Famous Croatian Musicians

Stjepan Hauser, professionally known as HAUSER, is a Croatian cellist renowned for his exceptional talent and captivating performances. He gained fame as part of the dynamic cello duo, 2CELLOS, alongside Luka Šulić, before embarking on a successful solo career. Hauser's masterful interpretations and passionate playing style have garnered him a large and dedicated following worldwide. With his virtuosity and innovative approach to classical music, he continues to mesmerize audiences with his solo performances, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Luka Šulić is a renowned Croatian-Slovenian cellist known for his exceptional talent and musical prowess. He gained widespread recognition as one half of the dynamic cello duo, 2CELLOS, alongside Stjepan Hauser. Through his captivating performances and innovative musical arrangements, Šulić has captivated audiences worldwide and garnered a dedicated fan base. His professional journey has been marked by numerous successful collaborations, performances at prestigious venues, and a significant impact on the classical crossover music scene.

Artur Rodziński was a prominent Polish-American conductor known for his work with orchestras and opera. He began his career in Poland after World War I and was discovered by Leopold Stokowski, leading to various prestigious appointments including music director positions with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He also prepared the NBC Symphony Orchestra for Arturo Toscanini. Despite a dispute in Chicago leading to his dismissal, Rodziński continued his career in Europe and made a professional return to the US before his passing.

Ivan von Zajc was a prominent Croatian composer, conductor, director, and teacher known for his significant influence on Croatia's musical culture. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he spearheaded artistic and institutional reforms that revitalized and refined the country's musical landscape. His efforts paved the way for notable Croatian musical achievements in the 20th century. Zajc earned the nickname "the Croatian Verdi" due to his impactful contributions to the development and advancement of music in Croatia.

Boris Papandopulo was a prominent Croatian composer and conductor known for his significant contributions to music in the 20th century. His versatile career included work as a music writer, journalist, reviewer, pianist, and piano accompanist, but he excelled primarily as a composer. With a prolific output of around 460 works, Papandopulo created instrumental, vocal, stage, and film music, leaving behind a legacy of masterpiece compositions across various genres that are highly regarded for their artistic value.

Marina Perazić is a singer of pop music from Rijeka. She led the wave of electronic music in the 1980s both as a solo artist and as part of the duo Denis & Denis. She was a prominent figure in the pop music scene of the former Yugoslavia, known for her charismatic stage presence and as a symbol of sex appeal. Marina Perazić's professional life was marked by her innovative approach to music and her influence on the electronic music genre during that era.

Miroslav Škoro is a Croatian politician, musician, TV host, and former diplomat. He founded and was the first president of the conservative Homeland Movement party. Škoro served as a member of the Croatian Parliament for the Croatian Democratic Union party. In 2019, he ran as an independent candidate in the presidential election, finishing third. In 2020, he formed the Miroslav Škoro Homeland Movement party, which contested the parliamentary election. Škoro also campaigned for mayor of Zagreb in the 2021 local elections.

Krunoslav "Kićo" Slabinac was a Croatian pop singer known for his fusion of contemporary pop music with traditional folk influences from the Slavonia region of Croatia. Starting off in rock'n'roll bands in the 1960s, he later pursued a successful solo career in Zagreb. Notable achievements include winning the first prize at the Opatija Festival in 1970 and representing Yugoslavia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971. Despite facing legal troubles and spending time abroad in the 1970s, Slabinac maintained his presence in both pop and folk music scenes. His song "Zbog jedne divne crne žene" was a significant hit, and his track "Letaj mi" became an enduring favorite in Macedonia.

Arsenije "Arsen" Dedić was a prominent Croatian singer-songwriter known for his contributions to chansons and film music. He gained recognition as an award-winning poet, becoming one of the top-selling poets in former Yugoslavia and Croatia. Throughout his career, Dedić showcased his talents through his writing and performances, leaving a lasting impact on the music and literary scenes. His versatile skills in music, poetry, and songwriting solidified his reputation as a multifaceted artist with a unique creative vision.

Dino Dvornik was a versatile Croatian artist known for his contributions to music, acting, and reality television. He earned the title of "the Croatian king of funk" for his unique style and talent. As a singer-songwriter, Dvornik created a distinct sound that blended elements of funk, pop, and soul. He also made a mark in the industry as a music producer, showcasing his skills behind the scenes. Additionally, his foray into acting and reality television further highlighted his diverse talents and charisma.

Ivo Pogorelić overcame health challenges to become a renowned Croatian musician, graduating from the Moscow Conservatory and winning prestigious competitions in Italy and Canada. His marriage to his piano teacher highlighted his dedication to music. Pogorelić's talent and contributions to the arts were recognized when he became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNESCO, alongside actor Forest Whitaker. Through his exceptional piano skills and international recognition, Pogorelić made a lasting impact on the world of classical music.

Doris Dragović is a prominent Croatian singer known for representing Yugoslavia in the Eurovision Song Contest 1986 and Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest 1999. She gained international recognition for her performances in these competitions, finishing 11th and 4th respectively. Doris has built a successful career in the music industry, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and emotive performances. Her contributions to the Eurovision Song Contest have solidified her reputation as a talented and respected artist in Croatia and beyond.

