Lev Leschenko Crooner Date of Birth: 01.02.1942 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Service and Theatrical Breakthrough
3. Rise to Stardom
4. Post-Soviet Career
5. Personal Life and Recreation
6. Legacy

Early Life and Education

Lev Valerianovich Leshchenko was born in Moscow on February 1, 1942. His grandfather, a native of the village of Nizy in the Kharkiv Governorate, relocated to the Kursk Governorate in 1900 to work as an accountant in a factory. An avid music lover, Leshchenko's grandfather sang in a church choir and played various instruments.

Leshchenko's father moved to Moscow in 1931. After serving in the Finnish and Great Patriotic Wars, he attained the rank of lieutenant colonel and received numerous military honors. Leshchenko's biological mother died a year after his birth, and he was raised by his stepmother, Marina Mikhailovna.

Throughout his childhood, Leshchenko spent considerable time with his father, attending shooting ranges, dining in military canteens, and learning to march. When his father was occupied with work, Leshchenko was cared for by Sergeant Andrei Fisenko.

In school, Leshchenko gravitated towards the arts. He participated in a choir at the House of Pioneers, a brass band, and a drama club. Upon hearing Leshchenko's singing abilities, his teachers encouraged him to drop all other activities and focus exclusively on vocal performance. His favorite artist was Leonid Utesov, whose songs he frequently performed at school events.

After graduating high school, Leshchenko attempted to enroll in a theater program but was unsuccessful. He then worked as a stagehand at the Bolshoi Theater and later as a fitter-assembler at a factory.

Military Service and Theatrical Breakthrough

When Leshchenko was drafted into the army, he aspired to become a sailor. However, thanks to his father's "efforts," he was assigned to the tank forces in Germany. He concluded his service as a member of the song and dance ensemble, where he performed as a soloist and in a quartet.

In 1964, Leshchenko reapplied to GITIS. His essays were deemed mediocre, but the admissions committee took pity on him and admitted him to the program. Studies transformed the young man, and soon his talent became undeniable.

In his second year, Leshchenko made his stage debut at the Operetta Theater, portraying a sinner in the production "Orpheus in Hell." This performance marked the beginning of his illustrious career.

Rise to Stardom

In 1966, Leshchenko became a full-fledged member of the Moscow Operetta Theater. Despite his success, he craved broader recognition and the opportunity to perform on larger stages. In 1970, his dream was realized when he became a soloist with Gosteleradio USSR.

Leshchenko's career took off with radio broadcasts, recordings of Soviet and folk songs, and collaborations with the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra. His popularity soared, and he emerged as a prominent figure in the Soviet music scene.

His breakthrough came in 1972 with the song "Za togo parnya," for which he received an award at the Sopot Festival. However, it was "Den Pobedy" (Victory Day), composed by David Tukhmanov and Vladimir Kharitonov, that made Leshchenko a household name in 1975. The song became his signature tune and a staple of the Soviet music canon.

In 1977, Leshchenko was awarded the title of Honored Artist, followed by the title of People's Artist of the RSFSR a few years later. He reached the height of his fame in 1980 when he performed "Do Svidaniya, Moskva" alongside Tatyana Antsiferova at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games. As his voice soared, the Olympic Bear ascended into the sky.

Post-Soviet Career

Leshchenko maintained his popularity even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In 1990, he established the theater "Musical Agency," which organized concerts, tours, and creative evenings. Through the theater's efforts, the film "Yubiley... Yubiley... Yubiley..." and the television drama "Voenno-Polevoi Romans" were produced.

Alongside his concerts and tours, Leshchenko taught at the Gnessin State Musical College. Notable students under his tutelage included Varvara, Olga Arefieva, Katya Lel, and Marina Khlebnikova. He also frequently performed in duet with his close friend Vladimir Vinokur.

Leshchenko has released over 10 albums throughout his career. He is the author of the book "Apologia of Memory," a detailed account of his life, family, friends, and contemporaries. The book features many renowned figures from the worlds of art, sports, and politics.

In 2002, Leshchenko was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 4th Class. According to the artist, such honors are deeply appreciated, but the greatest reward remains the love and recognition of his audience.

Personal Life and Recreation

Leshchenko has been married twice. His first marriage to singer and actress Alla Abdalava lasted from 1966 to 1976. In 1978, he married Irina Bagudina, with whom he remains married. Leshchenko has no children, a source of regret for him.

The singer enjoys active recreation, including tennis, swimming, and basketball. He is the honorary president of the Triumph basketball club in the city of Lyubertsy. Leshchenko rarely appears in films, mostly in cameos or as himself. His most notable film role was in the musical television film "Voenno-Polevoi Romans" (1998).

Legacy

Lev Leshchenko's signature features have always been his soft facial features, warm smile, and fit physique. His velvety bass-baritone voice has captivated audiences for decades. Despite the vast changes in the music scene over the years, his talent has remained timeless. Leshchenko's enduring popularity is a testament to his exceptional artistry and the enduring power of his music.