Editing Đorđe Balašević

{{short description|Serbian songwriter (1953–2021)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name               = Đorđe Balašević
| native_name        = Ђорђе Балашевић
| image              = Djordje Balasevic DSC8494.jpg
| caption            = Balašević in 2010
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1953|5|11|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Novi Sad]], [[Socialist Republic of Serbia|PR Serbia]], [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]]
| death_date         = {{death date and age|2021|2|19|1953|5|11|df=y}}
| death_place        = Novi Sad, Serbia
| occupation         = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter}}
| years_active       = 1977–2021
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed           = yes
| genre           = {{hlist|[[Chanson]]|[[country music|country]]|[[folk rock]]|pop|[[soft rock]]}}
| instrument      = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar}}
| label           = {{hlist|[[ZKP RTLJ]]|[[Jugoton]]|[[Aquarius Records (Croatia)|Aquarius Records]]|[[PGP-RTB]]|[[Diskoton]]|UFA Media|[[Hi-Fi Centar]]|Salayka}}
| past_member_of = {{hlist|Žetva|[[Rani Mraz]]|[[Apsolutno Romantično]]}}
| website         = {{URL|balasevic.com}}
}}
}}

'''Đorđe Balašević''' ({{lang-sr-Cyrl|Ђорђе Балашевић}}; 11 May 1953 – 19 February 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 February 2021|title=Đorđe Balašević died|url=https://rs.n1info.com/showbiz/preminuo-djordje-balasevic/|url-status=live|access-date=19 February 2021|website=N1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219161425/https://rs.n1info.com/showbiz/preminuo-djordje-balasevic/ |archive-date=19 February 2021 }}</ref> was a Serbian singer and songwriter, writer, poet and director. He began his career in the late 1970s as a member of the band [[Rani Mraz]], transitioning after two albums to a solo career. He first gained mainstream prominence for writing [[Rani Mraz]]'s hit "Računajte na nas" (Count on Us), which was often described as an anthem of a generation. Noted for his vivid lyricism and poetry, Balašević was also known for weaving political commentary into his songs and live performance.

Broadly supportive of [[Yugoslavism|South Slavic unity]] in late 1970s and early 1980s, in the lead up to the [[Yugoslav wars]] he began to criticise the authorities. During the Yugoslav wars, he became a prominent anti-war voice in the region, thanks to which he also became an [[UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador]]. Balašević was the first Serbian act to perform in [[Sarajevo]] following the [[siege of Sarajevo]]. Balašević became one of the most prominent critics of [[Slobodan Milošević]]'s regime, at considerable personal risk.<ref name="router-crowds">{{cite news |title=Crowds across ex-Yugoslavia republics mourn singer's death |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-serbia-singer-idUSKBN2AK0QY |access-date=6 March 2021 |work=Reuters |agency=Reuters |date=20 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Balašević was a prolific singer and writer, he recorded 14 albums and wrote 8 books during his career and has been characterised by media and commentators as "musical legend" and author of many "evergreen hits".<ref>{{cite news |title=Legendary Serbian Singer Djordje Balasevic Dies Of Coronavirus |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/legendary-serbian-singer-balasevic-dies-of-coronavirus/31112078.html |newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=23 February 2021 |access-date=6 March 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sahranjen Đorđe Balašević – Panonski mornar koji je "pesmom spasavao svet" |url=https://www.bbc.com/serbian/lat/srbija-56132680 |access-date=6 March 2021 |work=BBC News na srpskom |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC |ref=bbc |language=sr-latn}}</ref>

== Early biography ==
Balašević was born to a [[Serbs|Serbian]] father Jovan, and mother Veronika Dolenec, half [[Hungarians|Hungarian]] and a half [[Croat]]ian from [[Rasinja]] near [[Koprivnica]], Croatia. He had a sister Jasna. His grandfather's surname was Balaš but during the [[World War II]] his grandfather changed it to Balašević in fear of being [[Magyarization|Magyarized]].<ref name="biografija1">{{Cite web|date=1 June 2016|title=Đorđe Balašević Biografija|url=https://www.biografija.org/muzika/djordje-balasevic/|access-date=19 February 2021|website=Biografija.org|language=sr-cyrl}}</ref>

The younger Balašević grew up in Jovan Cvijić street in [[Novi Sad]], in the same house where he lived until his death. He started writing poetry in primary school. He left [[High school (upper secondary)|high school]] in the third year but managed to get a high school diploma as a correspondence student and passed the preliminary exam for the university study of geography. He never graduated from the university but instead, he decided to pursue a music career, and in 1977 he joined the band Žetva.<ref name="biografija1"/>

== Musical career ==
=== Early career: Žetva and Rani Mraz ===
After Balašević joined the group, Žetva recorded a humorous [[Tango (dance)|tango]]-oriented hit single "U razdeljak te ljubim" (I Lay a Kiss on Your Parting),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C5%BDetva-U-Razdeljak-Te-Ljubim/release/1430313|title=Žetva – U Razdeljak Te Ljubim|website=Discogs|year=1977 }}</ref> which was sold in more than 180,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kurir.rs/zabava/pop-kultura/3628319/u-razdeljak-te-ljubim-djordju-balasevicu-ova-pesma-nije-bila-draga-a-upravo-ona-ga-proslavila-na-pocetku-karijere|title=U Razdeljak Te Ljubim: Đorđu Balaševiću ova pesma nije bila draga, a upravo ona ga PROSLAVILA na početku karijere|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Kurir|language=sr-latn|website=kurir.rs}}</ref>
In 1978, he left Žetva and, together with Verica Todorović, formed the band ''[[Rani Mraz]]''. The band had its debut at the 1978 music festival in [[Opatija]] with the song "Moja prva ljubav" (My First Love). During 1978, former [[Suncokret]] members [[Bilja Krstić|Biljana Krstić]] and [[Bora Đorđević]] joined the band (forming the most famous Rani Mraz lineup), and together they recorded "Računajte na nas" (Count on Us), written by Balašević,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Rani-Mraz-Ra%C4%8Dunajte-Na-Nas/release/1119740|title=Rani Mraz – Računajte Na Nas|website=Discogs|year=1978 }}</ref> a song which celebrated the youth's adoption of the [[communism|communist]] revolution.<ref name="ppnnm"/> The song became popular with both the communist authorities and the people, becoming an anthem of the Yugoslav youth.<ref name="ppnnm">{{cite web|url=https://mondo.rs/Zabava/Muzika/a1437826/djorde-balasevic-biografija-preminuo.html|title=Napustio Nas Je Voljeni "Panonski Mornar": Sanjao da postane fudbaler, ušao u istoriju domaće muzike!|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Mondo|language=sr-latn|website=mondo.rs}}</ref> After just a few months of cooperation, Verica Todorović and Bora Đorđević left the band (Đorđević forming his famous [[hard rock]] band [[Riblja Čorba]]). Biljana Krstić and Balašević then recorded Rani Mraz's first album ''[[Mojoj mami umesto maturske slike u izlogu]]'' (''To my Mom instead of Prom Photo in the Shop-Window'') with the help of [[Session musician|studio musicians]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Rani-Mraz-Mojoj-Mami-Umesto-Maturske-Slike-U-Izlogu/release/2524569|title=Rani Mraz – Mojoj Mami, Umesto Maturske Slike U Izlogu|website=Discogs|year=1979 }}</ref>

