- Birth and family – Mišo Kovač was born July 16, 1941. in Šibenik During the Italian occupation of Dalmatia in the Second World War, as the second child of Zrinka and Jakov Kovač. His mother is from the island Vrgade, and the father from the Šibenik district Škopinac. He grew up with his brother Ratka and sister Blanka.
- Childhood and first interests – As a boy, he coached football and defended for the junior team HNK Šibenikdreaming of a career in Hajduk Split. Listening to the Šibenik singer Ljube Lučev It encouraged him to devote himself to music instead of sports. He adored Italian and American performers like Luciana Tajolija, Adriana Celentana and Johnnie Ray.
- Schooling and first performances He graduated from the Industrial High School and learned the trade upholstery. years 1961. at the competition “First Voice of Šibenik” He shared the award for the best singer. He served his military service in Belgrade, where he sang and entertained conscripts on Saturdays. After serving in the army, he moved to Zagreb, performed for students and sang around the student center and cafe.
Beginnings of career
- Talent Show and First Contract – At the talent show in Karlovac, he sang “i can’t stop loving you” Ray Charles and attracted the attention of music producers. In autumn 1964. He performed with the Alfonso Vučer ensemble in Zagreb’s City Cafe. after the approval of the editor Pere Gotovac He signed a contract with Jugoton and recorded his first record – a rendition of the song “I Can’t Stop Loving You” called “I can’t stop I love you”.
- Early successes – The record was a success, so in 1965 he performed at the festival melodies Adriatic in Split. The following records, including the covers “I’m leaving”, “Crying Time”, “San Francisco” and “If My Day Is Longer”, were sold in silver editions (about 50 000 copies) ).
- The first big hit – Song “You won’t come back anymore”, winning at the Sarajevo Festival your slager season 1969., established him as a star. The single has been sold in more than 180 000 copies, and Mišo sold five records that year in total 252 905 copy, which made him the best-selling singer of Jugoton.
- Cooperation with Đorđe Novković – Cooperation with a young composer Đorđe Novković It lasted until his death in 2007 and marked almost Miša’s entire oeuvre. at the Split Festival 1971. with a song “Plakat” will dawn” He has won five awards, and the single has been sold in more than 300 000 copies. After he was seriously injured in a traffic accident near Zadar in the same year, the scar above his lip encouraged him to grow a mustache that later became his trademark.
The peak of popularity
- seventies and eighties – Years 1972. He attended the concert Elvis Presley in New York’s Madison Square Garden. He recorded an album of klapa songs “Oj ti soul soul my”and hits like “Others untangle her hair, and I love her” They became evergreens.
- Greatest hits – Song “remained si always ist” from 1975 is considered one of the most important in his career, and in 1977 he won the Split Festival with a song “Tonight we will tell the earth as the mother”. Album “Dalmatia in my eye” (1982) brought the hits “Dalmacija u mojo oku” and “Šiben kale”.
- fertile period – During the 1980s, he recorded numerous hits, including “If you leave”, “One day life” (a cover of the Mexican song “Un Día de Vida”), “Tomorrow mi judgment”, “You si song my soul”, “Everyone sings, I don’t hear” and many others. It was declared five times singer of the year, A 1989. and person year in the former Yugoslavia.
Personal tragedies and withdrawal from the scene
- patriotic songs and loss of son – In September 1991. He joined the project Croatian band aid and recorded a patriotic song “My home country”. years 1992. his 16-year-old son EDI, a member of the special unit of the Croatian Army, died under unexplained circumstances. After Edi’s death, he held a concert “Night of Candles” In front of 50,000 people at the Poljud stadium and announced his retreat, but he did a series of farewell concerts.
- Depression and attempted suicide – During the 1990s, he lost his mother and brother and struggled with depression and alcoholism. In January 1999. He tried to take his life by shooting himself in the chest, but he survived and recovered.
Back to the scene and later career
- New albums and hits – After his recovery, he held a big concert in Zagreb’s Dom sports and continued recording albums. Album “Be a man of good will” (1999) recorded thanks to his daughter Ivana, and in 2000 he won the Split Festival with a song “I’m returning ti se Dalmacija mati”; In the same year, a hit “Dalmatia”. Album “Peace to the Heart” (2004) brought him a silver award, and compilations “Sing, legend” (1999) and “Favorite songs Miše Kovača” (2003) received platinum awards.
- big concerts – Years 2009. He became the first Croatian singer to fill up Arena Zagreb, performing in front of 20,000 fans. The last studio album “I’m not looking for the truth” He published 2010., but he continued to concert. in June 2022. He held a big concert “Only heaven can tear us apart” at the Stari plac stadium in Split, attracting audiences from all over the world. After that event, he canceled performances due to health problems.
- health and withdrawal – Daughter Ivana Kovac In May 2025. She stated that Mišo was at home in Podstrani, that he feels good and “not that”, emphasizing that he enjoys the well-deserved peace. She added that she rarely appears in public and that she does not like media attention.
