She worked as a cartoonist, and then became one of the most famous voices of Croatia

Gabi Novak, one of Croatia’s most celebrated vocalists, has died at the age of 89 in Zagreb. She passed away two months after her son, renowned jazz pianist Matija Dedić, who had died in June 2025 at the age of 53. Novak was known for her distinctive voice, which spanned genres including chanson, jazz, swing, and pop, and for her long career that lasted over six decades. Her death marks the end of an era in Croatian music, with her legacy deeply embedded in both the country's cultural fabric and its musical history. Born on July 8, 1936, in Berlin, Novak spent part of her childhood in Berlin before moving to Hvar during World War II. Her family later relocated to Zagreb, where she completed a graphic design program at the School of Applied Arts. Before dedicating herself fully to music, she worked as an animator at Zagreb Film Studio, contributing to animated films through vocal work. One of her earliest recorded songs was “Sretan put” from the 1958 film H-8. That same year, she made her debut as a singer in Ljubljana with the orchestra of Bojan Adamič, marking the beginning of a prolific career. Throughout her career, Novak performed regularly at major music festivals such as Zagrebfest, the Opatija Festival, Melodije Jadrana, and the Bled Jazz Festival. Her repertoire expanded across multiple genres, and her unique interpretation style and recognizable voice became hallmarks of her artistry. Over the years, she released numerous albums and singles, collaborating with many notable composers and musicians. Among her most famous songs were “Pamtim samo sretne dane,” “On me voli na svoj način,” “Vino i gitare,” and “Nada.” She received several awards, including multiple Porin Awards, with recognition spanning vocal performances, jazz and pop albums, and collaborations with other artists. In 2006, she was awarded the Porin Lifetime Achievement Award. Novak’s personal life was closely intertwined with her professional achievements. She met Arsen Dedić, a prominent composer and musician, in late 1950s Zagreb. According to Dedić, their relationship developed gradually, starting as friendship and evolving into a deep partnership. Prior to marrying Dedić, Novak had been married to composer Stipo Kalogjer, while Dedić had previously been married to Vesna, with whom he had a daughter named Sandra. The couple married in 1973 and had a son, Matija Dedić, who would become one of Croatia’s leading jazz pianists. Their professional collaboration was extensive, with their careers often overlapping throughout the decades. Despite being one of the most well-known couples in Croatian music, they maintained a private life, rarely speaking publicly about their personal matters. “Sometimes you discover things, but there were no secrets between us,” Novak once said about her relationship with Dedić. After his death in 2015, she continued performing and recording music, ensuring that their joint work remained a vital part of Croatian musical heritage. Her son, Matija Dedić, followed in her footsteps, building a successful career as a jazz pianist and composer. He collaborated frequently with his mother, continuing the musical legacy of their family. Matija passed away in June 2025, just months before his mother. The Novak-Dedić family’s influence extended beyond their individual accomplishments. Their son’s career as a jazz pianist and composer further enriched the family’s connection to music. Following Matija’s death, Novak lived for another two months, passing away on August 11, 2025, in Zagreb. Her death leaves behind a career spanning more than six decades, countless recordings, and enduring partnerships with musicians across generations. Her contributions to Croatian music remain indelible. From her early days as an animator to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in the country, Novak’s impact resonates through each generation of listeners. Her ability to blend different musical styles and her unwavering dedication to her craft have secured her place among the greats of Croatian entertainment and music. As her family and fans mourn, the echoes of her voice continue to be heard in the songs that defined an era.