Karel Gott

Karel Gott (14 July 1939 – 1 October 2019) was a Czech popular singer and songwriter. He was one of the most popular singers in Czechoslovakia and later the Czech Republic, with a career spanning over six decades. Gott was also a successful actor, having appeared in several films and television shows.

Early life and career

Gott was born in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, on 14 July 1939. He began singing at an early age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was performing in local clubs and restaurants. In 1960, he won a talent contest that led to a recording contract. His first single, "Augenblick", was released in 1962 and became a hit in Czechoslovakia. Gott's popularity quickly grew, and he soon became one of the most popular singers in the country.

International success

In the early 1960s, Gott began to perform in other countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He also began to sing in English, and in 1966, he released his first international hit single, "Lady Carneval". The song reached the top ten in several countries, including Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom.

Later career

Gott continued to be popular in Czechoslovakia and other countries throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He released several successful albums, including "In My Life" (1973), "Karel Gott" (1977), and "The Best of Karel Gott" (1985). In the 1990s, Gott's popularity began to decline, but he continued to perform and record albums.

Personal life

Gott was married four times. His first marriage was to Jana Brejchová, a Czech actress, from 1968 to 1976. His second marriage was to Ivana Macháčková, a Czech singer, from 1978 to 1991. His third marriage was to Darina Rolincová, a Czech model, from 2000 to 2006. His fourth and final marriage was to Ivana Gottová, a Czech businesswoman, from 2008 until his death in 2019. Gott had four children: Dominika Gottová, Lucie Gottová, Charlotte Ella Gottová, and Nelly Sofie Gottová.

Death

Gott died on 1 October 2019, at the age of 80, after a long battle with acute leukemia. He was buried in Prague's Vyšehrad Cemetery on 12 October 2019.

Legacy

Gott was one of the most popular singers in Czechoslovakia and later the Czech Republic. He released over 100 albums and sold over 30 million records. He was also a successful actor, having appeared in several films and television shows. Gott's music is still popular today, and he is considered to be one of the most iconic singers in Czech history.