Legendary Croatian singer Gabi Novak passes away

(Photo: Jože Gal / public domain)

Legendary Croatian singer Gabi Novak has died at the age of 89, Croatia Records has confirmed to 24sata.

Born on 8 July 1936 in Berlin, Novak spent part of her childhood in Germany before moving with her family to the island of Hvar and later to Zagreb. 

She completed her studies at the School of Applied Arts in Zagreb, specialising in graphics, and worked briefly as an illustrator at the Zagreb Film animated film studio.

Her singing career began in the late 1950s and her distinctive voice quickly made her one of the most beloved performers of the era. 

By the 1960s she had achieved great popularity and critical acclaim, becoming a leading figure on the Croatian music scene.

Over the course of her long career Novak released numerous albums and singles and worked with many of the country’s top composers and musicians. 

She was a multiple winner of the Porin music award, earning recognition for best jazz performance, album of the year, best female vocal, best pop album and best vocal collaboration. In 2006 she was honoured with the Porin Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Novak was first married to composer Stipica Kalogjera. After their divorce in 1970 she married singer songwriter Arsen Dedić on 30 March 1973. 

The couple enjoyed a long marriage and artistic partnership until his death in 2015. They had a son, Matija Dedić, a distinguished jazz pianist who passed away in June this year.

Gabi Novak leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of Croatia’s most cherished voices and an artist whose work spanned generations.