Vatroslav Lisinski was a Croatian composer known for his significant contributions to Croatian music. He composed the first Croatian opera, Love and Malice, and Porin, along with various works for orchestra, choir, and soloists. Lisinski played a key role in the Illyrian movement, advocating for the preservation of Croatian and South Slavic cultural heritage. His legacy is honored through the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall in Zagreb, and the international train EN 498/499 connecting Zagreb and Munich is named after him. Lisinski passed away in 1854 and was laid to rest at the Mirogoj Cemetery.

Đorđe Novković was a renowned Croatian songwriter known for his prolific and successful career in the music industry. He composed over 2,500 songs that resonated with audiences in Yugoslavia and Croatia. Novković's talent and dedication led to the sale of approximately 20 million records, solidifying his reputation as a prolific and influential figure in the music scene. His contributions to the industry have left a lasting impact, and his legacy continues to inspire aspiring musicians and songwriters.

Marko Perković is a Croatian musician known for being the lead singer of the band Thompson since 1991. He gained recognition for his involvement in the Croatian War of Independence and his nationalist song "Bojna Čavoglave". Perković embarked on his first major tour in 2002 after releasing the album "E, moj narode". He has been organizing an unofficial celebration of Victory Day in his birthplace since 2005. Throughout his career, he has faced media scrutiny for controversial performances and songs related to the World War II-era Croatian fascist Ustaše dictatorship.

Sandy Marton is a renowned Croatian singer, songwriter, and musician known for his captivating performances and hit songs. With a successful career spanning years, he has gained widespread recognition for tracks like "People from Ibiza," "Exotic and Erotic," and "Camel by Camel." Marton's distinctive voice and musical style have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the music industry. Through his talent and creativity, he continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, leaving a lasting impact on the music scene.

Darko Rundek is a versatile Croatian artist known for his contributions as a rock singer, songwriter, poet, and actor. His music career took off in the early 1980s when he fronted the world music-influenced rock band Haustor. Following the onset of the Yugoslav wars in 1991, he relocated to France where he collaborated with musicians from around the globe. Rundek has released eight albums showcasing his diverse musical influences, including works such as "Apokalipso" and "Mostovi," solidifying his reputation as a globally-inspired and prolific musician.

Jasenko Houra is a Yugoslav and Croatian rock and new wave musician, singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He is best known as the founder and frontman of the band Prljavo kazalište, where he serves as the guitarist and main songwriter. Houra established the band in Zagreb in 1977, creating a rebellious sound heavily influenced by punk rock. He also took on vocal duties for their album "Heroj ulice," which featured the hit song of the same name. Throughout his career, Houra has received several prestigious music awards.

Tajči, born Matejaš, is a versatile professional known for her work as a Croatian singer, television show host, published author, and blogger. With a successful career spanning various entertainment fields, she has captivated audiences with her musical talents, engaging presence on television, insightful writings as an author, and engaging content as a blogger. Having transitioned her career to the United States, Tajči continues to make a mark in the industry with her diverse skill set and creative endeavors.

Boris Novković is a renowned Croatian singer-songwriter with a career spanning over three decades. He emerged onto the music scene in the 1980s and has since established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. Novković is known for his soulful vocals and poignant lyrics, which have resonated with audiences across generations. He has released numerous albums, singles, and collaborations, showcasing his versatility and musical prowess. Novković continues to captivate fans with his heartfelt performances and enduring contributions to Croatian music.

Saša Antić is a prominent Croatian rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer known for his significant contributions to the music industry. As the founding member, primary lyricist, and vocalist of The Beat Fleet, he has garnered a cult following for his groundbreaking work. Additionally, Antić has achieved success as a solo artist, showcasing his versatile talents and musical prowess. With a career marked by innovation and creativity, he continues to captivate audiences with his unique sound and compelling lyrical content.

Nina Badrić is a prominent Croatian pop singer and songwriter known for her captivating performances since the early 1990s. She has participated multiple times in "Dora," the Croatian selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, achieving notable rankings including a second-place finish in 2003. Badrić represented Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with the song "Nebo," showcasing her talent on an international stage. Her professional journey is characterized by a strong musical presence and contributions to the Croatian music industry.

Petar Grašo is a renowned Croatian pop singer and songwriter with a successful career spanning several years. He has released three studio albums and collaborated with notable artists such as Tonči Huljić & Madre Badessa Band on the album Ka Hashish. Grašo has gained popularity across multiple countries including Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia, and North Macedonia. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and accolades for his exceptional contribution to the music industry, solidifying his position as a respected figure in the music scene.

Zlatan Stipišić, known as Gibonni, is a renowned Croatian singer-songwriter and composer. He has achieved significant success and recognition in the music industry, earning a remarkable 43 Porin music awards for his exceptional albums and songs. Gibonni's early solo works, such as "Činim pravu stvar" and "Divji cvit," are widely regarded as some of the most emotional Croatian-language songs ever produced. His professional career is marked by a strong commitment to creating impactful and meaningful music that resonates with audiences.