Valery Leontiev

1.1. Childhood and Upbringing

Valery Yakovlevich Leontiev was born on 19 March 1949, in Ust-Usa, a village in what is now Russia's Komi Republic. In 1961, when he was 12 years old, his family relocated to the city of Yuryevets in Ivanovo Oblast. He experienced a challenging upbringing alongside his parents during these formative years.

1.2. Education and Early Aspirations

Leontiev's initial ambition was to pursue a career in oceanography. However, he was unable to pass the entrance examinations for university in this field, which led him to reconsider his path. Undeterred, he later moved to Syktyvkar and began to pursue a career in singing, marking a significant transition towards his musical journey.

2.1. Early Performances and Debut

Leontiev's first public performance on a major stage took place in 1971 at the regional competition "Song-71" in Vorkuta. He achieved second place in this competition with his rendition of the song "Carnaval." Following this, he was accepted as a member of the Republican Philharmonic, known as the Echo Philharmonic. He began performing in historic venues such as the Oktyabrskiy Big Concert Hall in Saint Petersburg. His career further propelled after he joined the Gorky Philharmonic.

In 1980, Leontiev performed in various notable concert venues, including the Moscow Variety Theatre, Oktyabrsky, and Luzhniki. In 1981, he won the popularity prize at the prestigious "Yerevan-81" music festival. American journalists attending the event noted his expressive performing style, drawing comparisons to both Mick Jagger and Mikhail Baryshnikov. In 1982, Leontiev faced a significant health challenge, undergoing an operation to remove a tumor from his throat, which put his singing career at risk. In 1983, he moved to work with the Voroshilovgrad Philharmonic (now the Luhansk Philharmonic) in the Ukrainian SSR. A year later, he was given a dedicated segment in composer Raimond Pauls' author's evening, "Holy love of music," in Moscow. In 1986, he performed in Chernobyl for the liquidators of the nuclear power plant accident, an event also attended by Alla Pugacheva. By 1987, Leontiev had earned the title of Merited Artist of Ukrainian SSR.

2.2. Major Concerts and Tours

The early 1990s marked an intensive period of touring for Leontiev, with concerts held in countries such as Germany, Israel, the United States, Canada, and India. His concert programs were renowned for their spectacular lighting and theatrical presentations.



Notable concert programs and tours include:

• 1972: First solo concert in Vorkuta.
• 1975: Tour across the Soviet Union.
• 1978: Tour in Belarus.
• 1980: First concerts in Moscow.
• 1981: First solo concerts in Oktyabrskiy Big Concert Hall, Leningrad.
• 1983: Concert program "I'm just a singer," featuring 18 sold-out concerts in Leningrad.
• 1984: Concert program "I run for life."
• 1985: Concert program "Alone with all," which gained cult status, causing traffic jams in Leningrad due to long queues for tickets. He performed 10 concerts.
• 1986: Concert program "Star story" and a tour in Czechoslovakia.
• 1987: Concert program "Favorites" and a tour in Bulgaria.
• 1988-1989: Rock opera "Giordano," featuring over 50 concerts in Moscow and Leningrad. Leontiev impressively played three of the four main roles: Giordano Bruno, a clown, and Satan.
• 1988: Show "A matter of taste" and a tour in India.
• 1988-1989: Grand tour of cities across the Soviet Union. For example, in 1988 alone, Leontiev performed 27 recitals in Novosibirsk and 33 solo concerts in Almaty.
• 1990: Show "It seems to me that I have not lived" at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow, alongside concerts in the USA, India, Germany, and Israel.
• 1991: Tours in India, Canada, USA, and Germany.
• 1992: Tours in Israel, Canada, and USA.
• 1993: Show "Full Moon," considered the first super-show in Russia.
• 1994: Show "Beauty and Casanova," notable as the first concert by a pop star with a symphony orchestra in Russia, featuring the participation of 1960s sex symbol Gina Lollobrigida. He also toured Israel.
• 1996: Show "On the road to Hollywood," with tours in the US, Germany, Israel, and Canada.
• 1998: Concert on Star Square in Moscow; a solo concert for the 50th anniversary of the State of Israel in Tel Aviv on May 14, 1998; and tours in Germany, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
• 1999: Super-show "Photographer of Dreams," with tours in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, the United States, Canada, Germany, and the Baltic states.
• 2001: Super-show "Unnamed Planet," touring Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States, the United States, and Germany.
• 2002: Concerts in Atlantic City, Moscow, Kyiv, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, along with tours in the Baltic states, Israel, and Germany.
• 2003: Concert tour "The Sixth Life" across Russia, Ukraine, the United States, Germany, and Israel.
• 2004: Concert in Los Angeles; from March 11-14, solo concerts at Oktyabrskiy Big Concert Hall, St. Petersburg, where he performed his 300th solo concert in the city on March 12.
• 2005: Concert program "Valery Leontiev presents..." touring Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
• 2006-2008: Tours in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Israel.
• 2009-2010: Anniversary show "I love you, miss you, I'm waiting," with tours in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, USA, Israel, and Australia (including concerts in Sydney and Melbourne).
• 2011: October 21-22, concert at the Kremlin Palace of Congresses (the show "The best ever!").
• 2012: Tour with the concert program "The best ever!", dedicated to the 40th anniversary of his creative activity (Russia, Ukraine, Canada, USA); October 21-22, concert in the Kremlin Palace of Congresses (show "By popular demand...").
• 2013: Tours in Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.
• 2014: March 19, 21, 22, anniversary concerts in the Oktyabrskiy Big Concert Hall, St. Petersburg; March 28, anniversary concert in the State Kremlin Palace; concerts in Geneva and Israel.
• 2015: Creative Evening of Valery Leontiev in Sochi. Tours in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Germany.

