Petr Novák: Czech Romantic of the Rock Era
In this edition of our Sunday Music show, we explore Petr Novák, the Czech Romantic of the Rock Era. Petr Novák (1945–1997) was one of the most distinctive voices of Czech popular music in the 1960s and 1970s. Although his name is not widely known beyond the country’s borders, he remains an icon in Czechia; his songs still play on the radio and resonate with new generations of listeners.
At a time when rock ’n’ roll ruled the world, a local version called bigbeat was emerging in then Czechoslovakia. Petr Novák was one of its most prominent representatives. In 1963, he founded the band George & Beatovens, with whom he recorded his first hit, Já budu chodit po špičkách (“I Will Walk on Tiptoes”). This song instantly became popular and launched his stellar career.
Voice of the Romantics
Novák’s characteristic higher-pitched voice and deeply emotional, often romantic lyrics earned him huge popularity. His regular lyricist was Ivo Plicka, with whom he created a number of unforgettable songs, such as Povídej (“Tell Me”), Náhrobní kámen (“Tombstone”), Klaunova zpověď (“Clown’s Confession”), and Hvězdičko blýskavá (“Shiny Little Star”). His songs were not only musically powerful but also emotionally relatable; he sang about love, disappointment, dreams, and everyday worries.
In a 1970 interview, he said: “I have the same problems as they do, I had troubles at school, I fell in love unhappily, I have insecurities about how I look… I live on the same planet and in the same country as they do.”
More Than Just a Musical Tribute
On the occasion of what would have been Petr Novák’s 80th birthday, a street named after him, one of the shortest in Czechia, will be officially unveiled. To mark the anniversary, a special 2LP compilation Povídej / Greatest Hits of the ’60s is being released, featuring 24 tracks from Novák’s golden era.
Most Famous Songs
- Já budu chodit po špičkách: His first big hit that catapulted him into the public eye
- Náhrobní kámen: Winner of the 1967 Zlatý slavík (Golden Nightingale) poll, a deeply emotional track
- Povídej: One of the most romantic lyrics, collaboration with Ivo Plicka
- Klaunova zpověď: A melancholic song about sadness behind the mask
- Hvězdičko blýskavá: A poetic track that captivated even younger generations
- Pokoj č. 26: An intimate story featuring Novák’s signature voice
- Dětský oči: Nostalgic and sensitive song about innocence
- Bezhlavý rytíř: Music composed by Petr Janda, lyrics by Ivo Plicka
- Toreador se nesmí bát: A dynamic song with a catchy chorus
- Takovej je svět: A reflective view on life, typical of Novák’s later work
