 |
Eduard KhilSoviet and Russian opera, chamber and pop singer (baritone), People's Artist of the RSFSR (1974)
Date of Birth: 04.09.1934
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Eduard Hil: The Russian Baritone with a Unique Voice
- Musical Career
- Peak of Fame
- International Success
- "Trololo"
- Personal Life
- Final Years and Legacy
Eduard Hil: The Russian Baritone with a Unique Voice
Early Life and EducationEduard Anatolyevich Hil was born on September 4, 1934 (though his birth certificate reads 1933), in Smolensk, Russia. His mother was an accountant, and his father, a mechanic, left the family when Eduard was a child. The outbreak of World War II forced him to live in a children's home near Ufa, where he faced extreme hardships. After the war, his mother found him, and they returned to Smolensk.
In 1949, Eduard moved to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), where he studied printing and worked in an offset factory. Simultaneously, he pursued music by attending evening music school and taking opera vocal lessons. His talent earned him admission to the Leningrad Conservatory, after which he became a soloist with the Philharmonic Department of "Lenconcert."
Musical Career
In 1962, Hil began exploring the realm of pop music, inspired by the works of Klavdia Shulzhenko and Leonid Utyosov. He took acting lessons to enhance his stage presence. In 1963, his debut album was released.
Hil's breakthrough came in 1965 when he participated in the Soviet Song Festival and won second prize at an international festival in Poland. He also participated in the "Golden Rooster" contest in Brazil, earning fourth place. His international success continued with a tour of Europe in 1973 and participation in a television review in Sweden.
Peak of Fame
Hil's career reached its peak in the 1970s with the release of the song "U lesa na opushke" ("The Edge of the Forest"), which became one of his most famous compositions. By 1974, he had earned the title of People's Artist of the RSFSR.
In the 1980s, Hil hosted his own TV show, "U kamina" ("By the Fireplace"), featuring Russian romances. He also taught music and served as a jury member in major song competitions.
International Success
Hil toured extensively throughout Europe and the US, captivating audiences with his unique vocal style. His performances became particularly popular among Russian émigrés who had left their homeland in the early 20th century. During the post-Soviet era, he spent several years living in Europe. His concert at the Paris cabaret "Rasputin" was a huge success, leading to the release of his first CD in Paris, titled "Le Temps de L'Amour."
"Trololo"
Eduard Hil achieved unexpected viral fame in 2010 when a video of his performance of Anatoly Ostrovsky's vocalise, "Trololo," surfaced online. The video became one of the most popular on social media, spawning countless parodies and merchandising featuring Hil's image and the phonetic lyrics.
Personal Life
Hil married ballerina Zoya Pravdina, with whom he spent the rest of his life. Their son, Dmitry, was born in 1963 and pursued a career in music.
Final Years and Legacy
After the resurgence of his popularity, Hil performed several concerts until health issues forced him to retire in 2012. He was diagnosed with a brainstem stroke and passed away on June 4, 2012.
Eduard Hil's memory is honored through a park near his home, an orphanage for gifted children, and a school building in Smolensk named after him. A concert in his tribute was held in Saint Petersburg in 2012, featuring renowned Russian singers. His official YouTube channel continues to showcase his beloved songs.