2.3. International Success and Recognition

Leontiev's talent and unique style quickly garnered international attention. In 1991, he was honored as the "Best Selling Soviet Artist" at the prestigious World Music Awards ceremony in Monte Carlo. In 1993, he was a headliner at the Voice of Asia festival, sharing the stage with international acts such as Boney M. and Gloria Gaynor. His extensive international tours, spanning continents from North America to Asia and Australia, significantly extended his popularity beyond the borders of the Soviet Union and later, Russia.

2.4. Key Career Milestones

Valery Leontiev has achieved numerous significant milestones throughout his career, marked by official titles and recognitions. On March 9, 1996, he was awarded the highly prestigious title of People's Artist of Russia, one of the highest artistic honors in the country. On March 28, 1998, a nominal star dedicated to Valery Leontiev was unveiled on Star Square in Moscow, commemorating his lasting impact on the entertainment industry. In 1999, he received the "Living Legend Award" at the "Ovation" Russian national music award ceremony, further solidifying his iconic status.

3.1. Studio Albums

Leontiev has released over 30 studio albums, many of which have achieved multi-million sales. His studio albums include:

4.1. As Composer

Valery Leontiev has composed the music for several songs, all in collaboration with Yuri Varum:

• 1985: Mongolia (Монголия^Russian)
• 1985: Flower Seller (Продавец цветов^Russian) (A remake was released in 2014)
• 1986: Remember them Flying (Запомни их летящими^Russian)
• 1986: Game № 1 (Игра No. 1^Russian)
• 1986: Fires (Костры^Russian)
• 1987: Dog Show (Выставка собак^Russian)
• 1987: Familiar Fairy Tale (Знакомая сказка^Russian)
• 1987: Kukaracha (Кукарача^Russian)
• 1987: Skyscrapers (Небоскрёбы^Russian)
• 1987: I Don't Like (Я не люблю^Russian)
• 1988: I Went to the Microphone (Я вышел к микрофону^Russian)

4.2. As Lyricist

Leontiev has also penned lyrics for the following songs:

• 1985: Birth Day (Рождение дня^Russian) (Lyrics co-written with Vladimir Kostrov)
• 1993: Touch (Прикоснись^Russian) (Lyrics co-written with Nikolai Denisov)

5.1. Film and Musical Appearances

Leontiev's filmography includes roles in feature films and a significant number of musical films and television specials.

His film appearances include:

• 1981: In a Strange Feast (На чужом празднике^Russian)
• 1985: Do Not Marry, Girls (Не ходите, девки, замуж^Russian)
• 1985: Insurance Agent (Страховой агент^Russian)
• 1992: Psychic (Экстрасенс^Russian)

His musical films and musicals include:

• 1979: Crimean Dawns (Крымские зори^Russian)
• 1979: The film-concert "Olümpiaregati tähed \ Stars Olympic Regatta" (produced by CT USSR and ETV)
• 1984: I Do Not Say Goodbye to You (Я с тобой не прощаюсь^Russian)
• 1984: Winds Baltic (Eesti Televisioon)
• 1985: Stained Glass Maker (Витражных дел мастер^Russian)
• 1986: Clown with Autumn in the Heart (Клоун с осенью в сердце^Russian)
• 1986: How to Become a Star (Как стать звездой^Russian)
• 1987: Valery Leontiev (film)
• 1990: Valery Leontiev. Let Me Go with You (Валерий Леонтьев. Дай мне уйти с тобой^Russian)
• 1991: Valery Leontiev Sings (Поёт Валерий Леонтьев^Russian)
• 1991: Valery Leontiev. Made in India (Валерий Леонтьев. Made in India^Russian)
• 1997: Saturday Evening with Valery Leontiev (Musical film by RTR)
• 1997: Such Different Valery Leontiev (Такой разный Валерий Леонтьев^Russian)
• 1997: Parade Parade is Valery Leontiev (movie channel TV-6)
• 2000: The Reverse Side of Valery Leontiev (movie channel ORT)
• 2002: Cinderella (Musical film)
• 2003: Three Tunes for the Film Valery Leontiev (Три мелодии для фильма Валерия Леонтьева^Russian)
• 2009: Valery Leontiev in Komi (Валерий Леонтьев в Коми^Russian)
• 2009: I Have Not Lived. Valery Leontiev (Я ещё не жил. Валерий Леонтьев^Russian) (movie channel ORT)
• 2009: Valery Leontiev: Lost Laughter (Валерий Леонтьев: Утерянный смех^Russian) (movie channel Inter)
• 2009: Benefit Valery Leontiev "The Book of Fate" (Бенефис Валерия Леонтьева "Книга судьбы"^Russian) (movie channel NTV)
• 2012: Anniversary Concert of Valery Leontiev "The Best Ever!" (Юбилейный концерт Валерия Леонтьева "Лучший навсегда!"^Russian) (concert channel ORT)
• 2012: Hurtling Time If a Rider (Мчится время будто всадник^Russian) (movie channel TV Tsentr)

6.1. State and Official Honors

Leontiev has been decorated with several state and official honors:

• Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 3rd class (21 February 2022) - for a great contribution to the development of national culture and art, and many years of fruitful activity.
• Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 4th class (19 March 2005) - for his great contribution to the development of music.
• Order of Honor (2009) - for great contribution to the development of national music art and many years of creative activity.
• Order of Friendship (2014).

He holds several honorary titles:

• People's Artist of Russia (9 March 1996).
• Merited Artist of Ukrainian SSR (1987).
• People's Artist of the Komi Republic (2009).
• Honorary Citizen of Sakha Republic (2014).

He has also received medals and special awards:

• Medal "For Faith and Good" (2010).
• Lenin Komsomol Prize (1985) - for the promotion of Soviet pop songs of youth and high performance skills.
• Prize of the Moscow Government in the field of literature and the arts (1996) - for the super show "Full Moon" and "On the way to Hollywood."
• Prize of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the field of literature and the arts (1999).
• Belarusian President's award "Through Art - to Peace and Understanding," presented by Alexander Lukashenko on July 12, 2009, at the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk.
• Order of Mikhail Lomonosov (2007).
• Order "For the Rebirth of Russia. 21st Century" (2003).

6.2. Major Music Awards

Valery Leontiev has been honored with numerous prestigious music awards throughout his career:

• Golden Orpheus**:
  • 1980: First prize of the XVI International Festival "Golden Orpheus" in Bulgaria.
• World Music Awards**:
  • 1991: "Best-selling Soviet recording-artist of the year."
• ZD Awards** (eight wins):
  • 1980: Singer of the year.
  • 1984: Singer of the year.
  • 1985: Singer of the year.
  • 1986: Singer of the year.
  • 1996: Best show of the year - "On the road to Hollywood."
  • 1999: Best show of the year - "Photographer of Dreams."
  • 2001: Best show of the year - "Nameless Planet."
  • 2009: Special prize "Legend."
  • 2014: Special prize for a contribution to the development of Russian pop music.
• Ovation**:
  • 1998: "Living Legend" award.
• Golden Gramophone Award** (four wins):
  • 1997: For the song "One Ticket" (Один билет^Russian).
  • 1999: For the song "Everybody Wants to Love" (Каждый хочет любить^Russian).
  • 2000: For the song "Augustine" (Августин^Russian).
  • 2005: Special prize "For contribution to the development of the Russian pop music."
  • 2008: For the song "Dove" (Голуби^Russian).
• Song of the Year**:
  • 1997: Singer of the year and prize for a great contribution to the development of Russian pop music.
• Muz-TV Awards**:
  • 2003: Special prize "For achievements in the development of popular music."
• Russian Music Awards**:
  • 2015: Special prize for "a unique contribution to the development of the Russian pop music."
  • 2019: Special prize for "contribution to the development of national culture."

