Lev Leschenko is a legendary Soviet and Russian singer. He is called the "golden baritone" of the USSR and the Russian Federation. His low and soft voice with a velvety timbre has become his trademark and unique asset. For 60 years of his creative activity he received many prestigious awards, among them the titles "People's" and "Honored Artist", holder of the orders "For Services to the Fatherland", "Friendship of Peoples", "Badge of Honor", numerous awards of the Federal Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Lenin Komsomol and many others. He gave us the world schlager "Victory Day", which became a real anthem on May 9. In his 77 years he continues his career, participates in various TV projects, teaches music to the younger generation. Lev Leshchenko is full of strength, energy and talent. He always looks trim, slim and well-groomed - it seems that the years have no control over him.
Childhood and youth
Lev Valerianovich was born in Moscow at the height of hostilities - February 1, 1942. His father worked as an accountant before the war, and in wartime went to the front. He was awarded many medals, and after the victory he continued to serve in the ranks of the KGB. His mother died a year and a half after the birth of the child, so Lev almost does not remember her.
The childhood of the future singer passed in the village of Nizy (Ukraine), where his father's relatives lived. And in the 1st grade the boy went to Moscow school. By that time Valerian Andreevich married for the second time. New daddy's chosen Marina brought up Lev as his own child. Leshchenko always remembers her with respect and gratitude. In 1949, their family was replenished with a girl Valentina.
School years were difficult - the post-war time was a test for everyone. Nevertheless, the boy's life was very interesting. He spent a lot of time in his father's military unit: went in formation, wore uniforms, dined with soldiers in the dining room. He was nicknamed "the son of the regiment".
Love for music instilled in Leo's grandfather, whose grandfather he often visited. Together they listened to Leonid Utesov with rapt attention, sang and played the violin. Then a dream was born in the little boy - to become an artist or a singer. He enrolled in the city choir of the House of Pioneers and after a year he performed at all school events.
After school he tried to enter GITIS, but the attempt was not successful. Some time Leshchenko worked part-time at the Bolshoi Theater handyman. And after the shift long sat in the back rows, watching the rehearsals of artists. His father did not like this hobby of his son, so he insisted that he got a normal job. Lev began to work at the factory of precision measuring instruments fitter-assembler. And even "worked his way up" to the 4th category.
In 1961 the young man was called up for military service. To give duty to his homeland he was sent to the GDR. After a year of army life Lev Leshchenko was a soloist in a military ensemble, led concerts, read poetry. Thus, he was able to prepare for the future admission to the theater - at the end of the term of service, the guy became a student of GITIS. And already in the second year, he made the first steps to popularity.
Creative path
The first step to the glory of Leshchenko was the theater. First he performed at the "Theater of Operetta", where he played in the productions of "Orpheus in Hell", "Circus lights up the lights". In the summer, the debutant went on tour with concert brigades throughout the Soviet Union. But this genre he was not very charming, so four years later he left the operetta and became a soloist of the USSR State Radio.
Lev grasped everything on the fly. Each performance brought him experience, new knowledge, as well as admirers of creativity. In the 70's he took part in all kinds of competitions and festivals, including international ones. Collecting a collection of awards and prizes, he never stopped improving and trying himself in different spheres.
A significant year for him was 1975, when he sang "Victory Day" for the first time. It was phenomenal: the song acquired a new sound and meaning, and listeners instantly fell in love with the young performer.
From that moment Lev Valerianovich actively engaged in a solo career. His songs became hit singers. Many compositions are called the textbook of Russian pop music. "Thank you for the silence", "Parents' House", "Cranes", "We can not live without each other", "Goodbye, Moscow" - these songs were known and loved by all the inhabitants of the USSR. His repertoire consisted mostly of military songs, although many of them had sensual lyrics.
The period of 80-90-ies was very successful in his musical career. At the same time Leshchenko had time to show himself in other creative activities. He led TV shows, organized and led the group "Spectrum", created his own theater of musical performances, debuted in a TV show. Conquering the world of television, Lev starred in several movies, began to perform in the comedy genre as a duet with Vladimir Vinokur. Thanks to his boundless talent, the singer became a teacher at the Gnesin Music and Pedagogical Institute. Gnessin.
In the discography of the performer about 10 records, CDs, albums, more than 10 minions, as well as participation in dozens of compilations and author's records of other artists.
In recent years, Leshchenko does not slow down and actively continues to give concerts, record new songs, star in TV projects and films, publish books.
Personal life
The first wife of the artist was Alla Abdalova. They met in their student years, then they also formalized their marriage. The girl was a singer, which in many ways brought them closer: the spouses went on tour together, performed at concerts. But years later, Alla increasingly began to stay in the shadows, while her husband's career was rapidly gaining momentum. Relationships deteriorated and ended in divorce.
Another reason for their parting became and new love of Leo. Student Irina conquered the man from the first meeting. He fell in love to the point of madness and by all means sought her attention. And his taki achieved: a year later they got married. Together with his second wife, they live to this day. The Leshchenko family has no children.
Creative biography and achievements of Lev Leshchenko on the musical platform became a model for many performers. And despite his age, he is not going to stop at what he has achieved. What else will be able to surprise us with the legend of the Russian variety, read in the catalog of artists on the website kontramarka.de.
Discography:
1971 - "Don't cry, girl".
1974 - "Melt Water"
1980 - "Attraction of the Earth"
1981 - "Parents' House"
1983 - "In the Circle of Friends"
1987 - "Something for the Soul"
1996 - "The Scent of Love"
2004 - "Love Mood"
2006 - "Be Happy"
2015 - "I'll Give You A Gift"
2017 - "I've been waiting for a meeting..."
2018 - "My Last Love"
2018 - "Created for You"
