O'Hara (band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 in Zagreb, Yugoslavia |
| Defunct | 1968, 1972 |
| Headquarters | Zagreb , Yugoslavia |
| Products | Music recordings, singles |
O'Hara, sometimes referred to as O'Hare (meaning The O'Haras), was a rock ensemble originating from Zagreb in 1966 within the former Yugoslavia. Despite their brief existence, the band held a significant position in the 1960s Yugoslav rock scene and contributed notably to the early development of rock music in the area.
The group became known for songs influenced by The Seekers, The Hollies, and The Mamas & the Papas, with most compositions crafted by the band's organist and frontman, Frano Parać. The recruitment of vocalist Josipa Lisac further enhanced their visibility. However, in 1968, both Parać and Lisac departed to join Zlatni Akordi, which led to O'Hara's initial dissolution. In 1972, original singer Marcela Munger and guitarist Rajko Boltižar briefly revived the band, issuing a single before disbanding once again.
1966–1968
The formation of O'Hara took place in 1965 in Zagreb, featuring Marcela Munger on vocals, Rajko Boltižar handling guitar duties, Miljenko Ljubić on bass, Frano Parać playing organ, and Edvin Haramina on drums. The band's name is said to have been inspired either by an American jazz group or as a shortened form derived from Haramina's surname. Initially, their repertoire consisted mainly of covers of popular international rock songs; over time, they transitioned toward original pieces written by Parać that incorporated polyphonic vocal styles reminiscent of The Seekers and The Hollies.
Early recognition came through performances at Zagreb venues and participation in contests such as the First Championship of Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles. Tracks like "Halo taxi," "Sunce sja za nas," and "Lopov" gained regional acclaim despite not being officially recorded. Their vocal harmonies received praise during an appearance at Belgrade Youth Center celebrating the first anniversary of the music publication Džuboks. In May 1967, Marcela Munger earned the Best Female Vocalist award at the Second Championship of Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles before departing to pursue a solo career; Boltižar also exited around this time. They were succeeded by vocalist Josipa Lisac and guitarist Krešo Ivić.
Following Lisac’s inclusion, O'Hara shifted away from their earlier emphasis on polyphonic singing to showcase her lead vocals more prominently. The band appeared on TV Belgrade’s program Koncert za ludi mladi svet, performing covers such as "One Day" and "I Can't See Nobody." This lineup was short-lived; by 1968, Lisac and Parać had left to join Zlatni Akordi, bringing O'Hara’s initial chapter to a close.
1972
In 1972, original members Marcela Munger (vocals) and Rajko Boltižar (guitar) reassembled O'Hara with new musicians Dunja Dimić, Adonis Bozina, and Ante Parat. This incarnation focused on acoustic music and produced O'Hara's only official release—a 7-inch single containing "572 itd" ("572 etc.") and "Sretna zemlja" ("Happy Land"), both penned by Parać. Shortly after releasing this record, the band dissolved again.
Post breakup
After O'Hara's disbandment, Josipa Lisac embarked on a successful solo career, establishing herself as a leading artist within Yugoslav popular music.
Frano Parać pursued formal studies in music theory and composition before dedicating himself to classical music. He ultimately became dean of the Zagreb Music Academy. In 1979, he was honored with the Seven Secretaries of SKOJ Award for his composition Ed e subito sera. Among his notable works is "Olimpijski plamen" ("Olympic Flame"), created for the opening ceremony of the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. His distinguished portfolio includes the ballet Carmina Krležiana and the acclaimed opera Judita. Parać also composed extensively for theater productions and was awarded the Order of Danica Hrvatska in recognition of his contributions to Croatian culture. His musical legacy has been preserved through three albums released under his name: Frano Parać (1986, 1993, 2014).
Singles
- "572 itd" / "Sretna zemlja" (1972)