Zivan Katich Inducted - Chicago 2003
	With his trademark cigarette in hand and an infectious smile, Zivan “Jimmy” Katich added something extra to every tamburitza event.  Zivan’s love of his heritage and tamburitza music was second to none, and he used his many business and personal contacts to spread the beauty of our music to American and other non-Slavic audiences.  He was a mentor, historian, entertainer, teacher, ambassador, and organizer, but above all, a tamburaš.
	A trip to the old country in 1960 turned Zivan’s interest in tambura music into an insatiable, life-long quest for tamburitza knowledge.  While in Vojvodina, he spent countless hours with the gypsies who taught him music.  They in turn were infatuated by this American kid’s love for tambura music.  Word quickly spread about Zivo studying under the famed Roma band -- so much so that one day a reporter from the magazine “Matica Iseljenika” showed up at the door to do a feature article on Zivan.
	Upon returning to the U.S., Zivan founded the Sloboda Orchestra, which stayed together until 1972 when job transfers forced changes in the group.  For the next 20 years, Zivan played with the Svetozar Tomich Orchestra.  During this time, Zivan also taught and played with the Veseli Becari Orchestra and was the director and sponsor of the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Youth Tamburitza Orchestra in St. Louis.  Zivan played with the Balkan Strings and was playing with Marko Dreher and the orchestra, Cigani, at the time of his unexpected death.
	Wherever Zivan traveled, he filled in with the local orchestra.  According to Mike Martinovich, Zivan’s life-long friend and Vice-President of CBS records, “Zivo" was absolutely obsessed with music.  He didn’t care if we made money or not.  His primary goal was to spread the music and culture.  All he ever wanted to do was practice and learn.  We traveled throughout the United States spreading the message.”  Whether playing for school children, corporate elite, civic or multicultural groups, Zivan was passionate about tambura music.
	Highlights of Zivan’s musical career include performing for the inauguration of former President Richard Nixon, cameo performances with the Oak Ridge Boys, Willie Nelson, John Denver and various other folk artists, hosting a two hour radio show, “Music of the Balkans”, from 1974 to 1981, performing on Radio Novi Sad, Ted Mack Radio Hour, the Grand Ole Opry, and at the Glenn Campbell Theatre, recording with Svetozar Tomich Orchestra, countless hours playing music with numerous Roma orchestras, and his fellow tamburaš throughout the United States.  For his efforts in promoting diversity and ethnic education, Zivan Katich was presented the “Ambassador Award of St. Louis”.
	Besides playing music, Zivan Katich used his personal funds to bring various tambura groups to St. Louis, buy or repair instruments for aspiring musicians to play, and sponsor newly formed tambura groups.  A historian, Zivan collected a vast library of Slavic books, pictures, videos and recordings.  Zivan was generous with his time, energy, expertise and dedication whether involved in a church function at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church or in charge of all the hair stylists at the Miss Universe pageant (Zivo owned and operated eight salons to support his tambura habit).
	Many who knew Zivan say they never heard him speak badly of anyone, especially his fellow tamburaši.  Zivan Katich was good enough to play with the likes of Janike Balaz, the Popovich Brothers, and Zvonko Bogdan, yet never too good to turn down the opportunity to play with kids learning to pluck strings.  Zivo kept tambura music playing through wrong notes, wrong words, no rhythm and flat singing.  He always encouraged.  Zivan Katich connected the youth with the past, honored his past, and kept recording the present.  His contributions are immeasurable.
	If Zivan Katich were here, he would be highly honored, yet also humbled, by his induction into the TAA Hall of Fame.  We extend congratulations to his wife Janie and to his children, Johnny and Danielle.
Return to Hall of Fame Membership List