Vojislav Đonović

Vojislav Đonović (November 18, 1921 – January 5, 2008), nicknamed Vojkan, was a famous Serbian jazz guitarist - soloist, member of the Belgrade Jazz Trio and Jazz Orchestra of the Radio Belgrade. He was also a composer and arranger.

Early life and education Đonović was born in Belgrade into a prominent family; his father Jovan was a diplomat involved in political opposition activities prior to World War II. He grew up in the Vračar district and became interested in jazz after hearing Serbian guitarist Mirko Marković.

A self-taught musician, Đonović received his first guitar in the late 1930s, a high-quality custom instrument made by Belgrade luthier Lajoš Bocan. He was performing in public within two years. During World War II, he served in the military. His family faced persecution under the postwar communist government after his father and brother emigrated to the United States.