At the 1979 [[Split Festival]], Balašević won the first prize with the single "Panonski mornar" (Pannonian Sailor).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alo.rs/vip/ovako-slavnog-muzicara-ispracaju-mediji-iz-nekadasnje-jugoslavije-otplovio-nas-panonski-mornar-foto-video/387211/vest|title=CELA BIVŠA JUGOSLAVIJA PLAČE ZA BALAŠEVIĆEM Ovako slavnog muzičara ispraćaju mediji iz nekadašnje Jugoslavije: ''Otplovio naš Panonski mornar''! (FOTO/VIDEO)|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Alo|website=alo.rs|language=sr}}</ref> A few months later, Rani Mraz sold out [[Belgrade]]'s [[Dom Sindikata]] Hall eight times in a row.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://direktno.rs/zabava/muzika/335697/djordje-balasevic-smrt-pesme-biografija.html|title=ZBOGOM, PANONSKI MORNARU! Bivša Jugoslavija plače za Balaševićem|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Direktno|website=direktno.rs|language=sr}}</ref> In 1980, Balašević served in the [[Yugoslav People's Army]] in [[Zagreb]] and [[Požarevac]],<ref name="ygppr">{{cite web|url=http://www.yugopapir.com/2012/10/zvezde-na-vojnickom-pasulju-ore.html|title=Đorđe Balašević u JNA: Ćerka mi se rodila pre četiri meseca, ali je za sada gledam samo na slikama|date=October 2012|publisher=Yugopapir|website=yugopapir.com|language=sr}}</ref> where he had a role in the TV show ''Vojnici'' (''Soldiers''),<ref name="ygppr"/> but also found time to write song "Zbog tebe" (Because of You) for [[Zdravko Čolić]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Zdravko-%C4%8Coli%C4%87-Zbog-Tebe/release/1102711|title=Zdravko Čolić – Zbog Tebe|website=Discogs|year=1980 }}</ref> and lyrics for several songs recorded on [[Srebrna krila]] album ''Ja sam samo jedan od mnogih s gitarom'' (''I'm only One of Many with a Guitar'').<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Srebrna-Krila-Ja-Sam-Samo-Jedan-Od-Mnogih-S-Gitarom/release/1409519|title=Srebrna Krila – Ja Sam Samo Jedan Od Mnogih S Gitarom|website=Discogs|year=1980 }}</ref>

By the end of 1980, Balašević and Krstić released their second and final album under the name Rani Mraz, with a symbolic title ''[[Odlazi cirkus]]'' (''The Circus Is Leaving'').<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Rani-Mraz-Odlazi-Cirkus/release/1815192|title=Rani Mraz – Odlazi Cirkus|website=Discogs|year=1980 }}</ref> The album reaffirmed Balašević's status and delivered several hit songs, one of them being "Priča o Vasi Ladačkom" (Story of Vasa Ladački) which went on to become one of Balašević's [[List of signature songs|signature songs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nedeljnik.rs/kada-je-kemo-preminuo-osetili-smo-njegovu-podrsku-jako-nas-je-pogodila-vest-da-je-otisao-unuka-kemala-montena-o-dordu-balasevicu/|title="Kada je Kemo preminuo osetili smo njegovu podršku, jako nas je pogodila vest da je otišao...": Unuka Kemala Montena o Đorđu Balaševiću...|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Nedeljnik|website=nedeljnik.rs|language=sr}}</ref> However, Rani Mraz officially dissolved after that.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tekstomanija.com/biografije/rani-mraz/|title=Biografija o Ranom Mrazu|publisher=Tekstomanija|language=sr|website=tekstomanija.com}}</ref>

=== Solo career ===
==== 1980s ====
Balašević started his solo career in 1982 with the album ''[[Pub (Đorđe Balašević album)|Pub]]'' (''[[Jack (playing card)|Jack]]'')<ref name="pub">{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Pub/release/939545|title=Đorđe Balašević – Pub|website=Discogs|date=7 April 1982 }}</ref> which was well received, bringing hits "Boža zvani Pub" (Boža Known as the Jack), "Pesma o jednom petlu" (The Song about a Rooster), "Lepa protina kći" (Archpriest's Beautiful Daughter) and "Ratnik paorskog srca" (Warrior with a Peasant's Heart).<ref name="noiz1">{{cite web|url=https://noizz.rs/kultura/preminuo-djorde-balasevic/vnlwj1s|title=Preminuo Đorđe Balašević|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Noizz|website=noizz.rs|language=sr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jutarnji.hr/kultura/glazba/pise-aleksandar-dragas-jugoslavije-nema-odavno-ali-simbolicki-je-zapravo-umrla-danas-15052055|title=Piše Aleksandar Dragaš: Jugoslavije nema odavno, ali simbolički je, zapravo, umrla danas|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Jutarnji list|website=jutarnji.hr|language=hr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vecernji.hr/showbiz/odlazak-legendarnog-glazbenika-preminuo-dorde-balasevic-1469816|title=Odlazak legendarnog glazbenika: preminuo Đorđe Balašević|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Večernji list|website=vecernji.hr|language=hr}}</ref> The album was produced by Josip Boček, who would also produce Balašević's following two releases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/518201-Josip-Boček|title=Josip Boček|website=Discogs}}</ref> Shortly after, Balašević had a role in the TV series ''Pop Ćira i pop Spira'' (''Priest Ćira and Priest Spira''), recorded after [[Stevan Sremac]]'s [[Pop Ćira i pop Spira|novel of the same title]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtv.rs/sr_lat/vojvodina/novi-sad/secanje-na-djordja-balasevica-pop-cira-i-pop-spira-u-tri-cina-veceras-na-rtv_1210722.html|title=Sećanje na Đorđa Balaševića: "Pop Ćira i pop Spira", u tri čina večeras na RTV|date=19 February 2021|publisher=RTV|language=sr|website=rtv.rs}}</ref>  At the time, he wrote the song "Hej, čarobnjaci, svi su vam đaci" (Hey, Magicians, Everyone Can Learn from You) for the football club [[Red Star Belgrade]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Hej-%C4%8Carobnjaci-Svi-Su-Vam-%C4%90aci/release/1966560|title=Đorđe Balašević – Hej Čarobnjaci Svi Su Vam Đaci|website=Discogs|year=1982 }}</ref>

