Jan Spálený

Jan Spálený is a Czech music legend whose career spans decades, blending rock, folk, and jazz with a mischievous lyrical wit. A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (he’s known for guitar, harmonica, and even juggling!), Spálený first gained fame in the 1960s with bands like Framus Five and ASPM, becoming a key figure in Prague’s underground scene. His solo work, like the releases listed here, often mixes introspective storytelling with playful humor—titles like *Úplně šedivej panáček* (“Completely Gray Little Man”) and *Sedmdesát* (“Seventy”) cheekily nod to aging, while tracks like *Panenko skákavá* showcase his knack for reinventing folk traditions. Even into his later years, Spálený remained a lively live performer, his gravelly voice and quirky charm earning him a devoted following in Czech music. Albums like *Výběr 1997-2007* highlight his enduring creativity, proving that sharp lyrics and genre-blurring grooves never go out of style.