Famous Russian Lyricists & Songwriters

Alexander Nikolaevich Bashlachev was a Soviet poet, singer-songwriter, and guitarist known for his influential contributions to Russian rock music. He began his music career in the 1980s during the Soviet era, using his poetry to express dissent and critique societal issues. Bashlachev's raw and emotional lyrics resonated with audiences, earning him a reputation as a powerful voice of his generation. Despite facing censorship and persecution from authorities, he continued to perform and record music, leaving a lasting impact on the Russian music scene.

Maria Arkhipova, known professionally as Masha Scream, is a prominent Russian metal musician hailing from Moscow. She is recognized as the founder, vocalist, and primary songwriter of the folk metal band Arkona, showcasing her talent and creativity within the metal music scene. Maria has also showcased her musical abilities in other bands such as Nargathrond, further establishing her reputation as a versatile and skilled musician in the industry. Her contributions to the metal genre continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

Bulat Okudzhava was a prominent Soviet and Russian poet, writer, musician, novelist, and singer-songwriter of Georgian-Armenian descent. He played a key role in shaping the Soviet genre of "author song" and is credited with creating around 200 songs using his own poetry. Okudzhava's work combined Russian poetic and folk song traditions with influences from French chansonnier style. Despite avoiding direct political themes, his artistry subtly challenged Soviet cultural norms, leading to delayed official recognition.

Vernon Duke, also known as Vladimir Dukelsky, was a Russian-born American composer and songwriter renowned for his contributions to the American music industry. Throughout his career, Duke composed enduring classics such as "Taking a Chance on Love," "I Can't Get Started," "April in Paris," and "What Is There To Say." His collaborations with esteemed lyricists like Ira Gershwin, E. Y. Harburg, Johnny Mercer, Ogden Nash, and Sammy Cahn further solidified his reputation as a prolific and influential figure in the realm of popular music.

Monetochka, born Elizaveta Andreevna Gyrdymova, is a prominent Russian singer-songwriter known for her stage name meaning 'Little Coin.' Her unique style blends indie pop with electronic elements, captivating audiences with her whimsical and introspective lyrics. Monetochka gained popularity for her poetic and heartfelt songs, addressing themes of love, youth, and societal issues. She has established herself as a leading figure in the Russian music scene, garnering a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim for her distinctive sound and compelling storytelling.

Robert Ivanovich Rozhdestvensky was a prominent Soviet-Russian poet and songwriter known for his role in breaking away from socialist realism during the Khrushchev Thaw in the 1950s–1960s. Alongside fellow poets Andrei Voznesensky, Yevgeny Yevtushenko, and Bella Akhmadulina, Rozhdestvensky helped pioneer a more innovative and liberated form of poetry in the Soviet Union. His work was characterized by its freshness and freedom of expression, making him a significant figure in the literary scene of his time.

Stas Mikhaylov is a renowned Russian singer and songwriter, with a successful career marked by numerous accolades and achievements. He has been recognized as a People's Artist of Russia and has received prestigious awards such as the Russian National Music Award and the Golden Gramophone Award. Mikhaylov's talent and popularity are evident through his hit songs like "Dlya tebya" and "Nu vot i vsyo," which have garnered widespread acclaim. With his impressive income and recognition as one of the top-earning singers in Russia, Mikhaylov continues to captivate audiences with his music.

Konstantin Meladze is a prominent composer and producer known for his influential contributions to the music industry. He has played a key role in shaping the careers of various artists and groups, including co-founding and co-producing the popular Ukrainian girl group Nu Virgos. His talent and expertise have earned him recognition and respect within the industry, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and innovative music professional.

Natalia Andreyevna O'Shea, also known as Hellawes, is a versatile Russian musician and linguist. She is a talented harpist, singer-songwriter, and lead singer of several musical groups including Melnitsa, Clann Lir, and Romanesque. Natalia has also contributed to the Till Eulenspiegel project as a vocalist and songwriter. With a diverse range of musical styles including folk-rock and traditional Celtic folk, Natalia brings a unique and captivating energy to the music scene with her creative contributions and vocal talents.

Nyusha, known for her stage name, is a highly successful Russian singer and songwriter. She has achieved significant popularity in contemporary Russia, with a remarkable record of eight number-one singles released. Nyusha's career began as a teenager when she competed in New Wave 2008, later signing with Warner Music Russia. Her debut studio album produced multiple chart-topping singles, leading to her winning the Best Russian Act award at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards. Subsequent albums continued her success, solidifying her position as one of the top musicians in Russia.