In December 1983, Balašević released the album ''[[Celovečernji the Kid]]'' (''Wholevening the Kid''),<ref name="ctkid">{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Celove%C4%8Dernji-The-Kid/release/1619668|title=Đorđe Balašević – Celovečernji The Kid|website=Discogs|date=December 1983 }}</ref> which featured hits "Svirajte mi 'Jesen stiže, dunjo moja'" (Play 'Autumn Is Coming, My Dear' to Me), "Neko to od gore vidi sve" (Someone from up above Watches it All), "Blues mutne vode" (Muddy Water Blues), "Lunjo" (Hey, Tramp) and "Don Francisco Long Play".<ref name="stilkurir">{{cite web|url=https://stil.kurir.rs/celebrities/vip-prica/144757/zbogom-legendo-covek-koji-je-napisao-ne-lomite-mi-bagrenje-i-jesen-stize-dunjo-moja-zasluzio-je-vecni-zivot|title=Zbogom, legendo: Čovek koji je napisao "Ne lomite mi bagrenje" i "Jesen stiže, dunjo moja" zaslužio je večni život!|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Kurir|website=stil.kurir.rs|language=sr}}</ref><ref name="noiz1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://slobodnadalmacija.hr/mozaik/showbiz/damir-sarac-ostavio-je-tetovazu-na-mnogim-dusama-naucio-da-lijepa-glazba-lijeci-bilo-je-neceg-neodoljivog-u-tim-naslagama-patetike-1078875|title=Damir Šarac: Ostavio je tetovažu na mnogim dušama, naučio da lijepa glazba liječi. Bilo je nečeg neodoljivog u tim naslagama patetike|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Slobodna Dalmacija|language=hr|website=slobodnadalmacija.hr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://noizz.rs/kultura/za-sve-nas-koji-danas-placemo-zbog-balasevica/2qv7h4c|title=Za sve nas koji danas plačemo zbog Balaševića: Bez njegovih pesama danas verovatno ne bih znao da volim|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Noizz|website=noizz.rs|language=sr}}</ref> The following album, ''[[003 (album)|003]]'', was released in 1985,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-003/release/1658016|title=Balašević* – 003|website=Discogs|date=April 1985 }}</ref> and brought hits "Slovenska" (The Slavic Song), "Al' se nekad dobro jelo" (Back Then Eating Was Good), "Badnje veče" (''Christmas Eve'') and "Olivera".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mondo.rs/Zabava/Muzika/a1437850/djordje-balasevic-umro-najlepse-pesme-najveci-hitovi.html|title=Ne Volim January, Lepa Protina Kći, Ne Lomite Mi Bagrenje, Slovenska: Ovo su neke od najlepših Balaševićevih pesama|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Mondo|website=mondo.rs|language=sr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtvslo.si/zabava-in-slog/utihnil-je-glas-panonskega-mornarja-umrl-je-dorde-balasevic/570179|title=Utihnil je glas panonskega mornarja, umrl je Đorđe Balašević|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Radiotelevizija Slovenija|website=rtvslo.si|language=sl}}</ref>

In 1986, Balašević released the album ''[[Bezdan (album)|Bezdan]]'' (''Abyss''),<ref name="Bezdan at Discogs">{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-%C4%90-Bezdan/release/1486193|title=Balašević Đ.* – Bezdan|website=Discogs|year=1986 }}</ref> which brought hits "Ne lomite mi bagrenje" (Don't Break My Locust Trees), "Bezdan" and "Ne volim januar" (I Don't Like January).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kurir.rs/zabava/pop-kultura/3628511/ne-lomite-mi-bagrenje-svi-placu-i-pevaju-djoletovu-najtuzniju-pesmu-novosadjani-se-oprastaju-od-balasevica-uz-njegove-hitove|title=Ne Lomite Mi Bagrenje Svi Plaču I Pevaju Đoletou Najtužniju Pesmu: Novosađani se opraštaju od Balaševića uz njegove hitove|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Kurir|website=kurir.rs|language=sr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtcg.me/magazin/muzika/310906/preminuo-djordje-balasevic.html|title=Preminuo Đorđe Balašević u 67. godini|website=rtcg.me|publisher=Radio i Televizija Crne Gore|language=sr}}</ref> The record was produced by Đorđe Petrović and arrangements were done by Aleksandar Dujin.<ref name="Bezdan at Discogs"/> Those two would be the key associates of Balašević in the following years. They became the backbone of Balašević's supporting band nicknamed The Unfuckables.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/2512580-The-Unfuckables|title=The Unfuckables|website=Discogs}}</ref>

In 1987, Balašević released his first live album, double album ''[[U tvojim molitvama – Balade]]'' (''In Your Prayers – Ballads''). The album was recorded during 1986 and 1987 on his concerts in [[Zetra]] hall in [[Sarajevo]], Ledena dvorana and Šalata in Zagreb, Sava Centar in Belgrade, and Studio M in Novi Sad.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-U-Tvojim-Molitvama-Balade/release/1760909|title=Đorđe Balašević – U Tvojim Molitvama (Balade)|website=Discogs|date=December 1987 }}</ref> The album featured a gift {{convert|7|in|cm|adj=on}} single with previously unreleased tracks "1987" and "Poluuspavanka" (Half-Lullaby).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.index.hr/magazin/clanak/djordje-balasevic-odmalena-sam-naviknut-da-postujem-tudje-uskrse-bozice-i-religije/969329.aspx|title=Đorđe Balašević: Odmalena sam naviknut da poštujem tuđe Uskrse, Božiće i religije|date=11 May 2017|publisher=Index|language=hr|website=index.hr}}</ref> The album also featured previously unrecorded track "Samo da rata ne bude" (Just Let There be no War) which was recorded live with a large children's [[choir]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/umro-djordje-balasevic-imao-je-koronu/2255666.aspx|title=Umro Đorđe Balašević, imao je koronu|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Index|website=index.hr|language=hr}}</ref> On 19 July 1987, Balašević, alongside [[Parni Valjak]], [[Leb i sol]] and [[Riblja Čorba]], performed at [[Stadion Maksimir]] in Zagreb on the [[1987 Summer Universiade]] closing ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.yugopapir.com/2017/07/univerzijada-87-na-svecanom-zatvaranju.html|title=Univerzijada '87: Na svečanom zatvaranju nastupaju Balašević, Parni valjak, Lebi i sol, Riblja čorba...}}</ref>