  Other notable recognitions include:

  • 1981: Performer of the Year according to the "Estrada-81" contest (Komsomolskaya Pravda).
  • 1983: Singer of the Year according to a poll of readers of the newspaper Smena.
  • 1987: The best song of the year "White Crow" (Белый снег^Russian) based on open voting by ITAR-TASS in the USSR, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and other countries.
  • 1988: Singer of the Year based on open voting by ITAR-TASS.
  • 1990: Best song of the Year according to the All-Union charts TASS "Wicked Way" (Грешный путь^Russian).
  • 1992: Singer of the Year according to the hit chart of the newspaper Vechernyaya Moskva.
  • 1992: Song of the Year "At the Gates of the Lord" (У ворот Господних^Russian) according to the hit chart of the newspaper Vechernyaya Moskva.
  • 1998: "Stopudoviy Hit" award from the radio station Hit FM for the song "Nine Chrysanthemums" (Девять хризантем^Russian).
  • 1999: "Stopudoviy Hit" award from the radio station Hit FM for the song "Everyone Wants to Love" (Каждый хочет любить^Russian).
  • 2000: "Stopudoviy Hit" award from the radio station Hit FM for the song "Augustine" (Августин^Russian).
  • 2005: Valery Leontiev was listed in the Russian Encyclopedia.
  • 2009: "God of the Ether" award in the "Radiorekord" nomination (for a record number of rotations).

8.1. Public and Critical Reception

Valery Leontiev is widely regarded as a "megastar" and a "legend" of Russian pop music. His performances are known for their distinct style, energetic delivery, and often spectacular lighting. Time magazine, commenting on his performance at the 1981 Yerevan concert, described his style as falling "somewhere between those of Mick Jagger and Mikhail Baryshnikov," highlighting his unique blend of rock showmanship and artistic grace. Critics and the public alike have consistently recognized him as one of the most prominent and successful artists in Soviet and Russian music.

8.2. Cultural and Musical Influence

Leontiev's impact on Russian popular music is substantial. He has set a high standard for new generations of artists through his genuine talent, professionalism, and hard work. His songs have consistently topped charts and resonated deeply with millions of listeners. His innovative stage presence and theatrical approach to concerts have also influenced the visual and performative aspects of Russian pop.

9.1. Statements by Notable Figures

• President Vladimir Putin: "You are rightly recognized as a master of the song genre, an artist who reached the summits of Pop Olympus thanks to genuine talent, professionalism, and hard work." (March 19, 2004)
• President Dmitry Medvedev: "Over the years of a bright stage career, you have not only gained great love from fans but also set a high standard of music for new generations of artists. The songs performed by you always lead not only in the charts but also in the hearts of an audience of millions." (March 19, 2014)
• President Alexander Lukashenko: "Great talent, unparalleled professional skills, and constant creative search brought you well-deserved fame and recognition around the world." (March 22, 2014)
• Politician Valentina Matviyenko: "You have created a stage persona which has never been on the stage and I am sure that nobody will ever repeat, and you follow this image."
• Singer Muslim Magomayev: "The name Valery Leontiev is enough just to name - and you don't need any colorful definitions! Everything is clear! A Living Classic of our stage."
• Singer Joseph Kobzon: "Tragically, we have a unit of this magnitude of stars - Pugacheva, Leontiev... Those people who for many years retain their creative person and love of the public."

Leontiev has also shared the stage with political figures, further highlighting his cultural significance. In August 2006 in Sochi, he performed at a concert for the heads of the CIS. During an encore, then-President of Russia Vladimir Putin unexpectedly joined Leontiev to sing "Hope" (Надежда^Russian), with Leontiev handing him the microphone. This star duet received enthusiastic applause from both the CIS leaders and fellow artists. In 2008, Leontiev performed his hit "Margarita" in the presence of the Presidents of Bulgaria, Slovakia, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine.

Leontiev's music has also made its way into popular culture; for instance, his song "Green Light" was featured in Episode 16 of the animated series Nu, pogodi!, played by the Wolf on a magical guitar.