Vladimir Vysotsky

[Unicorn]

"Vladimir Semyonovich Vysotsky (Russian: Владимир Семёнович Высоцкий, Vladimir Semënovič Vysockij) (January 25, 1938 – July 25, 1980) was an iconic Russian singer, songwriter, poet, and actor whose career had an immense and enduring effect on Russian culture. The multifaceted talent of Vladimir Vysotsky is often described by the word bard, which acquired a special meaning in the Soviet Union. Vysotsky was never enthusiastic about this term, however. He thought of himself mainly as an actor and writer, and once remarked, "I do not belong to what people call bards or minstrels or whatever." Though his work was largely ignored by the official Soviet cultural establishment, he achieved remarkable fame during his lifetime, and to this day exerts significant influence on many of Russia's popular musicians and actors who wish to emulate his iconic status."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Vysotsky

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj3pd-a-js8

I like his music. He was wildly popular in the Soviet Union. Even Brezhnev was reportedly a fan.

[The Sloth]

yes, his stuff is excellent. "nakolka," "ja bil clecar' shestova razrjada," are my favorites.

[3A CCCP]

Vysotsky was truly unique. Many tried to imitate him, but no one could really come close.

He was a heavy smoker and once said, in substance, "If you can't have a cigarette and strong cup of coffee when you open your eyes in the morning, it is better not to open them."

Unfortunately, he didn't open his eyes anymore at a much too young age.

Вечная память тебе, Владимир! / Eternal memory to you, Vladimir!

3A CCCP!
Mikhail

[YeOldeCommuniste]

Ah yeah, we learned about him in the Russian class that I took in high school, and we listened to some of his songs. My favorite is "Я не люблю"... I have it on my iPod. :D