Balašević's next studio album, ''[[Panta Rei (Đorđe Balašević album)|Panta Rei]]'', released in 1988.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Panta-Rei/release/2234079|title=Đorđe Balašević – Panta Rei...|website=Discogs|year=1988 }}</ref> The song "Requiem" was dedicated to late [[Josip Broz Tito]], while satire "Soliter" (High-rise) caricatures Yugoslavia as a building in which only façade still holds while foundations slide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://orf.at/stories/3202212/|title=Djordje Balasevic ist tot|date=19 February 2021|publisher=ORF|website=orf.at|language=de}}</ref> [[Blues]] sound was present in the songs "Neki se rode kraj vode" (Some Were Born By the Water) and "Nemam ništa s tim" (I Have Nothing to Do with It).<ref name="stilkurir"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://balkanrock.com/autorski-clanci/kolumne-i-clanci/celovecernji-the-kid-uz-40-godina-karijere-dorda-balasevica-ii/|title=Celovečernji the Kid: Uz 40 godina karijere Đorđa Balaševića (II)|date=31 March 2019|publisher=Balkan Rock|website=balkanrock.com|language=sr}}</ref> Balašević's following album, ''[[Tri posleratna druga]]'' (''Three postwar Friends''), was subtitled ''Muzika iz istoimenog romana'' (''Music from the Novel of the Same Name''), referring to his novel ''[[Tri posleratna druga]]''. The album was recorded by Dujin, bass guitarist Aleksandar Kravić, and two musicians from [[Rijeka]], guitarist Elvis Stanić (a former Linija 23, [[Denis & Denis]], and Dr Doktor member) and drummer Tonči Grabušić.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Tri-Posleratna-Druga/release/1763157|title=Đorđe Balašević – Tri Posleratna Druga|website=Discogs|date=November 1989 }}</ref> The album featured radio hits "Kad odem" (When I'm Gone) "D-moll" ([[D minor]]), "Ćaletova pesma" (Dad's Song), "Saputnik" (Fellow Traveler), "O. Bože" (Oh God), and [[folk music|folk]]-oriented "Devojka sa čardaš nogama" (A Girl with [[Csárdás]] Legs).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blic.rs/sudbine/umro-djordje-balasevic-pesma-kad-odem-smrt/q7m5vmr|title="Kad Odem... Kad Mesečina Zaveje Moj Trag..." Stihovi pesme Đorđa Balaševića o smrti dotaći će sve|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Blic|website=blic.rs|language=sr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.24sata.hr/show/foto-prisjetite-se-balaseviceva-koncerta-u-zagrebackoj-areni-746618|title=FOTO: Prisjetite se Balaševićeva koncerta u zagrebačkoj Areni...|date=19 February 2021|publisher=24sata|website=24sata.hr|language=hr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/serbian/lat/srbija-56132680|title=Đorđe Balašević: Odlazak kantautora koji je "pesmom spasavao svet"|date=19 February 2021|publisher=BBC|website=bbc.com|language=sr}}</ref> The song "Sugar Rap" featured caricatured rap sound.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nedeljnik.rs/j-o-te-voz-koji-te-dono-nije-balasevic-doneo-rep-u-srbiju-ali-je-i-on-reagovao-na-ovaj-zanr-citajte-u-nedeljniku/|title="J..o te voz koji te dono": Nije Balašević doneo rep u Srbiju, ali je i on reagovao na ovaj žanr|date=19 September 2019|publisher=Nedeljnik|language=sr|website=nedeljnik.rs}}</ref>

==== 1990s ====
The album ''[[Marim ja...]]'' (''As if'' ''I care...'') was released in 1991. Beside Balašević's old associates, the album featured Davor Rodik ([[pedal steel guitar]]), Nenad Jazunović (percussion), and Josip "Kiki" Kovač (violin).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90ole-Marim-Ja/release/1176057|title=Đole* – Marim Ja...|website=Discogs|year=1991 }}</ref> The songs "Nevernik" (The Nonbeliever), "Ringišpil" (Carousel), "Divlji badem" (Wild Almond) were the album's biggest hits.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kurir.rs/zabava/pop-kultura/3628291/preminuo-djordje-balasevic-cuveni-kantautor-izgubio-bitku-u-67-godini|title=Preminuo Đorđe Balašević: Čuveni kantautor izgubio bitku u 67. godini|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Kurir|website=kurir.rs|language=sr}}</ref>

As the [[Yugoslav Wars]] erupted, Balašević was forced to stop collaborating with Stanić and Grabušić (the two forming the [[jazz rock]] band Elvis Stanić Group).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/934247-Elvis-Stani%C4%87-Group|title=Elvis Stanić Group|website=Discogs}}</ref> Balašević withdrew to isolation, partly due to his anti-war attitudes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rs.n1info.com/showbiz/i-ap-o-balasevicu-poznat-po-antiratnom-stavu-i-protivljenju-nacionalizmu/|title=I AP o Balaševiću: Poznat po antiratnom stavu i protivljenju nacionalizmu|date=19 February 2021|publisher=N1|website=rs.n1info.com|language=sr}}</ref> His next album ''[[Jedan od onih života...]]'' (''One of Those Lives...''), released in 1993, featured Aleksandar Dujin on piano, Dušan Bezuha on guitar, Đorđe Petrović on keyboards, Aleksandar Kravić on bass guitar, Josip Kovač on saxophone, and [[Dragoljub Đuričić]] (formerly of [[YU grupa]], [[Leb i Sol]] and [[Kerber (band)|Kerber]]) on drums.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Jedan-Od-Onih-%C5%BDivota/release/844860|title=Đorđe Balašević – Jedan Od Onih Života...|website=Discogs|year=1994 }}</ref> The songs such as "Krivi smo mi" (It's Our Fault) and "Čovek sa mesecom u očima" (The Man with the Moon in His Eyes) heavily criticized and denounced the ongoing war.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sound-report.com/vijesti/umro-je-dorde-balasevic/|title=Umro je Đorđe Balašević|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Sound Report|website=sound-report.com|language=hr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.klix.ba/magazin/muzika/otisao-je-posljednji-panonski-mornar-balasevic-je-publici-ostavio-najljepse-pjesme-i-price/210219158|title=Otišao je posljednji panonski mornar: Balašević je publici ostavio najljepše pjesme i priče|date=19 February 2021|website=Klix.ba|language=bs}}</ref> At the same time, the compilation album ''Najveći hitovi'' (''Greatest hits''), featuring songs recorded during the 1986–1991 period, was released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Najve%C4%87i-Hitovi/release/2740870|title=Đorđe Balašević – Najveći Hitovi|website=Discogs|year=1991 }}</ref> The songs which appeared on the compilation were chosen by Balašević himself.

After a long break, at the beginning of 1996, he issued ''[[Naposletku...]]'' (''After All...'').<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Naposletku/release/3297653|title=Balašević* – Naposletku...|website=Discogs|year=1996 }}</ref> Beside Balašević's old associates, the album featured young drummer Petar Radmilović. ''Na posletku...'' was mainly [[folk rock]]-oriented. Nearly all instruments on the album are acoustic, with the violin becoming dominant and woodwind instruments heavily used. In 1997, the live album ''[[Da l' je sve bilo samo fol?]]'', recorded on 6 December 1996 on a concert in [[Maribor]], was released in [[Slovenia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vitez.info/odlazak-legendarnog-glazbenika-preminuo-dorde-balasevic/|title=Odlazak legendarnog glazbenika: Preminuo Đorđe Balašević|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Vitez Info|website=vitez.info|language=hr}}</ref>

The album ''[[Devedesete]]'' (''Nineties''), self-released by Balašević in the spring of 2000, was his most politically involved album. The album was produced by Petrović, and, beside old associates, featured the saxophonist Gabor Bunford.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Devedesete/release/3020732|title=Đorđe Balašević – Devedesete|website=Discogs|year=2000 }}</ref>

