Gabi Novak Biography
Childhood
Gabi Novak was born on July 8, 1936, in Berlin, Germany, to a Croatian father Đuro Novak from Hvar and a German mother Elizabeth Reiman. Her early childhood was marked by the turmoil of World War II. In 1939, her family moved from Germany to Zagreb amid rising tensions. Shortly after, she was sent to live with her grandparents on the island of Hvar. Tragically, in 1943 during the war, her father was taken to Vis and executed, leaving Gabi fatherless at the age of seven. After this loss, she and her mother faced difficult living conditions in Zagreb, compounded by social prejudice due to her mother’s German heritage. Despite these hardships, Gabi found solace in music, joining local cultural groups where she began developing her singing talent.
Career
Gabi Novak began her professional singing career in the late 1950s, quickly gaining recognition with her distinctive pop and jazz vocal style. She became one of the most popular and influential Croatian singers, especially during the 1960s. Her collaborations with leading composers and musicians helped her establish a rich discography of singles and albums. Over the years, she was honored with multiple prestigious Porin music awards, including Best Jazz Performance, Album of the Year, Best Female Vocal Performance, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. Her artistic partnership was also deeply enriched by her marriage to renowned singer-songwriter Arsen Dedić in 1973, who composed many songs she performed. Gabi’s career spanned several decades during which she became a symbol of quality music and emotional expression in Croatian culture.
Current Family Life
Gabi Novak was married twice, first to composer Stipica Kalogjera, and after their divorce, she married Arsen Dedić in 1973. Together they had a son, Matija Dedić, a noted jazz pianist who carried on the family’s musical legacy. Sadly, Matija passed away in June 2025, just months before Gabi passed away in August 2025 at the age of 89. Her husband Arsen died in 2015. Gabi Novak’s family life was closely intertwined with music and artistic collaboration, and her legacy is carried forward through her son and their contributions to the Croatian music scene.
Gabi Novak Summary
Gabi Novak was a Croatian singer born in Berlin whose life journey took her from a war-affected childhood through a successful music career to becoming one of Croatia’s most beloved vocalists. Known for her strong presence in pop and jazz, she left a lasting imprint on Croatian culture with numerous awards and hits. Her personal story, marked by early loss and resilience, was complemented by a lifelong dedication to music and a deep partnership with her husband Arsen Dedić. Novak’s artistry and legacy continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.