Igor Matvienko is a highly accomplished Soviet and Russian producer and composer with a diverse portfolio in the music industry. He is renowned for founding several successful bands such as Lyube, Ivanushki International, Korni, Fabrika, and KuBa. Matvienko has collaborated with talented individuals like Alexander Shaganov and poet Mikhail Andreev to create numerous hit songs. His impressive career includes composing the anthem of the Russian Ground Forces in 2016, showcasing his significant contributions to the music scene both in Russia and beyond.

Igor Vladimirovich Talkov was a prominent Russian rock singer-songwriter and film actor. He achieved fame in 1987 with the widely popular song Clean Ponds, composed by David Tukhmanov. Known for his poignant lyrics, Talkov often delved into themes of love and societal criticism, particularly targeting the Soviet regime. His music resonated with audiences for its emotional depth and social relevance. Tragically, Talkov's career was cut short when he was fatally shot in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of impactful music and artistic contributions.

Zemfira Talgatovna Ramazanova is a prominent Russian rock musician who has been active in the music industry since 1998. She has garnered significant popularity in Russia and other former Soviet republics due to her unique musical style and powerful vocals. Zemfira has achieved commercial success, having sold over 3 million records to date. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as a leading figure in the Russian rock music scene and continues to captivate audiences with her artistry.

Elena Vaenga is a prominent Russian singer, songwriter, and actress known for her diverse musical style, including author song, folk rock, and chanson. Her repertoire encompasses original compositions, traditional ballads, folk songs, and adaptations of classical Russian poems. Vaenga has performed extensively in Russia and abroad, including notable appearances in the Kremlin, Israel, Germany, and Ukraine. With a strong presence in the music industry, she has been recognized as one of the most popular Russian singers and achieved significant commercial success.

Sevak Khanagyan is a Russian-Armenian singer and songwriter known for his success in various music competitions. He gained recognition by competing in The Voice of Russia in 2015 and later winning X-Factor Ukraine in 2016. Additionally, he has served as a coach on The Voice of Armenia since 2017, showcasing his talent and expertise in mentoring aspiring singers. Khanagyan also represented Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 with the song "Qami" (Wind), further solidifying his reputation as a skilled performer in the music industry.

Yuriy Vasilevich Shatunov was a prominent Russian singer known for his role as the lead vocalist of the popular band Laskoviy Mai during the 1980s. Following the disbandment of Laskoviy Mai in 1992, Shatunov successfully transitioned into a solo career, garnering recognition for his remarkable vocal abilities and captivating stage presence. Throughout his professional life, he continued to captivate audiences with his music, leaving a lasting impact on the Russian music industry with his talent and dedication to his craft.

Alsou Abramova, known professionally as Alsou, is a prominent Russian singer who gained widespread recognition after representing Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2000, where she secured second place. Her performance of the song "Solo" propelled her to fame across Europe. Alsou's success in the music industry continued as she hosted the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009. With a captivating voice and stage presence, Alsou has solidified her position as a respected artist in the international music scene.

Maxim Fadeev is a prominent Russian singer-songwriter, composer, and producer known for his significant contributions to the music industry. With a successful career spanning several decades, he has been instrumental in shaping the contemporary music scene in Russia. Fadeev has worked with numerous artists, producing hit songs and albums across various genres. His talent and expertise have earned him widespread recognition and acclaim both in Russia and internationally, solidifying his reputation as a highly influential figure in the music world.

Kristina Orbakaite is a talented Russian-Lithuanian singer and actress. She has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and versatile acting skills. With a successful career spanning decades, Kristina has released numerous hit songs and albums, showcasing her musical prowess and artistry. Her performances on stage and screen have garnered critical acclaim, solidifying her reputation as a respected artist in both Russia and Lithuania.

MakSim is a prominent Russian singer, songwriter, and music producer who gained recognition in the mid-2000s with her debut album "Trudnyi vozrast" in 2006. Known for hit singles like "Moy ray," "Znayesh li ty," and "Vetrom stat'," she achieved significant success topping the TopHit radio charts. During her peak years from 2007 to 2010, MakSim received accolades such as Best Female Russian Singer at MTV Russia Music Awards and Muz-TV Music Awards, as well as Best Album for "Moy ray" in 2008.