==== 2000s ====
[[File:Balasevic Zagreb 5332063229.jpg|thumb|Balašević in Zagreb, 2010]]
In 2001, Balašević released the album ''[[Dnevnik starog momka]]'' (''Diary of an Old Bachelor''). The album comprised 12 songs, each having a female name as its title. The song titles form the [[acrostic]] "Olja je najbolja" (Olja is the Best),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Dnevnik-Starog-Momka-6-Bonus-Pesama/release/2135306|title=Đorđe Balašević – Dnevnik Starog Momka + 6 Bonus Pesama|website=Discogs|year=2001 }}</ref> Olja being the nickname of Balašević's wife Olivera Balašević. Balašević stated on several occasions that the girls the songs were named after are pure fiction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://balasevic.in.rs/djordje-balasevic-album-dnevnik-starog-momka-2001/|title=Đorđe Balašević – Dnevnik starog momka (2001.)|date=26 January 2016|publisher=Bistrooki|website=balasevic.in.rs}}</ref> In 2002, the compilation album ''[[Ostaće okrugli trag na mestu šatre]]'' (trans. ''A Round Trace Will Remain at the Place where Tent Used to Be'', named after a verse from the song "Odlazi cirkus") was released. The album featured the choice of songs from Balašević's solo career, with some of the older songs prerecorded.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Osta%C4%87e-Okrugli-Trag-Na-Mestu-%C5%A0atre/release/5419161|title=Đorđe Balašević – Ostaće Okrugli Trag Na Mestu Šatre|website=Discogs|year=2002 }}</ref>

Balašević released the songs that should have been the soundtrack for the film ''[[Goose Feather]]'' on the album ''[[Rani mraz (album)|Rani mraz]]''. The album's [[Subtitle (titling)|subtitle]] was ''Priča o Vasi Ladačkom.../Muzika iz nesnimljenog filma'' (''Story of Vasa Ladački.../Music from the Film that was not Filmed'').<ref name="Rani mraz at Discogs">{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Rani-Mraz/release/594061|title=Balašević* – Rani Mraz|website=Discogs|year=2004 }}</ref> The album featured folk rock sound similar to the one on ''Na posletku''. The album featured rerecorded "Priča o Vasi Ladačkom" and the instrumental track based on it, "Pričica o Vasi L." (Short Story about Vasa L.). The album also featured the song "Maliganska", which Balašević wrote at the beginning of his career and unsuccessfully offered to [[Zvonko Bogdan]], and which was previously released by pop rock/folk rock band [[Apsolutno Romantično]] under the title ''Đoletova pesma'' (''Đole's Song'').<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.hr/kultura/kako-je-dobio-prezime-stav-o-milosevicu-i-ostali-detalji-iz-nevjerojatnog-zivota-dorda-balasevica/|title=Kako je dobio prezime, stav o Miloševiću i ostali detalji iz nevjerojatnog života Đorđa Balaševića|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Telegram|website=telegram.hr|language=hr}}</ref> The album, beside old associates, featured Zoran and Pera Alvirović (of Apsolutno Romantično), Andrej Maglovski ([[accordion]]), Stevan Mošo ([[Tamburica#Types of tamburica|prim]]), Beni Ćibri (double bass), Agota Vitkai Kučera ([[soprano]]), St. George Choir, and others.<ref name="Rani mraz at Discogs"/>

==== 2010s ====
[[File:Balašević u Zagrebu 2017.jpg|thumb|Balašević in [[Zagreb]], 2017]]
In 2010, Balašević directed the film ''Like An Early Frost'' (originally titled ''Kao rani mraz''), starring Daniel Kovačević, [[Rade Šerbedžija]] and Balašević's daughter Jovana, based on the song "Priča o Vasi Ladačkom".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1264889/|title=An Early Frost|via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> The film received mostly negative reviews by the critics.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.popboks.com/tekst.php?ID=8047 |title=''Kao rani mraz'' review at Popboks |access-date=5 January 2012 |archive-date=29 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829181059/http://www.popboks.com/tekst.php?ID=8047 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.politika.rs/search/searchEngineLanding/a/Eh-Vaso-Vaso-moj-Vaso|title=Политика Online|website=www.politika.rs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.danas.rs/kultura/okasneli-mraz-u-vojvodjanskom-bolivudu/|title=Okasneli mraz u vojvođanskom Bolivudu|first=Piše: Dragan|last=Jovićević|website=Dnevni list Danas|date=21 April 2010 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.vreme.com/cms/view.php?id=928361 "Brend – Vojvodina stara", vreme.rs]</ref> In 2012, Balašević released six new songs among which are: "Berba '59." (Harvest of '59), "Ljubav ne pobeđuje" (Love Doesn't Win) and "Osmeh se vratio u grad" (Smile Returned to Town).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://balasevic.in.rs/dorde-balasevic-promo-cd-2012-album/|title=Djordje Balašević promo cd album 2012 at balasevic.in.rs|access-date=13 April 2017|archive-date=29 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529010207/http://balasevic.in.rs/dorde-balasevic-promo-cd-2012-album/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2015, Balašević released a song "Duet" dedicated to [[Kemal Monteno]] who had died in January of that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://balasevic.in.rs/dorde-balasevic-duet-za-kemala-montena-2015/|title=Djordje Balašević pesma duet at balasevic.in.rs|access-date=13 April 2017|archive-date=29 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529010100/http://balasevic.in.rs/dorde-balasevic-duet-za-kemala-montena-2015/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2016, Balašević released a song "Mala vidra sa Begeja" (Little otter from Bega river).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://balasevic.in.rs/djordje-balasevic-mala-vidra-s-begeja-tekst-nova-pesma-2016/|title=Đorđe Balašević – Mala Vidra s Begeja (tekst) Nova pesma 2016.|date=12 December 2016}}</ref>

=== Concerts ===
His traditional New Year's concerts in Sava Center hall in Belgrade were traditionally sold out. He sold out Sava Center for the first time in the 1982/1983 season.<ref>{{cite book | last=Janjatović | first=Petar | title=YU ROCK enciklopedija | url=http://balasevic.freeserverhost.com/index.php?page=biografija }} (excerpt)</ref>

== Civic engagement ==
After having released one of his early songs "Računajte na nas" (''You Can Count on Us''), Balašević was deemed politically involved. Together with another early single "Triput sam video Tita" (''I Saw [[Josip Broz Tito|Tito]] Three Times''), he was expressing support for [[Yugoslavism]] and [[Titoism]]. In 2018, he commented that "[[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]] wasn't much good - if it had been good it would not have fallen apart so bloodily".<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 March 2018|title=Balašević odbio da peva o Titu: Jugoslavija nije valjala|url=https://rs.n1info.com/showbiz/a370786-Balasevic-odbio-da-peva-o-Titu-Jugoslavija-nije-valjala/|access-date=19 February 2021|website=N1|language=sr-cyrl}}</ref>

