The Enduring Legacy of Jana Petrů: A Forgotten Star of Czech Music
Most Czechs recognize the iconic duet “Den je krásný” (It’s a Elegant Day) from the legendary film musical Starci na chmelu (Old Men at the Hops). Sung by Karel Gott and Jana Petrů, the song embodies the carefree spirit of the 1960s. While Karel Gott remains a household name, Jana Petrů’s story has largely faded from public memory.
A Rising Star in the Golden Sixties
Born in Prague in 1938, Jana Petrů began her career in 1962 as a vocalist with the Julia Fučík Park Culture and Recreation Dance Orchestra, led by conductor Kamil Lochman. She quickly captivated audiences with her charming appearance and warm, versatile voice. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Petrů wasn’t limited to a single genre, excelling in pop, swing, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and folk music.
This versatility contributed to her widespread popularity. Fellow singer Josef Zíma recalled her excellent rhythm and experience for swing, stating she “insisted on singing swing – and she really sang it well.” Petrů performed with leading orchestras, including the Czechoslovak Radio Dance Orchestra, and those led by Karel Vlach, Karel Duba, and Ferdinand Havlík.
The early 1960s saw a surge of talented singers in Czechoslovakia, with artists like Eva Pilarová, Yvetta Simonová, and Hana Hegerová each finding their niche. Petrů distinguished herself by embracing a broad range of styles, while maintaining a private personal life, rarely granting interviews.
“Den je krásný” and Peak Popularity
In 1964, Jana Petrů shone in Starci na chmelu, the first Czechoslovak film musical. Although the actors Vladimír Pucholt and Ivana Pavlová appeared on screen, the vocals for the iconic duet “Den je krásný” were provided by Karel Gott and Jana Petrů. The song became a national hit, symbolizing the romanticism of the era.
Petrů’s success extended beyond the film. She had already recorded popular songs like “Páni rodičové” (Parents, Sirs) and “U nás v podkroví” (In Our Attic). Her repertoire also included bossa nova and twist tracks, such as “Sentimentální” (Sentimental), alongside folk and brass band music – a rare breadth for a singer of that time.
1964 marked the peak of Petrů’s career. She placed third in the Zlatý slavík (Golden Nightingale) music poll, surpassing established stars like Marta Kubišová, Helena Vondráčková, and Yvonne Přenosilová. She followed this success with a sixth-place finish in the 1965 Zlatý slavík awards, solidifying her position as a leading figure in Czech popular music. She frequently performed in duets with Milan Chladil, Josef Zíma, and Karel Hála.
A Sudden Turn and a Quiet Exit
The late 1960s brought tragedy to Jana Petrů’s life. In January 1969, her husband, jazz drummer Pavel Staněk, was found dead, having drowned in the Vltava River under unclear circumstances. This loss deeply affected Petrů, leading her to withdraw from public life.
The period also coincided with the onset of the “normalization” era in Czechoslovakia, following the 1968 Soviet invasion. Many artists faced political restrictions, and some were banned from television, and radio. While it was speculated that Petrů also faced political obstacles, the true reason for her withdrawal remains unclear.
By the early 1970s, Jana Petrů had disappeared from the music scene. Although her earlier recordings continued to be played on the radio, she made no new recordings or public appearances.
A Failed Comeback and a Tragic End
There were attempts to revive Petrů’s career in the 1980s, but they were unsuccessful. She reportedly struggled with personal issues and was briefly hospitalized. A potential comeback with Jiří Slavík’s orchestra fell through when she failed to appear for a tour.
Over time, Jana Petrů became a forgotten figure. In 1990, she tragically died in a fire at her apartment, at the age of 51. Her death received little public attention, and she was largely absent from obituaries.
It wasn’t until 2009, when publicist Ondřej Suchý investigated her story, that the details of her death came to light, revealed by her niece, Jana Bejdová. The circumstances were devastating: she perished in a fire, alone and largely forgotten.
FAQ
Q: What was Jana Petrů’s most famous song?
A: “Den je krásný” (It’s a Beautiful Day), a duet with Karel Gott from the film Starci na chmelu.
Q: What happened to Jana Petrů?
A: She tragically died in a fire at her apartment in 1990.
Q: Why did Jana Petrů stop singing?
A: The death of her husband in 1969 deeply affected her, and she withdrew from public life. The reasons for her complete disappearance from the music scene remain complex and debated.
Q: Was Jana Petrů banned from performing?
A: While speculation exists, there is no definitive evidence that she was officially banned from performing.
Did you know? Petra Janů, a successful singer who rose to prominence in the 1970s, adopted her stage name to avoid confusion with the original Jana Petrů.
Explore more about Czech music history here.