Performances in film and television
- Mišo Kovač also tried his hand as an actor: 1972. He acted with Rado Šerbedžija in the film “Afternoon one phasal”. He rarely performs on television; His appearance on the show “Sunday at Two” July 16, 2006 is one of the most watched editions of that show. in June 2012. He appeared in a charity show “Mission Together” and collected donations for children, performing eight live songs.
political engagement
- Mišo Kovač is known for refusing to sing for the president of Yugoslavia Josipa Broza Tita. Income from sales of a board “Plakat” will dawn” and concert tours in 1971 donated for construction Zagreb-Split highways. Although he criticized the first multi-party election in 1990, HDZ, later performed at their rallies because his son Edi was a member of the party. In 2009, he sang in the election campaign of an independent candidate Željka Keruma in Split.
private life
- marriages and children – Mišo got married three times. first marriage with Ljubica comadin It lasted four years. The second marriage concluded 1973. with a woman from Split Anita Baturin, former Miss Yugoslavia; They had a son Edija (1975) and daughter Ivan (1977). The marriage ended after his son’s death. In the 1990s, he was briefly in a relationship with Silvija Conte Calvi Marković. years 1998. he met Lidija Pintarić, whom he married and who, according to him, was a key support during his recovery.
- Family today – Today he lives in Podstrani near Split, and daughter Ivan and granddaughter Elena (born in 2017) They visit him often. Despite personal tragedies, Kovač emphasizes the importance of the family in his life.
Social networks and public presence
- Mišo Kovač There is no official profile on social networks. News about his health and family events is most often conveyed by his daughter Ivana through media appearances. Although he retired from the public, his music still lives through radio programs, klapa covers and performances by younger performers.
current and film in preparation
- In May 2025. It was announced that it was being prepared feature-length biographical film About Misha Kovac. Working title project “Mice” developed by the producer Vanja Sremac (Somi productions), they write the script Milana Vlaović Kovaček and Pjer spoilerand directs the direction Vinko Brešan. The film develops in collaboration with Miša, his family and long-term collaborators, and his goal is to show the life and musical chronicle of singers. Brešan pointed out that he feels the privilege and great responsibility to bring Miša’s story to the big screen. FilmNewEurope.com confirmed in July 2025 that the project was created in cooperation with the Kovač family.
Public perception and heritage
- Mišo Kovač remains the best seller entertainment music in Croatia and the former Yugoslavia, with more than 20 million sound carriers sold. His songs such as “Ako me odaš”, “Ostala si veli ista”, “My little life with you”, “Zora will cry”, “Dalmatia in my eye” and many others have become evergreens of Croatian music.
- cultural symbol – Kovač is an icon of Dalmatian culture and fan group Torcida; song “Kiss the Earth” It became the unofficial anthem of the Croatian water polo national team. His image in a navy shirt, with sunglasses and mustaches, has become a trademark and is used on souvenirs and t-shirts.
- prizes – He has won numerous awards, including Porin for lifetime achievement in 2012, which was handed to him with a standing ovation from the audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old is Mišo Kovač?
He was born 16. July 1941. in Šibenik. At the time of writing (January 2026) there is 84 years; He will celebrate his 85th birthday on July 16, 2026.
Who are Miša Kovač’s wives and children?
His wives are Ljubica comadina (first marriage), Anita Baturina (second marriage, married in 1973, children EDI and Ivan) and Lidija Pintarić (third marriage since 2002). Son EDI He died in 1992, and a daughter Ivan Today she is a singer and mother of Misha’s granddaughter Elena.
What are Miša Kovač’s biggest hits?
The most famous songs include “You won’t come back anymore”, “Dawn will cry”, “You’re always the same”, “If you leave me”, “Kiss the Earth”, “Dalmatia in my eye”, “Everyone sings, I don’t hear”, “Dalmatia” and others.
What happened to his son Edi?
Edi Kovac died in April 1992. as a member of the special unit of the Croatian Army. The circumstances of the death were never fully clarified, and the tragedy deeply marked the singer’s life.
When was the last time he performed?
He held a big concert in June 2022. at the Stari plac stadium in Split. After that, due to health problems, he canceled performances, and according to the statements of his daughter Ivana 2025. enjoys peace at home.
Is there a movie about Misha Kovac?
Yes. In May 2025. It has been published that a biographical film is being developed “Mice” directed Vinka Brešana, with the script Milane Vlaović Kovaček and Pjera spools. The film is made in collaboration with Miša and his family, and his goal is to tell the story of his life and music.
What is the height and net worth of Miša Kovač?
information about its height and property are not publicly available. As with most musicians of the older generation, detailed information on finances and physical characteristics has not been published.
Does Mišo Kovač have profiles on social networks?
There is no official profile. News about his health and family activities is mostly transmitted by his daughter Ivan through media interviews.
Conclusion
Mišo Kovač is a symbol of Croatian pop music. His charisma, emotional songs and recognizable image left an indelible mark on cultural history. Despite personal tragedies, he returned to the stage and continued to inspire the audience. The preparation of a biographical film shows how relevant his legacy is even today, while millions of records sold testify to the timeless appeal of his songs. For the latest news about the legendary Dalmatian icon, family announcements and official channels of music institutions should be followed.