During the second half of the 1980s, Balašević began to criticize the authorities, and in the early 1990s, his songs and stage speeches showed disillusionment and sadness over the fact that bloodshed was possible in the Yugoslavia he had once admired. He openly criticized the up-and-coming forms of ethnic nationalism in [[Serbian nationalism|Serbia]], [[Croatian nationalism|Croatia]], [[Bosniak nationalism|Bosnia]] and [[Slovenian nationalism|Slovenia]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Balašević ponovo meta "žute štampe"|url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/balasevic-ponovo-meta-zute-stampe/24711137.html|access-date=19 February 2021|website=Radio Slobodna Evropa|date=17 September 2012 |language=sh |last1=Zorić |first1=Ognjen }}</ref>

In the ensuing war years, Balašević's career suffered due to his open conflict with the government of [[Slobodan Milošević]]. At that point, Balašević was one of only handful of public figures who had openly stated their opposition to Milošević's authoritarian regime. During his concert performances, he often criticized and mocked Milošević and other Serbian politicians.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Serbia – where pop and politics mix {{!}} The Guardian {{!}} guardian.co.uk|url=https://www.theguardian.com/friday_review/story/0,,404977,00.html|access-date=19 February 2021|website=www.theguardian.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ovim pesmama je Balašević pokazao šta misli o režimu (Video) {{!}} Muzika|url=https://direktno.rs/zabava/muzika/335710/djordje-balasevic-slobodan-milosevic-pesme-dno-dna-ziveti-slobodno.html|access-date=19 February 2021|website=direktno.rs}}</ref> In 1996, he became the [[UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador]] for his antiwar statements during the [[Yugoslav Wars]] and held the first post-war concert in [[Sarajevo]] as the first Serbian artist visiting the [[Bosnian War|war]]-torn [[Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia and Herzegovina]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Refugees|first=United Nations High Commissioner for|title=Ogata names Balasevic as UNHCR's Goodwill Ambassador for former Yugoslavia|url=https://www.unhcr.org/news/press/1998/4/3ae6b8113c/ogata-names-balasevic-unhcrs-goodwill-ambassador-former-yugoslavia.html|access-date=19 February 2021|website=UNHCR|language=en}}</ref>

In 2000, he took part in protests during and following the [[Overthrow of Slobodan Milošević|downfall of Slobodan Milošević]]. In 2006, after [[Republic of Montenegro (1992–2006)|Montenegro]] had [[2006 Montenegrin independence referendum|declared independence]] from the [[Serbia and Montenegro|State Union of Serbia and Montenegro]], Balašević sent a letter to then [[Prime Minister of Montenegro]] [[Milo Đukanović]] in which he congratulated Đukanović on the independence of [[Montenegro]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aleksic.wordpress.com/2007/08/20/fenomen-%e2%80%9cbalasevic%e2%80%9d/|title=Fenomen "Balašević"|date=20 August 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Đorđe Balašević bio je veliki prijatelj Crne Gore|url=https://www.portalanalitika.me/clanak/dorde-balasevic-bio-je-veliki-prijatelj-crne-gore|url-status=live|access-date=20 February 2021|website=Portal Analitika|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219180006/https://www.portalanalitika.me/clanak/dorde-balasevic-bio-je-veliki-prijatelj-crne-gore |archive-date=19 February 2021 }}</ref> He voted for [[Boris Tadić]] in the [[2008 Serbian presidential election|2008]] and the [[2012 Serbian presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=BALAŠEVIĆ PRIZNAO: Tadića sam podržao u SAMOODRBRANI, NISAM mogao da zamislim da Nikolić BUDE PREDSEDNIK|url=https://www.espreso.co.rs/vesti/politika/402287/tadicu-sam-pruzio-podrsku-u-cistoj-samoodbrani-ne-mogavsi-da-zamislim-blam-da-onaj-nikolic-bude-predsednik|access-date=19 February 2021|website=espreso.co.rs|language=sr}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Balašević lived in Novi Sad in the same house where he grew up, with his wife Olivera (born Savić in [[Zrenjanin]]), who was a [[ballerina]] and a member of the national gymnastics team, and their three children; daughters Jovana (an actress, born in 1980) and Jelena (born in 1984), and son Aleksa (born in 1994). He had married Olivera on 7 May 1981 in Novi Sad. On 14 November 2019, Balašević suffered a [[myocardial infarction]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/442045/Dorde-Balasevic-imao-infarkt-ugradeni-mu-stentovi|title=Đorđe Balašević imao infarkt, ugrađeni mu stentovi|website=Politika Online|access-date=16 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.b92.net/zivot/vesti.php?yyyy=2019&mm=11&dd=15&nav_id=1617592|title=Đorđe Balašević imao infarkt: "Ugrađeni su mu stentovi, ali se oseća dobro"|website=B92.net|date=15 November 2019 |language=sr-latn|access-date=16 November 2019}}</ref> For most of his life, he declared himself as a [[Yugoslavs|Yugoslav]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Vijesti|title=Balašević: Nisam Srbin nego Jugosloven|url=https://www.blic.rs/zabava/vesti/balasevic-nisam-srbin-nego-jugosloven/80xefns|access-date=20 February 2021|website=Blic.rs|date=9 November 2012 |language=sr}}</ref>

== Death ==
[[File:Candles for Balašević 02.jpg|thumb|Mourning site of Balašević located in [[Sarajevo]] after his death]]
Balašević died on 19 February 2021, in [[Novi Sad]] from complications of [[pneumonia]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.b92.net/zivot/vesti.php?yyyy=2021&mm=02&dd=19&nav_id=1814734|title=Preminuo Đorđe Balašević|date=19 February 2021|language=sr|publisher=B92|website=b92.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.danas.rs/drustvo/preminuo-djordje-balasevic/|title=Preminuo Đorđe Balašević|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Danas|language=sr|website=danas.rs}}</ref> caused by [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Legendary Serbian Singer Djordje Balasevic Dies Of Coronavirus |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/legendary-serbian-singer-balasevic-dies-of-coronavirus/31112078.html |access-date=28 March 2021 |work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |language=en}}</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-serbia-singer-idUSKBN2AK0QY Crowds across ex-Yugoslavia republics mourn singer's death] – news website [[Reuters]]</ref><ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/serbian-pop-singer-popular-balkans-dies-coronavirus-76000492 Serbian pop singer popular in Balkans dies of coronavirus] – website of [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]</ref> On 22 February 2021, an event called Noć kada je Đole preplivao Dunav ([[English language|eng]]. ''Night when Đole crossed the [[Danube]]'') was organized in Novi Sad in memory of him. One of the participants was the [[Serbian National Theater]] choir.