Pyotr Nikolayevich Mamonov was a prominent Russian rock musician known for his influential role as the frontman of the Moscow band Zvuki Mu. He gained recognition for his unique musical style and captivating stage presence. Throughout his career, Mamonov released several albums with Zvuki Mu and collaborated with various artists, leaving a lasting impact on the Russian rock music scene. His creativity and innovative approach to music solidified his reputation as a highly respected figure in the industry.

Olga Yurievna Seryabkina is a Russian singer-songwriter known for her time as a member of girl group Serebro. The group achieved international success, including a third-place finish in the Eurovision Song Contest 2007. Seryabkina's contribution to Serebro's music and performances was significant, showcasing her talents as a vocalist and performer. In 2019, she made the decision to depart from the group, marking the end of the original lineup. Throughout her career, Seryabkina has been recognized for her musical abilities and contributions to the music industry.

Alexander Rosenbaum is a Russian bard and singer-songwriter from Saint Petersburg. He graduated from the First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg in 1974 and worked in the medical field for four years. Rosenbaum is known for his songs about Leningrad, the Soviet–Afghan War, Cossacks, and Odessa. He began writing songs as a student in 1968 and later performed under the pseudonym "Ayarov". Rosenbaum is skilled in guitar playing and often accompanies himself on a six- or twelve-string acoustic guitar using Open G tuning.

Mike Naumenko was a Soviet rock musician and singer-songwriter known for his work with bands Aquarium and Zoopark. He was considered one of the best lyricists of Russian rock, drawing heavily on influences like Bob Dylan. Naumenko's songs often featured translations or remakes of English language material, adapting Western rock tradition to Russian culture. As the leader of Zoopark, he played a key role in shaping the blues rock scene in the USSR. Naumenko's impact on Russian music was significant, despite being largely imitative.

Natali, also known as Natalia Anatolievna Rudina, is a prominent Russian singer, composer, songwriter, and TV presenter. Initially recognized for her hit song "Veter s morya dul" in 1997, Natali later achieved further success with a series of commercially successful singles in the early 2010s. Notably, her song "O Bozhe, kakoy muzhchina" in 2013 gained significant popularity. With a diverse career in music and television, Natali has solidified her position as a talented and well-respected figure in the Russian entertainment industry.

Grigory Leps, a Russian singer-songwriter of Georgian descent, has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. Beginning with Russian chanson music, he has transitioned to a soft rock style over the years. Known for his distinctive baritone voice, Leps has achieved significant commercial success, reporting the highest income among Russian singers for multiple years. His talent and musical evolution have earned him the prestigious title of People's Artist of Russia in 2022, solidifying his position as a respected and influential figure in the Russian music scene.

Arkady Kobyakov was a Russian singer who began his music career at a young age, studying piano and joining a boys' choral chapel. Despite facing challenges, including time in a juvenile detention center, he developed a passion for songwriting and gained recognition through his music videos. Kobyakov performed at various venues, including restaurants and prisons, and released his first official album titled "Prisoner's Soul." His career saw both successes and setbacks, culminating in his untimely death in 2015.

Yegor Letov was a versatile Russian artist known for his contributions to music, poetry, and conceptual art. He was the founder and frontman of the influential post-punk/psychedelic rock band Grazhdanskaya Oborona, as well as the experimental projects Kommunizm and Egor i Opizdenevshie. Letov also worked as a record engineer and producer, collaborating with fellow Siberian underground artists, including the acclaimed singer-songwriter Yanka Dyagileva. His innovative approach to music and art left a lasting impact on the Russian cultural scene.

Valery Meladze is a renowned Georgian singer with a successful career in Russia. He has achieved recognition as a Meritorious Artist of Russia for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. With his captivating vocals and stage presence, Meladze has garnered a loyal fan base. He has collaborated closely with his brother Konstantin Meladze, a talented composer and producer, who has written numerous songs for Valery. Meladze's professional journey is marked by his passion for music and his ability to connect with audiences through his emotive performances.

Elizaveta Khripounova, known professionally as Elizaveta, is a versatile Russian-American artist with a background in classical music and opera. She has established herself as a talented pianist, singer/songwriter, and opera singer. Elizaveta's music blends elements of classical, pop, and electronic genres, showcasing her diverse musical abilities. With her powerful vocals and emotive performances, she has captivated audiences worldwide. Through her recordings and live performances, Elizaveta continues to enchant listeners with her unique sound and artistic expression.