His public breakthrough came in 1973 with the album Svantes viser [da], a collaboration with poet Benny Andersen, whom he has cooperated closely with since.

Povl Dissing grew up in Stavnsholt, a small village near Farum north of Copenhagen, and was educated commercial artist from which he made a living before turning to music full time.

Originally he played the trumpet and jazz music, but an injuring accident in his early youth made him take up the guitar instead.

He also composed music for several contemporary Danish poets, including Halfdan Rasmussen, Vagn Lundbye and in particular Benny Andersen.

Dissing collaborated and recorded with many notable performers and artists in Denmark and Norway, including musicians Cæsar, Trille, Freddy Fræk, Benny Holst, Peter Thorup, Fuzzy, Irene Becker, Egon Aagaard, John von Daler, Knut Reiersrud, bands The Beefeaters, Burnin Red Ivanhoe and The Brazz Brothers, and poets Halfdan Rasmussen and Benny Andersen.