Oksana Grigorieva facts for kids

Oksana Petrovna Grigorieva (Russian: Оксана Петровна Григорьева; born 23 February 1970) is a talented Russian singer-songwriter and pianist. She studied music in Moscow and completed her music studies in Kazan, Russia. Later, she moved to London to continue her education. After studying music at the Royal Academy of Music, she moved to the United States. She lived in New York City and Los Angeles, California. Grigorieva also taught music in the U.S. and even created a special way to teach musical notation to children.

Grigorieva became well-known as a songwriter in 2006. This happened after a song she wrote, "Un día llegará," became popular. It was featured on the Josh Groban album Awake. In 2009, Grigorieva released her own music album called Beautiful Heartache. The actor and director Mel Gibson, who she was in a relationship with, helped produce this album.

Early Life and Education

Oksana Grigorieva was born Oksana Petrovna Chernukha in Saransk, Russia, in 1970. Both of her parents were music professors. She grew up in Ukraine and Russia. At 15, she moved to Moscow to attend university and study piano. She worked very hard, sometimes practicing for many hours a day. Grigorieva finished her music studies in Kazan.

She then moved to London to continue her studies and teach music. While in London, she also worked as a model to support herself. She later moved to the United States, living in New York City and Los Angeles. In the U.S., she taught music and developed a special method for teaching musical notes to children. Grigorieva also composed music and created pieces for theater and advertisements.

Music Career Highlights

Grigorieva first gained attention as a songwriter in 2006. Her song "Un día llegará" (which means "A Day Will Come" in Spanish) became very popular. It was featured on the album Awake by famous singer Josh Groban. Music critics praised the song, calling it "gorgeous" and an "outstanding track." Josh Groban himself called it "a beauty" before performing it live.

In 2009, Oksana Grigorieva released her own album, Beautiful Heartache. Mel Gibson helped her with her music career by being the executive producer for this album. The album has 11 songs. It includes a cover of the Russian song "Dark Eyes" and a song she worked on with Charlie Midnight. Beautiful Heartache was described as "grown-up, piano-led pop" with classical influences. Grigorieva wrote almost all the songs on the album herself. One song, "Say My Name," which she co-wrote with Mel Gibson, was even used in the 2010 film Edge of Darkness. Critics gave the album good reviews, noting its "wistful love songs" and her "soulful voice."

Personal Life

Oksana Grigorieva was married briefly in 1989 to Igor Baranov. In 1992, she married British artist Nicholas Rowland. She later had a relationship with actor Timothy Dalton, known for playing James Bond. They met in 1995. Dalton and Grigorieva had a son together, Alexander, born in August 1997. Their relationship ended in 2003.

Grigorieva has also been involved in charity work. She supported the Chernobyl Children's Project International in Belarus.

Family Life

From 2007, Grigorieva was in a relationship with actor Mel Gibson. Their daughter, Lucia, was born on 30 October 2009. The couple separated in April 2010. After their separation, Grigorieva and Gibson worked to resolve matters concerning their daughter. In August 2011, they reached an agreement. This agreement included financial support and a house for Lucia to live in until she turns 18. At that time, the house would be sold, and the money would go into a trust fund for Lucia. They also agreed to share legal custody of their daughter.

Discography

• "Un día llegará", Josh Groban album, Awake (2006)
• Beautiful Heartache, executive produced by Mel Gibson (2009)

See also

In Spanish: Oksana Grigorieva para niños