Snežana Đurišić Biography: (born June 6, 1959 in Gornji Milanovac, Serbia) is a long-lived Serbian folk singer who is often called the ‘queen of folk music’ because of her influence on the genre. She started her career as a child – she recorded her first record when she was only 9 years old (1969). Since then, she has released over 40 sound carriers (singles, albums and compilations) and won numerous awards at festivals. Her opus includes hits like ‘Where are you from, Sele’, ‘Tell me, talk’, ‘Small room three with three’, ‘Rain’ and many other popular songs. Đurišić is known for her energetic performances and performances in front of audiences of all generations – at concerts she filled halls such as the House of Trade Unions and the Sava Center, where in 2015 she marked more than 40 years of her career with a big solo concert.
Snežana Đurišić during the concert (2018). She was a member of the jury at the popular show Grand stars.
Early life and beginnings of career
Snežana grew up in Kraljevo, and her musical career took her to Belgrade in the early 1970s. Even as a ten-year-old girl, she won the amateur singing competition ‘Studio 6 gives you a chance’, after which she recorded the first single ‘Baki i Deki / Mami i Tati’. She was soon invited by the then president of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito, to perform at the celebration of his birthday, which enabled her family to move to Belgrade and continue their education at the Music School. In the decades that followed, Snežana recorded 16 single records and 23 albums, and recorded duets with numerous colleagues (eg. Halid Bešlić, Šaban Šaulić, Jašar Ahmedovski, etc.). She has also performed in films and series ‘Camiondžija’ and at many festivals throughout the former Yugoslavia, often winning awards.
- Popular songs: In addition to the above hits, songs brought her great popularity ‘My names’, ‘Droe’, ‘He won’t heart’ and ‘If it were how we were’.
- Key career events: The first record in childhood (1969), big festival awards in the 70s and 80s, the title of ‘Queen of Folk Music’, completed concerts in the Sava Center (2019 marked 50 years of career), and a number of new releases of albums and singles to date.
- Significant recognition: During her long career, she won a number of music awards, and as a highlight in 2023, she received the prestigious ‘The Oscar of Popularity’ for life’s work in folk music.
role in media and music competitions
In addition to her singing career, Snežana is also recognized as a television star. She was a member of the expert jury in the show Grand stars (Grand Production) from 2013 to 2015, and then she became the music editor and member of the production jury of that project. In this way, she became an important figure in discovering new musical talents. regularly participates in concerts and events dedicated to famous vocal soloists; In 2024, she performed in Belgrade at a concert ‘Stars among the stars’, dedicated to the memory of Usni Redžepovo and Predrag Tozovac.
- Participation in TV projects: The jury in Zvezda Granda, guest appearances in music shows, interviews and live performances in the region.
- Media presence: Frequent news about awards, concerts and private life (eg individual tabloids publish stories about the singer’s family or health).
private life and family
Snežana was married for many years to Slobodan Gvozdenović (1977–2013). They had two children – a daughter May and son Brand. Maja Đurišić graduated from two high schools, got married and moved to the United States of America, where she lives today with her family. Snežana often points out that she is proud of Maja and regrets that she did not transfer her talent to professional music. She had a less happy relationship with her son Marko: he caused a traffic accident in 2001 in which his girlfriend died, for which he later served a prison sentence. After that, Marko had a few more problems (alcohol, violence), to which Snežana reacted with various decisions (she sold the house, focused on her career). Despite this, she saw both as children that God gave her, and is an exemplary mother, which she often emphasized in interviews.
Family facts:
- husband: Slobodan Gvozdenović, guitarist (1977–2013, passed away).
- Daughter Maja Đurišić: A citizen of the USA, has two faculties, works as an entrepreneur (owner of a beauty salon in New Jersey).
- Son of Marko Đurišić: He was married (he has two children), but he had legal problems (in 2001, a fatal accident was committed while driving in a drunken state). Snežana continues to support him despite the difficulties.
Difficult times and other occupations
The singer’s personal life was also marked by tragic events. In 2013, her husband Slobodan died suddenly during a tour in Vienna. That loss hit Snežana hard and led to a long-term depression. As she told herself, she was so affected that she avoided people, she even avoided spending time with the children. After a year of struggle, thanks to the support of priests and friends, she managed to slowly get out of the dark period – without drugs, through conversation and prayer. In 2017, Snežana began to come out emotionally with doc. Vanjo Milošević, who gave her new love and stability (even though they didn’t get married).
In one period of her life, Snežana briefly ended her career. She lived in America, where she opened a boutique and dealt with real estate to ‘kill time’ a bit. Then she stated that ‘I didn’t want to sing at all costs’, but she still found the most happiness in returning to the microphone. After returning to Serbia, she continued to record and perform regularly.
heritage and influence
Đurišić left a strong mark in the folk music of the Balkans. For more than half a century, she has built a rich discography and reputation. Critics consider her one of the best interpreters of traditional music, and the audience adores her songs and touching interpretations of love lyrics. In addition to creating timeless hits, she also left an example of dedication to art despite life’s difficulties.
Interesting and acknowledgments: During her career, she filled the legendary halls (Home of the Union, Sava Center), and received prestigious awards for her entire work – among them the aforementioned ‘The Oscar of Popularity’ for lifetime achievement (2023). She is a member of entertainment shows that promote the domestic scene. Its fame exceeds Serbia’s borders – it is also popular in neighboring countries of the region.
Conclusion
Today, Snežana Đurišić is known as one of the most experienced and respected performers of folk music. With her warmth and power of interpretation, she won the hearts of the audience in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Regardless of all life’s challenges, she remained committed to music and an example of how life’s tragedies can be overcome with courage and faith. For the latest news about her work and concerts, follow official sources and media – and be sure to listen to some of her timeless hits that still fill the halls today.
Sources: Information was collected from verified sources (interviews, biographical articles and media portals) such as Biography.net, Wikipedia, Pulsonline, Blic, Kurir and other relevant sources.
Cover photo: The most beautiful folk songs – official channel, CC BY 3.0, Via Wikimedia Commons
