Heli Lääts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Heli Lääts
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Lääts in 1974.
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Heli Saul |
| Born | 24 June 1932 Kuressaare, Saare County, Estonia |
| Died | 16 February 2018 (aged 85) Tallinn, Harju County, Estonia |
| Genres | Estrada, chamber, pop, polka, jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1955– 2006 |
| Labels | Melodiya |
Heli Lääts (born June 24, 1932 – died February 16, 2018) was a famous Estonian singer. She had a beautiful mezzo-soprano voice. Her singing career started in the mid-1950s. Heli Lääts was known for singing many styles. These included pop, jazz, and a special kind of popular music called estrada.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in Estonia
Heli Lääts was born in Kuressaare, a town on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia. Her parents were Vladimir and Julia Lääts. She was the youngest of three children and their only daughter. She had two older brothers, Koit and Valdur. Heli spent her early childhood in the village of Sauvere.
A Difficult Time
During World War II, a sad event happened to Heli's family. Her mother, who was a schoolteacher, passed away in 1941. After this, Heli was raised by her aunt Anna. Her father later remarried.
Discovering Her Voice
Heli went to primary and secondary schools in Tallinn. In 1950, she was thinking about studying physical education at the University of Tartu. However, she was also singing in a choir. The choir director, Joosep Aavik, noticed her talent.
He introduced Heli to a famous singer named Aleksander Arder. After hearing Heli sing, Arder encouraged her to train as a professional singer.
Studying Music
Heli decided to change her plans. She enrolled at the Tallinn State Conservatory in Tallinn. This school is now known as the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. She started her studies in 1951.
In her first year, she was taught by the famous singer Georg Ots. Heli graduated from the Conservatory in 1955. She continued her studies and in 1960, she earned a degree in singing. She was the first Estonian singer to specialize in both estrada and chamber singing.
Singing Career
Starting as an Estrada Singer
In 1956, Heli Lääts began her career as an estrada singer. She performed with groups like the Emil Laansoo Ensemble. She also sang with the Eesti Raadio Estrada Orchestra. Estrada was a popular type of music during the Soviet era. It focused on strong vocals and catchy tunes.
International Recognition
In 1957, Heli Lääts joined other performers at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Moscow. This was a big event for young artists. In 1958, she made history. She became the first Estonian singer to win an award in a singing contest held across the entire Soviet Union.
Performing and Teaching
From 1957 to 1961, Heli Lääts was part of the Eesti Raadio Women's Trio. She also worked as a soloist for the Estonian SSR State Philharmonic from 1957 to 1987. This is now known as the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.
Besides singing, Heli also shared her knowledge. From 1966 to 1974, she taught singing at the Philharmonic's estrada studio.
Popular Songs and Albums
Throughout her career, Heli Lääts recorded many songs. She even sang a lot of children's songs. She released several albums and recorded music for Eesti Raadio. She also sang with other well-known Estonian artists like Mikk Mikiver, Uno Loop, and Jaak Joala.
Some of her most famous songs in Estonia include "Tsirkus" (Circus), "Kaunid baleriinid" (Beautiful Ballerinas), and "Oma laulu ei leia ma üles" (I Can't Find My Own Song). Other popular hits were "Kevad ja päike" (Spring and Sun) and "Tänav, pink ja puu" (Street, Bench, and Tree).
Personal Life
Heli Lääts was married to Peeter Saul, a conductor and pianist. They were married for 56 years, starting in 1958. Peeter Saul passed away in 2014. Heli and Peeter had two sons named Indrek and Kaarel. Heli Lääts passed away peacefully in Tallinn in 2018, at the age of 85. She was laid to rest in Tallinn's Metsakalmistu cemetery.
Awards and Recognition
Heli Lääts received many important awards for her singing.
- In 1970, she was given the title of Merited Artist of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic.
- In 1976, she was honored as the People's Artist of the Estonian SSR.
- In 2004, she received the Order of the White Star, V Class. This is a high honor in Estonia.
- In the same year, she also won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Estonian National Culture Foundation.