== Legacy ==
The 1998 book ''[[YU 100: najbolji albumi jugoslovenske rok i pop muzike]]'' (''YU 100: The Best albums of Yugoslav pop and rock music'') features two Đorđe Balašević solo albums, ''[[Bezdan (album)|Bezdan]]'' (ranked No. 25) and ''[[Pub (Đorđe Balašević album)|Pub]]'' (ranked No. 66), and one Rani Mraz album, ''[[Mojoj mami umesto maturske slike u izlogu]]'' (ranked No. 44).<ref>{{cite book|last1=Antonić|first1=Duško|last2=Štrbac|first2=Danilo|title= YU 100: najbolji albumi jugoslovenske rok i pop muzike|year=1998|publisher=YU Rock Press|location=Belgrade}}</ref>

In 2000, the song "Slovenska" polled No. 69 on the [[Rock Express Top 100 Yugoslav Rock Songs of All Times|''Rock Express'' Top 100 Yugoslav Rock Songs of All Times]] list.<ref name="rockexpress27">{{cite journal|title=100 najboljih pesama svih vremena YU rocka|journal=Rock Express|location=Belgrade|issue=25|language=sr}}</ref> In 2006, the song "Priča o Vasi Ladačkom" polled No. 13 [[B92 Top 100 Domestic Songs]] list.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 November 2012|title=100 Najboljih pesama iz Jugoslavije|url=http://www.b92.net/radio/100yunajboljih/|url-status=live|access-date=19 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103042020/http://www.b92.net/radio/100yunajboljih/|archive-date=3 November 2012}}</ref> In 2011, the song "Menuet" was polled, by the listeners of [[Radio Belgrade|Radio 202]], one of 60 greatest songs released by [[PGP-RTB]]/[[PGP-RTS]] during the sixty years of the label's existence.<ref>{{Cite web|title=60 хитова емисије ПГП на 202 (dead URL)|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/milo%C5%A1-georgijevi%C4%87-gera/60-%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D0%B3%D0%BF-%D0%BD%D0%B0-202/10150286181179320|access-date=19 February 2021|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}}{{dead link|date=September 2023}}</ref>

In 2007, twenty-one bands from Balašević's native Novi Sad, including [[Zbogom Brus Li]], Pero Defformero, [[Super s Karamelom]] and others, recorded a tribute album to Balašević entitled ''[[Neki noviji klinci i...]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Various-Neki-Noviji-Klinci-I/release/1306861|title=Various – Neki Noviji Klinci I...|website=Discogs|year=2007 }}</ref> In 2012, singer-songwriter and former [[Azra (band)|Azra]] leader [[Branimir Štulić|Branimir "Johnny" Štulić]] released a cover of "U razdeljak te ljubim" on his official YouTube channel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN_eAdTO17g| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/kN_eAdTO17g| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|title="U RAZDELJAK TE ЉUBIM" via Branimir Štulić, YouTube.com| website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2016, the sketch show [[Državni posao]] created an episode which was based on Balašević's song [[Tri posleratna druga|Sugar Rap]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=DRŽAVNI POSAO [HQ] – Ep.799: Čepaj čepaj (18.11.2016.) – YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13lYMEye_N8 |access-date=2022-05-15 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> On 17 January 2020, Državni posao aired an episode which referred to concerts which Balašević had traditionally held on the [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] (19 January).<ref>{{Cite web |title=DRŽAVNI POSAO [HQ] – Ep.1337: Nema karata (17.01.2020.) – YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8DrlwOA_1s |access-date=2022-05-15 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

Only nine days before Balašević's death, Državni posao aired an episode named after his song "Računajte na nas".<ref>{{Cite web |title=DRŽAVNI POSAO [HQ] – Ep.1535: Računajte na nas (10.02.2021.) – YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnrTa4mugkU |access-date=2022-05-15 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> Within a week of his passing, Državni posao aired an episode named after Balašević's song [[Odlazi cirkus]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Promo |title=Arhivatori iz "Državnog posla" se specijalnom epizodom oprostili od velikog Đorđa Balaševića: Cirkus je prerano otišao iz našega grada |url=https://www.blic.rs/zabava/arhivatori-iz-drzavnog-posla-se-specijalnom-epizodom-oprostili-od-velikog-djorda/mwxyh9b |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=Blic.rs |date=25 February 2021 |language=sr}}</ref>

Even after the [[Yugoslav wars]] of the 1990s, Balašević had remained immensely popular and well-liked not only in Serbia but throughout all former Yugoslav republics. News of his death was widely reported by the Croatian and Bosnian media, with Bosnian web portal ''[[Klix.ba]]'' describing Balašević as a "legendary" performer whose songs could "inspire deepest emotions."<ref>{{cite news |title=Serbian pop singer popular in Balkans dies of coronavirus |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/serbian-pop-singer-popular-balkans-dies-coronavirus-76000492 |access-date=19 February 2021 |work=ABC News |publisher=The Associated Press |date=19 February 2021}}</ref> In his hometown of [[Novi Sad]], hundreds of people gathered on a vigil,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mondo.rs/Zabava/Muzika/a1437947/djordje-balasevic-umro-preminuo-novi-sad-pomen.html|title=Placu I Pevaju Đoletovu Najtužniju Pesmu: Građani još pristižu, STOTINE Novosađana se oprašta od Balaševića (Video)|date=19 February 2021|publisher=Mondo|website=mondo.rs|language=sr}}</ref> and similar spontaneous fan gatherings occurred in [[Zagreb]], [[Pula]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rts.rs/page/magazine/sr/story/471/svet-poznatih/4266307/blasevic-zagreb-becarac-cirilica.html|title=U Zagrebu ispunili Balaševićevu želju – "bećarac" napisan ćirilicom|date=19 February 2021|publisher=RTS|website=rts.rs|language=sr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rts.rs/page/magazine/sr/story/471/svet-poznatih/4266430/pula-stanica-djordje-balasevic-preminuo-svece.html|title=Na stanici u Puli... ali ne pod vrelim suncem leta – sveće i opraštanje od Balaševića|date=20 February 2021|publisher=RTS|language=sr|website=20 February 2021}}</ref> [[Sarajevo]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/sarajevo-se-u-suzama-oprostilo-od-prijatelja-balasevic-ce-zivjeti-vjecno/210220087|title=Sarajevo se u suzama oprostilo od prijatelja: Balašević će živjeti vječno|date=20 February 2021|publisher=Klix.ba|language=bs}}</ref> and other cities across the region. The [[Mayor of Novi Sad]], [[Miloš Vučević]] declared 21 February a [[national day of mourning|day of mourning]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/vucevic-dan-sahrane-balasevica-bice-dan-zalosti-u-novom-sadu/|title=Vučević: Dan sahrane Balaševića biće Dan žalosti u Novom Sadu|date=20 February 2021|publisher=N1|website=rs.n1info.com|language=sr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.danas.rs/kultura/u-novom-sadu-proglasen-dan-zalosti/|title=U Novom Sadu danas Dan žalosti|date=21 February 2021|publisher=Danas|website=danas.rs|language=sr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://toxictv.rs/djordje-balasevic-ispracen-uz-muziku-tamburasa-i-pesmu-olivera/|title=Đorđe Balašević ispraćen uz muziku tamburaša i pesmu "Olivera"|date=21 February 2021|publisher=Toxic TV|website=toxictv.rs|language=sr}}</ref>

