Grigoraș Ionică Dinicu, born on April 3, 1889, in Bucharest, was a renowned Romanian violin virtuoso and composer of Roma ethnicity. He is celebrated for his virtuoso violin showpiece "Hora staccato," composed in 1906, and for popularizing the tune "Ciocârlia," originally composed by his grandfather Angheluș Dinicu for the nai. Dinicu's early musical education was influenced by his father and moș Zamfir, an old violinist. He later attended the Bucharest Conservatory, studying under notable instructors including Carl Flesch. Although awarded a scholarship to the Vienna Conservatory, he was denied entry due to his Romani heritage.

Dinicu's career spanned performances with the Orchestra of the Ministry of Public Instruction and as a soloist. He directed popular music concerts for four decades and toured extensively across Europe, performing in various venues such as nightclubs and cafés. His compositions, primarily for violin and piano, include "Hora mărțișorului," "Ceasornicul," and "Căruța poștei." Dinicu was also an honorary president of the "General Union of the Romanian Roma" in the 1930s. He passed away in Bucharest on March 28, 1949, due to laryngeal cancer. His legacy continues to influence musicians, including jazz manouche violinist Stéphane Grappelli.