Singer Willy Tokarev: biography, personal life, creativity

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Willy Tokarev, whose biography is of sincere interest to fans of his work, is a universally recognized legend of Russian chanson, a poet and composer whose songs are heard on both sides of the ocean. He is known all over the world, especially where there are Russians. It was with Tokarev, who came from America on tour to the Soviet Union, that Russian chanson began. This is one of the few performers who under no circumstances uses a phonogram and always sings live. Canada, America, Germany, Israel, Australia, England, Russia are the countries in which the charming and charismatic Willy Tokarev performs with constant success.

"Skyscrapers", "In a noisy booth", "Rybatskaya", "Dad's birthday" - the songs of Willy Tokarev are known and sung by everyone, despite the fact that they were banned for some time. After all, the satirical texts of the author's works, written on the basis of the events that took place at that time, categorically did not fit into the framework of the realism of Soviet life. Tokarev was denied airingeditors of radio and television, citing the "explosiveness" of the songs.

Childhood

Vilen was born on November 11, 1934. Such an unusual name, given in honor of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, was awarded to him by his communist father. A physically strong man, what is called the first guy in the village, he went through the war, upon returning home he began to lead the factory workshop that produced torpedoes. Lived for over 70 years and died of an electrical short. For Vilen, who later took the name Willy (in the American style), he became a vivid example of a real man.

Willy Tokarev, whose biography began in the Kuban, is a descendant of real Kuban Cossacks; their songs, absorbed from a very young age, the singer carried in his heart through his whole life. Willy's creative gift appeared very early: at the age of 5, the boy created a courtyard choir, wrote his first poem at school age, at the same time he learned to play folk stringed instruments. As a teenager, he listened with enthusiasm to music on his own radio "Spring", which prompted him to try his hand at composing melodies.

The beginning of a musical career

After serving in the signal troops, Willy Tokarev, whose biography was just at the start of his musical take-off, entered the Leningrad Musical College at the Conservatory in the double bass class. The musician appeared on the stage as a jazz double bass player.

In his youth, Willy had the opportunity to change several musical groups, including the Druzhba ensemble. his famous song"Rain", which became very popular, was performed by Edita Piekha.

Further on the musician's life path was the city of Murmansk, where Tokarev was recognized as a songwriter and performer. For several years he worked there with his orchestra, created a cycle of songs, the most famous of which and still performed is “Murmanchanochka” (1973). Willy was also awarded the title of Hero of the Kola Peninsula. But the musician with his talent became cramped in the Soviet expanses: emigration to America - such a bold decision was made by Willy Tokarev, thirsting for freedom and glory.

Skyscrapers. America. New start

40 years old. 100 dollars in your pocket. America, welcome! The first time was the most difficult for Willy, who did not know the language of a foreign country. Dreaming of releasing his own disc, he tried himself in many professions: he served as a courier, worked at the post office, cleaned apartments, and worked as a taxi driver. Being a private driver, he survived four robberies, and the last one almost ended in death for him.

In 1979, his first cassette was released, which remained almost unnoticed. The next one was called "In a noisy booth" and contained songs stylized as restaurant and thieves. It was she who brought fame to the Russian singer: Willy Tokarev - the king of emigration - became a star.

At first, Willy Tokarev, whose songs were sung by the entire Russian population of America, performed at the Sadko restaurant, then at Odessa and Primorsky. At the same time, Lyubov Uspenskaya shone in the same places. During the American period, about 20 musicalalbums, and each subsequent one made the artist more and more popular and in demand, not only in the USA, but also at home.

Tour of the Soviet Union

Further, at the invitation of the State Concert of the USSR in 1989, the long-awaited tour to the Soviet Union took place. Alla Pugacheva took a great part in organizing the tour, but close communication with the prima donna of the Soviet stage did not develop into further cooperation.

Seventy triumphant concerts in the USSR - what many pop singers dreamed of. Tokarev performed with the orchestra of Anatoly Kroll, a brilliant super-musician. The first performance, which brought together the entire metropolitan beau monde, took place at the Moscow Variety Theater. This technique inspired Tokarev, gave him confidence.

Further there were sports palaces, stadiums. Willy Tokarev, whose songs were enthusiastically perceived by the audience, traveled all over the Soviet Union. Several concerts were charitable. At that time, Willy Tokarev, whose biography is an example of bold and correct decisions, did not think about money. It was important for him that he returned to his homeland, home. His songs, previously banned, now sounded freely.

Today, it is impossible to repeat such a tour: that sincere fuse, combined with the mad nostalgia that came from the very depths of the heart, money cannot buy. All the footage of the grandiose tour served as the basis for the film about Tokarev “Here I became a rich sir and came to the USSR.”

All life is music

Willy Tokarev for millions of people is the only oneunique, loved. He was applauded by bohemia, the business elite, the nomenklatura; The admirers of the charming musician are people of different professions and age categories. His songs charge with love of life, energy - everything that gives strength to live in this world, and Chapaev's mustache never hangs down, no matter what surprises fate-villain presents.

The full house was repeated in 1990, and then in 2005. By that time, Willy was famous, 24 albums were released, a documentary was released about him and his life in America. Having become famous in his homeland, the artist did not consider it necessary to live abroad anymore and decided to return to Russia. He bought an apartment in the capital, next to which is his studio, where the artist's new songs are recorded.

In 2005, Willy Tokarev and his wife voiced the film Tour de Force, followed by two more. In parallel, several music albums were recorded, including “I loved you”, Adorero, “Shalom, Israel!”.

Willy Tokarev's Family Happiness

In his personal life, Willy Tokarev had several marriages. The first marriage took place in his student years. The family union quickly broke up, the son lives in St. Petersburg, works on the radio. Tokarev met his second wife while touring the USSR. The marriage produced a son, Alex, who currently lives in the United States. There was another painting in the registry office: the newly formed family was able to live under one roof for less than a month.

The fourth marriage was the most successful. The musician met his current darling in the metropolitan metro. Julia and WillyTokarev … How old was the musician at the time of that fateful meeting? 62 years old. The wife was 43 years younger. A significant age difference did not prevent this union from becoming happy: Julia gave birth to Willy Tokarev, a girl and a boy. Children receive education in America, while being Russian citizens. Learn music, know how to play various musical instruments. The Russian chansonnier adores his Julia (this is what Willy Tokarev calls his wife) and tries to stay young longer to match his beloved half.