Singer Willie Tokarev: biography, personal life, creativity

Willy Tokarev, whose biography arouses the sincere interest of fans of his work, is the generally recognized legend of Russian chanson, a poet and composer, whose songs sound on both sides of the ocean. It 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, began the Russian chanson. 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 Willie Tokarev with invariable success.

"Skyscrapers", "In a noisy booth", "Fisherman", "Dad's birthday" - Willy Tokarev's songs are known and sung by everyone, despite the fact that they were forbidden for some time. After all, the satirical texts of the author's works, written on the basis of the events that occurred at that time, were categorically incompatible with the realism of Soviet life. Tokarev was refused on airs by editors of radio and television, explaining this by "explosive" songs.

Childhood

Vilen was born on November 11, 1934. Such an unusual name, given in honor of Vladimir Lenin, he was awarded by a communist father. A physically strong man, called the first guy in the village, he went through the war, on his return home began to run the factory shop, which produced torpedoes. He lived more than 70 years and died from electro-closing. For Wilen, who later took the name of Willy (in the American manner), he became a vivid example of a real man.

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

The beginning of a musical career

After the service in the communications forces, Willy Tokarev, whose biography was just at the start of musical take-off, entered the Leningrad Music College at the Conservatoire in the class of double bass. On the stage the musician appeared as a jazz double bass player.

In his youth, Willy had occasion to change several musical groups, among which was the ensemble "Friendship". His famous song "Rain", which became very popular, was performed by Edita Piekha.

Further on, the musician's life became the city of Murmansk, where Tokarev was recognized as the songwriter and performer. For several years he worked there with his orchestra, created a cycle of songs, the most famous of which is still performed is "Murmanchanochka" (1973). Also Willy was 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 took the hunger for freedom and glory of Willie Tokarev.

Skyscrapers. America. A new start.

40 years. 100 dollars in your pocket. America, meet! The first time was the hardest for Willy, who did not know the language of a foreign country. Dreaming to release his CD, he tried himself in many professions: served as a courier, worked at the post office, cleaned the apartments, taxed. Pursuing private transport, survived four robberies, and the last one almost ended for him fatal.

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

At first, Willy Tokarev, whose songs sang the entire Russian population of America, performed at the Sadko restaurant, then in Odessa and Primorsky. At the same time, Love Uspenskaya was shining in the same places. In the American period, about 20 musical albums were recorded, and each of the following made the artist more popular and popular, not only in the US, but also in his homeland.

Tours to the Soviet Union

Then, at the invitation of the USSR State Committee for Concert in 1989, the long-awaited tours to the Soviet Union took place. Alla Pugacheva took a great part in the organization of the tour, however, the close communication with the prima donna Soviet variety did not grow into further cooperation.

Seventy triumphal concerts around the USSR are something that many entertainers dreamed of. Tokarev performed with the orchestra of Anatoly Kroll - an ingenious super musician. The first performance, which gathered the entire metropolitan beau monde, took place at the Moscow Variety Theater. This reception inspired Tokarev, gave him confidence.

Next were the palaces of sports, stadiums. Willy Tokarev, whose songs were enthusiastically perceived by the audience, traveled all over the Soviet Union. Several concerts were charitable. About money at that time, Willy Tokarev, whose biography is an example of bold and correct decisions, did not think. It was important to him that he returned home, home. His songs, banned earlier, now sounded free.

Today it is impossible to repeat such a tour: that sincere fuse, coupled with a frenzied nostalgia going from the very depths of the heart, can not be bought for money. All the footage of the grand tour served as the basis for the film about Tokarev "Here I became a rich sir and came to the USSR".

All my life - music

Willy Tokarev for millions of people is the only, unique, beloved. He was applauded by bohemia, business elite, nomenclature; Admirers of the charming musician are people of different professions and age categories. His songs are charged with cheerfulness, energy - everything that gives strength to live in this world, and Chapaev's mustaches never hang down, no matter what surprises the fate of the villain might present.

The notice 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 and decided to return to Russia. He bought an apartment in the capital, next to which is his studio, where new songs of the artist are recorded.

In 2005, Willy Tokarev and his wife voiced the film Tour de Force, followed by two more. At the same time, several music albums were recorded, among them "I loved you", Adorero, "Shalom, Israel!".

Family Happiness Willie Tokareva

In his private life Willy Tokarev had several marriages. The first marriage took place in the student years. The family union quickly disintegrated, the son lives in St. Petersburg, works on radio. With his second wife Tokarev met while touring the USSR. In the marriage was born the son of Alex, who currently resides in the United States. There was one more painting in the registry office: the newly-formed family could live under one roof for less than a month.

The fourth marriage was the most successful. With the current elect, the musician met in the Moscow metro. Julia and Willy Tokarev ... How old was the musician at the time of that fateful meeting? 62 years old. The wife was 43 years younger. The significant difference in age did not prevent this union from becoming happy: Julia gave birth to Willy Tokareva a girl and a boy. Education children receive in America, while being Russian citizens. They learn music, they can play various musical instruments. His Julia (that's what her wife Willy Tokarev calls her) Russian chansonnier adores and tries to stay young for longer to match her beloved half.