# Vladimir Vysotsky

> Soviet singer-songwriter and actor (1938–1980)

**Wikidata**: [Q512](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q512)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Vysotsky)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vladimir-vysotsky

## Summary
Vladimir Vysotsky was a Soviet singer-songwriter and actor (1938–1980) known for his rebellious, poetic lyrics and performances that challenged Soviet censorship. He was a prominent figure in Russian chanson and bard song, blending social commentary with personal confessions in his music and stage work.

## Biography
- Born: January 25, 1938, in Moscow, Soviet Union
- Nationality: Soviet, later Russian
- Education: Trained at the Moscow Art Theatre School and Moscow State University of Civil Engineering
- Known for: Pioneering Soviet chanson, blending political critique with personal storytelling
- Employer(s): Taganka Theatre, Moscow Pushkin Drama Theatre
- Field(s): Music, acting, literature

## Contributions
- **Music**: Wrote and performed over 200 songs, including iconic works like "Lenin in the Bar" and "Ballad of a Fool," which became anthems of Soviet dissident culture.
- **Acting**: Appeared in films and stage productions, often portraying marginalized characters, including roles in *The White Bird Marked with Black* (1970) and *The Last Day of the Last Year* (1978).
- **Literature**: Published prose works and poetry, contributing to the Soviet literary scene despite censorship.
- **Record Label**: Released music under Melodiya, a key Soviet record label, which distributed his work widely.

## FAQs
**What genre of music did Vladimir Vysotsky perform?**
Vysotsky was a pioneer of Soviet chanson and bard song, blending political satire with personal confessions in his music.

**Where did Vladimir Vysotsky study?**
He trained at the Moscow Art Theatre School and Moscow State University of Civil Engineering.

**What were some of Vladimir Vysotsky’s most famous songs?**
His most famous works include "Lenin in the Bar" and "Ballad of a Fool," which became symbols of Soviet dissident culture.

**Which theaters was Vladimir Vysotsky affiliated with?**
He performed at the Taganka Theatre and the Moscow Pushkin Drama Theatre.

**What awards did Vladimir Vysotsky receive?**
He was honored with the USSR State Prize, the Prize of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, and the title of Merited Artist of the RSFSR.

## Why They Matter
Vladimir Vysotsky’s music and performances challenged Soviet censorship, offering a raw and unfiltered voice to marginalized groups. His work influenced generations of Russian musicians and artists, preserving dissent in a repressive era. His songs remain culturally significant, often performed at memorials and protests. Without Vysotsky, Soviet chanson would lack its most iconic and rebellious figure, and Russian literature and theater would have fewer voices of dissent.

## Notable For
- First Soviet artist to blend political critique with personal storytelling in chanson.
- Recipient of the USSR State Prize, the highest Soviet artistic honor.
- Merited Artist of the RSFSR, recognizing his contributions to Russian culture.
- Performed at the Taganka Theatre and Moscow Pushkin Drama Theatre, shaping Soviet stage art.
- Released music under Melodiya, a major Soviet record label, ensuring widespread distribution.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Vladimir Vysotsky was born on January 25, 1938, in Moscow, Soviet Union. He trained at the Moscow Art Theatre School and Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, where he developed his skills in acting and engineering. His early exposure to theater and literature influenced his later work in music and performance.

### Career in Music and Acting
Vysotsky began performing in the 1950s, initially working as a stage actor before transitioning to music. He became a leading figure in Soviet chanson, known for his rebellious lyrics and performances. His songs, such as "Lenin in the Bar" and "Ballad of a Fool," became anthems of Soviet dissident culture. He also appeared in films and stage productions, often portraying marginalized characters.

### Literary and Prose Work
In addition to his musical career, Vysotsky published prose and poetry, contributing to the Soviet literary scene despite censorship. His writings often reflected his personal struggles and political views, further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted artist.

### Awards and Recognition
Vysotsky received numerous awards, including the USSR State Prize, the Prize of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, and the title of Merited Artist of the RSFSR. These honors recognized his significant contributions to Soviet and Russian culture.

### Legacy and Influence
Vysotsky’s work continues to influence Russian music, literature, and theater. His songs remain culturally significant, often performed at memorials and protests. His legacy as a dissident artist ensures that his voice remains relevant in discussions of Soviet-era dissent and artistic freedom.

### Personal Life and Death
Vysotsky died on July 25, 1980, in Moscow. His death marked the end of an era for Soviet chanson, but his music and performances remain enduring symbols of resistance and artistic integrity.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. LIBRIS. 2018
4. The Fine Art Archive
5. [Source](http://wowmoscow.net/news/leap_year_summer_vladimir_vysotsky)
6. [Source](http://sputniknews.com/voiceofrussia/news/2013_05_26/Russian-House-opens-Park-of-Glory-in-US/)
7. [Source](http://www.upi.com/topic/Vladimir_Vysotsky/)
8. Discogs
9. [Source](http://russmus.net/song/1711)
10. [Source](http://russmus.net/song/2623)
11. [Source](http://russmus.net/song/2074)
12. SensCritique
13. [Source](http://poiskm.com/artist/1529713-Vladimir-Kiyko)
14. [Source](https://дгск.мвд.рф/culture/premium)
15. TASS
16. International Standard Name Identifier
17. CiNii Research
18. Virtual International Authority File
19. MusicBrainz
20. [Source](http://www.bards.ru/press/press_show.php?id=523)
21. Find a Grave
22. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
23. Russian literature of the 20th century. Volume 1, 2005
24. ProDetLit
25. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
26. ISWC Network
27. Geni.com
28. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
29. Enciclopedia Treccani
30. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
31. The Movie Database
32. YouTube API