Karat is a highly influential East German rock band that emerged in the early 1970s, hailing from the city of Riesa in the Saxony region. Formed in 1971, the band consisted of Wolfgang Heimbach (lead vocals, guitar), Gerhard Michalke (guitar), Rainer Kühnau (bass), Ulrich Dahmen (drums), and Uwe Kant (keyboards).

The band's early years were marked by a unique blend of folk, rock, and pop influences, which would later evolve into a distinctive sound that captivated audiences across East Germany. Their music often dealt with themes of everyday life, love, and social commentary, resonating with the aspirations of the younger generation.

Karat's breakthrough came with the release of their debut album, Karat, in 1972, which included the hit single Jede Stunde. This song, along with other tracks like Der blaue Planet and Tanz mit mir, demonstrated the band's ability to craft catchy, radio-friendly tunes that still managed to convey meaningful lyrics. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Karat continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including 30 Jahre Karat and Vierzehn Karat: Ihre größten Hits.