Lidia Ruslanova facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lidia Andreyevna Ruslanova
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Native name |
Лидия Андреевна Русланова
|
| Birth name | Agafia Leykina Russian: Агафья Лейкина |
| Born | 27 October 1900 Chernavka, Serdobsky Uyezd, Saratov Governorate, Russian Empire |
| Died | 21 September 1973 (aged 72) Moscow, USSR |
| Genres | russian folk music |
| Instruments | singing |
Lidia Andreyevna Ruslanova (sometimes spelled Lidiya or Lydia, Russian: Лидия Андреевна Русланова; 27 October 1900 – 21 September 1973) was one of the most famous and loved performers of Russian folk songs. She was known for her powerful voice and unique style.
Contents
Early Life and Talent
Lidia Ruslanova was born in a small village called Chernavka, near Saratov. Her birth name was Agafia Leykina. She came from a farming family. Sadly, by the time she was five years old, both of her parents had passed away. Her father died in the Russo-Japanese War, and her mother passed soon after.
Because of this, Lidia spent most of her childhood living in an orphanage. It was there that her amazing singing talent was first noticed. She joined the children's choir at the local church and quickly became a main singer.
Discovering Her Voice
Later, Lidia's uncle invited her to work in a furniture factory. While she was working, one of the factory owners heard her singing. He was so impressed that he suggested she go to study at the Saratov Conservatory, a special music school. However, Lidia preferred to learn by performing rather than by studying in a classroom.
During the First World War, Lidia worked on a hospital train, helping injured soldiers. She also faced personal challenges during this time. She later married a man who sadly died during the Russian Civil War. She took her famous last name, Ruslanova, from him.
A Star is Born
Lidia Ruslanova gave her very first public concert when she was just 16 years old. She sang for a group of soldiers, performing every song she knew. She continued to sing for Russian soldiers during the Russian Civil War.
Becoming a Professional Singer
Lidia officially started her career as a professional singer in 1923 in Rostov-on-Don. People quickly noticed her unique and powerful singing voice. She brought back old traditions where women would sing solo at special events. By the 1930s, Ruslanova had become incredibly popular across Russia. She performed all over the country, sharing her love for folk music.
Singing for Soldiers in Wartime
When World War II began, Lidia Ruslanova traveled constantly to the front lines. She sang for soldiers to help them feel brave and lift their spirits with her patriotic songs. Her most famous songs were Valenki and Katyusha, which was written just for her. She even performed on the steps of the damaged Reichstag building during the Battle of Berlin.
Lidia became very successful and wealthy. She even helped pay for two special rocket launchers, called Katyushas, for the Red Army in 1942. That same year, she was honored as an Artist of Honour for her contributions.
Challenges and Comeback
Lidia Ruslanova was very popular with the soldiers because of her down-to-earth style. However, this also made some government officials see her as a possible challenge. In 1948, her husband, Vladimir Kryukov, who was a respected general, was arrested. Two years later, Lidia Ruslanova was also arrested. She was sentenced to 10 years of hard labor.
Life After Prison
While in prison, Lidia's singing talent still shone through. She was admired by other prisoners and even by the prison staff. After Joseph Stalin passed away, Lidia was released on August 4, 1953. She was very thin and weak, but she started singing again almost immediately.
Even though she didn't receive many official awards after her release, Lidia Ruslanova was still highly respected. She helped lead the first All-Soviet Festival of Soviet Songs. She continued to sing and perform until she passed away in 1973, at the age of 72.
A crater on Venus is named Ruslanova in her honor.
Discography
- 1996: Поёт Лидия Русланова (Lidia Ruslanova Sings)
- 2000: Царица Русской песни (Queen of Russian Song)
- 2001: Великие исполнители России XX века (Great Performers of Russia in the 20th Century)
- 2002: Русские народные песни (Russian Folk Songs)
- 2007: Имена на все времена (Names for All Times)
See also
In Spanish: Lidia Ruslánova para niños
