Croatian music legend Jimmy Stanić dies at 98 after seven decades on stage

Stjepan Jimmy Stanić (Screenshot/Croatia Records/YouTube)

ZAGREB,  31 August 2026 – Croatian music legend Stjepan Jimmy Stanić died aged 98 on Sunday, bringing to an end one of the country’s longest performing careers.

Born in Zagreb in 1929, Stanić built a career spanning more than seven decades, becoming known for his distinctive baritone, jazz and swing performances, humour and characteristic Zagreb style.

He continued performing into advanced age and remained a familiar figure on the Croatian cultural scene.

His career included jazz, swing, popular songs, evergreens and humorous performances, while his stage personality became as recognisable as his music.

Stanić’s artistic career began in the 1950s and included work with the Vocal Ensemble of Nikica Kalogjera.

His best-known songs included “Cowboy Jimmy”, a title that became closely associated with his stage identity.

However, the story behind the name Jimmy began during his childhood, long before the song was recorded.

Stanić’s death prompted tributes from numerous Croatian musicians and public figures, who remembered him as one of the defining personalities of Croatian popular music.

He leaves behind a musical legacy stretching across generations.