Jana Petrů: The Tragic Story of Karel Gott’s Forgotten Duet Partner

Everyone recognizes the iconic duet “The Day Is Beautiful” from the beloved Czech musical Old Men on Hops. This optimistic song, a symbol of the carefree 1960s, was famously sung by Karel Gott and Jana Petrů. While Karel Gott remains a household name, the story of Jana Petrů, his equally talented duet partner, has largely faded from public memory. Her life unfolded as a dramatic rise followed by a tragic fall, a story marked by both artistic success and personal heartbreak.

Star of the Golden Sixties

Jana Petrů was born on July 14, 1938, in Prague.¹ She began her career in 1962 as a lead singer with the Dance Orchestra of the Culture and Relaxation Park Julio Fučík, under the direction of Kamil Lochman. She quickly gained attention for her charming appearance and, most notably, her beautiful and versatile voice. Unlike many singers of the time, Petrů excelled in a wide range of genres, including pop, swing, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and folk songs.² Josef Zíma, a fellow singer, recalled her exceptional rhythm and swing, noting her insistence on performing swing music with skill.³

Petrů performed with leading orchestras, including the Dance Orchestra of the Czechoslovak Radio, and those led by Karel Vlach, Karel Duba, and Ferdinand Havlík. In the early 1960s, she emerged alongside other prominent female singers like Eva Pilarová, Yvetta Simonová, and Hana Hegerová, but distinguished herself by refusing to be confined to a single musical category. She maintained a private life, rarely giving interviews, yet enjoyed considerable public recognition.

The Iconic Duet from Old Men on Hops

In 1964, Jana Petrů achieved widespread fame with her performance in the first Czechoslovak film musical, Old Men on Hops. She lent her voice to the iconic duet “The Day Is Beautiful,” sung in the film by the characters Filip and Hanka, portrayed by Vladimír Pucholt and Ivana Pavlova.⁴ The song, composed by Jiří Bažant, Jiří Malásek, and Vlastimil Hála, with lyrics by Vratislav Blažek, became a massive hit and remains one of the most famous film songs in Czech history. It became a musical symbol of the optimistic era of the 1960s, solidifying Petrů and Gott’s status as romantic icons of the time.

The success of the film and the song propelled Petrů to the forefront of the Czech music scene. She had already recorded several successful songs, including “Dear Parents” and “In Our Attic.” Her repertoire as well included bossa novas, twists (“Sentimental”), folk songs, and brass band music, showcasing her versatility.

At the Peak of Popularity

1964 marked the pinnacle of Jana Petrů’s career. In the prestigious Zlatý slavík (Golden Nightingale) poll, she ranked third among female singers, surpassing stars like Marta Kubišová, Helena Vondráčková, Hana Hegerová, and Yvonne Přenosilová.⁵ Only Eva Pilarová and Yvetta Simonová achieved higher rankings. She remained in the top ten in 1965, finishing sixth. She frequently collaborated with popular singers like Milan Chladil and Josef Zíma, forming popular duets that captivated audiences.

Despite her busy schedule, Petrů maintained a modest and reserved demeanor. Colleagues described her as kind and introverted. It seemed she had a bright future ahead, comparable to that of Eva Pilarová or Helena Vondráčková. However, fate intervened tragically.

A Fatal Turning Point

In January 1969, a devastating tragedy struck Petrů’s personal life: her husband, jazz drummer Pavel Staněk, was found drowned in the Vltava River under unclear circumstances.⁶ The loss deeply affected Petrů, and she withdrew from public life. Some speculated that she was also sidelined due to political reasons following the 1968 Prague Spring, but evidence suggests this was not the case.⁵ It is believed that her withdrawal was primarily due to grief and depression.

A Futile Attempt to Return and a Tragic End

Petrů largely disappeared from the music scene in the 1970s, though her earlier recordings continued to be broadcast. She reportedly struggled with personal issues, including alcohol dependence.⁷ In the 1980s, she briefly attempted a comeback, rehearsing with Jiří Slavík’s orchestra, but was unable to continue due to her unstable condition.

Jana Petrů died on May 6, 1990, at the age of 51, in a fire at her apartment.⁸ Her death went largely unnoticed by the public.