Remembering Eva Pilarová: A Czech Jazz and Pop Icon

Eva Pilarová, a celebrated Czech jazz and pop singer, passed away on March 14, 2020, at the age of 80. Her career spanned six decades, marked by numerous hits, collaborations with prominent Czech musicians and a distinctive three-and-a-half octave vocal range. A new theatrical production, “Eva!,” created by Petra Králová, aims to revive her legacy and introduce her music to a new generation.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Eva Bojanovská on August 9, 1939, in Brno, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Pilarová began singing in her childhood, initially focusing on classical music. She studied singing at the Janáček Academy of Arts in Brno, drawing inspiration from jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong [1]. In 1960, she joined the Semafor Theater in Prague, performing alongside Jiří Suchý and Jiří Šlitr [2]. She briefly performed at the Theater Rokoko in 1962 before returning to Semafor in 1964 [2]. She also made a minor appearance in the 1964 film, If a Thousand Clarinets [2].

A Prolific Recording Career and International Performances

Throughout her career, Pilarová achieved significant success with a wide range of recordings, including duets with Waldemar Matuška and Karel Gott [3]. Following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, she toured the United States, performing for Czech emigrant communities [4]. She continued to release albums and perform until her death [2].

“Eva!”: A Theatrical Tribute

Petra Králová’s production, “Eva!,” premiered in March 2020, shortly after Pilarová’s death. The show portrays Pilarová’s life and music, featuring a diverse repertoire spanning swing, pop, jazz, and blues. Králová, accompanied by her husband Radovan Král, performs all the music live, supported by pre-recorded accompaniment created by Adam Caha [2]. Král portrays significant figures from Pilarová’s life, including Karel Gott, Waldemar Matuška, and Louis Armstrong. Králová received permission from Pilarová’s husband, Jan Kolomazník, to create the production and has incorporated original dresses worn by Pilarová into the performance [4].

A Lasting Legacy

Eva Pilarová received four Golden Nightingale awards during her career and was known for her humble nature and positive outlook [2]. “Eva!” continues to tour, bringing her music and story to audiences across the Czech Republic, including a return engagement at the Semafor Theater in Prague on May 31st. The production aims to honor Pilarová’s contributions to Czech music and introduce her artistry to a new generation [4].