Gabi Novak

Gabi Novak Biography

Gabi Novak was a celebrated Croatian pop and jazz singer who gained popularity in the 1960s and continued to impact the music scene for decades. Known for her elegant voice and emotional depth, she became one of the most important female figures in Croatian popular music. Novak was also famous for her collaboration with legendary artists and for maintaining a carefully curated repertoire of songs that showcased her unique style. Her contribution to music was recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Porin music awards in Croatia.

Childhood

Gabrijela "Gabi" Novak was born on July 8, 1936, in Berlin, Germany. She was born into a mixed family with her father, Đuro Novak, being Croatian from the island of Hvar, and her mother, Elizabeth Reiman, being German. During the early years of World War II, her family moved from Berlin to the island of Hvar. Her childhood was marked by this relocation and later a move to Zagreb, Croatia, following the war. Unfortunately, she lost her father at a young age in 1945.

Education

After moving to Zagreb, Gabi Novak pursued education in the arts and completed a graphic course at the School of Applied Arts. She started her early professional life as a cartoonist and set designer at Zagreb Film, also lending her voice to animated characters. This artistic training and early work in visual arts provided a foundation that complemented her later career in music.

Career

Gabi Novak’s musical talent was recognized early on by Bojan Adamič, who invited her to perform with his Big Band in Ljubljana, marking the beginning of her rise to prominence in the late 1950s. She gained wider popularity in 1958 after performing the song "Happy Road" from the film H-8 and with the song "Ljubav ili šala" at Zagrebfest. She was notably the only singer from the region to perform in a duet with the legendary Louis Armstrong at the Bled Jazz Festival in 1958. Over her career, Novak skillfully selected songs that matched her style, establishing her as an icon of Croatian pop and jazz music. Her career spanned several decades and was also marked by collaborations with notable musicians, including many compositions by her husband, Arsen Dedić.

Family Life

Gabi Novak was married twice. Her first marriage was to composer Stipica Kalogjera, which ended in divorce around 1970. On March 30, 1973, she married the renowned Croatian singer-songwriter Arsen Dedić, who composed many of her songs. The couple had a son, Matija Dedić, a successful musician in his own right. Matija passed away in June 2025, shortly before Gabi Novak’s own death in August 2025. Novak’s family life was deeply connected to the Croatian music scene, blending personal and professional collaborations.

Achievements

Throughout her illustrious career, Gabi Novak earned multiple awards recognizing her vocal talent and contribution to music. Among her accolades were several Porin awards, including Best Jazz Performance (2002), Album of the Year (2003), Best Female Vocal Performance (2003), Best Pop Album (2003), and Best Vocal Collaboration (2003). In 2006, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her enduring influence on Croatian music and culture. Her voice and style remain celebrated for their sophistication and emotional resonance.

Controversies

There are no widely reported controversies associated with Gabi Novak. Her public image remained focused on her musical achievements and personal grace, with no significant disputes or scandals affecting her career or personal life.

Gabi Novak Summary

Gabi Novak was an iconic Croatian pop and jazz singer whose career began in the late 1950s and flourished for decades. Born into a mixed Croatian-German family in Berlin, her early life was marked by the upheavals of World War II and relocations before settling in Zagreb. Educated in the arts, she transitioned to a successful musical career noted for elegant, emotionally profound performances and respected collaborations with leading musicians, including her husband, Arsen Dedić. Novak’s legacy includes a rich catalog of music, national awards, and a significant influence on Croatian culture. She passed away in August 2025, leaving behind a lasting imprint on the music world.