Karel Zich was born in
Prague,
Czechoslovakia, into a musical family. His grandfather was
Otakar Zich, composer and professor of music aesthetics, and his uncle was the composer Jaroslav Zich. Karel attended the
Prague State Conservatory (
Státní konzervatoř Praha) for three years and later graduated from
Charles University in sociology. Between 1964 and 1965 he performed with the band
Framus as a singer. In 1968 Zich joined
Spirituál kvintet and stayed with them until 1973. After his successes in the Czech pop scene with various bands, Zich decided to start his solo career. In 1974 he left
Spirituál kvintet and in 1976 released his first album,
Dům č.5 (House No. 5). Although he sang his own songs, he also worked with famous composers
Karel Svoboda, Petr Janda, and others. In 1975 Zich reached the top of his career by winning 4th place in
Zlatý Slavík. In 1979 he founded the band
Flop and recorded 50 singles and 15 albums, one with the legendary
Wanda Jackson. During his career Zich sold over one million discs and performed at thousands of concerts in most European countries, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile and elsewhere. His most famous songs are
Paráda (Awesome) and
Měla na očích brýle. Twice took 2nd place in the country's top music festival and song contest,
Bratislavská lýra, in 1977 and 1983. In his last years he often performed guitar solos and sometimes performed with his band. In 1992 he joined
Spirituál kvintet again. == Death ==