== Discography ==
{{main|Đorđe Balašević discography}}
[[File:Djordje Balasevic - Zagreb 2010 (5143137574) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Balašević in November 2010]]

=== With Rani Mraz ===
* ''[[Mojoj mami umesto maturske slike u izlogu]]'' (1979)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Rani-Mraz-Mojoj-Mami-Umesto-Maturske-Slike-U-Izlogu/release/2524569|title=Rani Mraz – Mojoj Mami, Umesto Maturske Slike U Izlogu|website=Discogs|year=1979 }}</ref>
* ''[[Odlazi cirkus]]'' (1980)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Rani-Mraz-Odlazi-Cirkus/master/421914|title=Rani Mraz – Odlazi Cirkus|website=Discogs|year=1980 }}</ref>

=== Solo ===
* ''[[Pub (Đorđe Balašević album)|Pub]]'' (1982)<ref name="pub"/>
* ''[[Celovečernji The Kid]]'' (1983)<ref name="ctkid"/>
* ''[[003 (album)|003]]'' (1985)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-003/master/349625|title=Balašević* – 003|website=Discogs|year=1985 }}</ref>
* ''[[Bezdan (album)|Bezdan]]'' (1986)<ref name="Bezdan at Discogs"/>
* ''[[Panta Rei (Đorđe Balašević album)|Panta Rei]]'' (1988)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Panta-Rei/master/68190|title=Balašević* – Panta Rei|website=Discogs|year=1988 }}</ref>
* ''[[Tri posleratna druga]]'' (1989)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Tri-Posleratna-Druga/master/289859|title=Balašević* – Tri Posleratna Druga|website=Discogs|year=1989 }}</ref>
* ''[[Marim ja...]]'' (1991)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90ole-Marim-Ja/master/68186|title=Đole* – Marim Ja...|website=Discogs|year=1991 }}</ref>
* ''[[Jedan od onih života...]]'' (1993)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Jedan-Od-Onih-%C5%BDivota/master/358079|title=Đorđe Balašević – Jedan Od Onih Života...|website=Discogs|year=1994 }}</ref>
* ''[[Naposletku...]]'' (1996)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Naposletku/master/423307|title=Balašević* – Naposletku...|website=Discogs|year=1996 }}</ref>
* ''[[Devedesete]]'' (2000)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Devedesete/master/357681|title=Đorđe Balašević – Devedesete|website=Discogs|year=2000 }}</ref>
* ''[[Dnevnik starog momka]]'' (2001)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/%C4%90or%C4%91e-Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Dnevnik-Starog-Momka/master/306280|title=Đorđe Balašević – Dnevnik Starog Momka|website=Discogs|year=2001 }}</ref>
* ''[[Rani mraz (album)|Rani mraz]]'' (2004)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Bala%C5%A1evi%C4%87-Rani-Mraz/master/349619|title=Balašević* – Rani Mraz|website=Discogs|year=2004 }}</ref>

== Bibliography ==
*''Računajte na nas'' – book of poems<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://balasevic.in.rs/djordje-balasevic-racunajte-na-nas-knjiga/|title=Đorđe Balašević – Računajte na nas (knjiga)|date=17 January 2016|publisher=Bistrooki|website=balasevic.in.rs}}</ref>
*''I život ide dalje'' – collection of [[Columnist|column]]s<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://balasevic.in.rs/djordje-balasevic-i-zivot-ide-dalje-sve-dalje-odavde-knjiga/|title=Đorđe Balašević – I život ide dalje... (sve dalje odavde...) (knjiga)|date=18 January 2016|publisher=Bistrooki|website=balasevic.in.rs}}</ref>
*''Jedan od onih života'' – novel<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://balasevic.in.rs/djordje_balasevic_jedan_od_onih_zivota_knjiga/|title=Đorđe Balašević – Jedan od onih života (knjiga)|date=18 January 2016|publisher=Bistrooki|website=balasevic.in.rs}}</ref>
*''Dodir svile'' (1998) – book of poems<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://balasevic.in.rs/dorde-balasevic-dodir-svile-knjiga/|title=Đorđe Balašević – Dodir svile (knjiga)|date=17 January 2016|publisher=Bistrooki|website=balasevic.in.rs}}</ref>
*''Tri posleratna druga'' – novel<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://balasevic.in.rs/djordje-balasevic-tri-posleratna-druga-knjiga/|title=Đorđe Balašević – Tri posleratna druga (knjiga)|date=17 January 2016|publisher=Bistrooki|website=balasevic.in.rs}}</ref>
*''...i od dva-tri akorda (jer ni ne umem bolje ja...)'' – book of poems<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://balasevic.in.rs/djordje-balasevic-i-od-dva-tri-akorda-knjiga/|title=Đorđe Balašević – I od dva-tri akorda... (knjiga)|date=17 January 2016|publisher=Bistrooki|website=balasevic.in.rs}}</ref>
*''Kao rani mraz'' – screenplay based on which a movie with the same name was filmed<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://balasevic.in.rs/djordje-balasevic-kao-rani-mraz-knjiga/|title=Đorđe Balašević – Kao rani mraz (knjiga)|date=18 January 2016|publisher=Bistrooki|website=balasevic.in.rs}}</ref>
*''Kalendar mog detinjstva'' – novel<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://balasevic.in.rs/djordje-balasevic-kalendar-mog-detinjstva-knjiga-citati/|title=Đorđe Balašević – Kalendar mog detinjstva (knjiga)|date=2017|publisher=Bistrooki|website=balasevic.in.rs}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
*EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960–2006, Janjatović Petar; {{ISBN|978-86-905317-1-4}}
*''NS rockopedija, novosadska rock scena 1963–2003'', Mijatović Bogomir; Publisher: SWITCH, 2005

== External links ==
*{{commons category-inline}}
*{{Wikiquote-inline}}
*{{Official website|https://balasevic.com}}

{{Đorđe Balašević}}
{{Music of Southeastern Europe (the Balkans)}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Balasevic, Djordje}}
[[Category:1953 births]]
[[Category:2021 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Serbian poets]]
[[Category:20th-century Serbian writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Serbian poets]]
[[Category:21st-century Serbian writers]]
[[Category:Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia]]
[[Category:Deaths from pneumonia in Serbia]]
[[Category:Indexi Award winners]]
[[Category:Serbian baritones]]
[[Category:Serbian male actors]]
[[Category:Serbian male poets]]
[[Category:Serbian people of Croatian descent]]
[[Category:Serbian people of Hungarian descent]]
[[Category:Serbian pop singers]]
[[Category:Serbian record producers]]
[[Category:Serbian rock singers]]
[[Category:Serbian singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Serbian male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Musicians from Novi Sad]]
[[Category:Yugoslav musicians]]
[[Category:Yugoslav rock singers]]
[[Category:United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees goodwill ambassadors]]