had his pacemaker replaced. After the cardiac procedure, complications occurred and Michał Urbaniak was in a medically induced coma for five days. He then lay in bed for five months recovering. As he said in “Good morning TVN”, he did not believe that he would be able to walk again.