Willy Tokarev, whose biography arouses the sincere interest of fans of his work, is a universally recognized legend of the Russian chanson, poet and composer, whose songs sound on both sides of the ocean. He is known all over the world, especially where there are Russians. It was with Tokarev, who had come from America on a tour to the Soviet Union, that the 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 countries in which the charming and charismatic Willy Tokarev stands with constant success.
“Skyscrapers”, “In a noisy booth”, “Rybatskaya”, “Dad’s birthday” - Willy Tokarev’s songs 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 events taking place at that time, did not categorically fit into the framework of realism of Soviet life. Editors of radio and television refused to air Tokarev, explaining this by the "explosiveness" of the songs.
Childhood
Vilen was born on November 11, 1934. Such an unusual name given in honor of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, he was awarded the father of the Communist. A physically strong man, what is called the first guy in the village, he went through a war, upon returning home, he began to lead the factory workshop that produced torpedoes. He lived for more than 70 years and died of electrical closure. For Vilen, who later took the name Willy (in the American manner), he became a prime example of a real man.
Willy Tokarev, whose biography began in the Kuban, is a descendant of the real Kuban Cossacks; their songs, absorbed from a very young age, in his heart the singer carried 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, and at the same time learned to play folk string instruments. As a teenager, he enthusiastically listened to music on his own spring radio, which prompted him to try his hand at composing tunes.
The beginning of a musical career
After serving in the communications troops, Willy Tokarev, whose biography was just at the start of musical take-off, entered the Leningrad Music College at the Conservatory in the class of double bass. On the stage, the musician appeared as a jazz double bass player.
In his youth, Willy had a chance to change several musical groups, including the Friendship ensemble. His famous song "Rain", which became very popular, was performed by Edita Peha.
Further on the life path of the musician 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 is still performed and is "Murmanchanochka" (1973). Willie was also awarded the title of Hero of the Kola Peninsula. But the musician with his talent became cramped in the Soviet expanse: emigration to America - such a bold decision was made by Willy Tokarev, hungry for freedom and glory.
Skyscrapers America. New start.
40 years. 100 dollars in your pocket. America, meet me! The first time was the hardest for Willy, who did not know the language of a foreign country. Dreaming of releasing his disc, he tried himself in many professions: served as a courier, worked at the post office, cleaned apartments, taxed. Engaged in private carriage, he survived four robberies, and the latter almost ended in death for him.
In 1979, his first cassette was released, which went almost unnoticed. The next one was called "In a Noisy Shed" 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, Love of the Assumption shone in these places. In the American period, about 20 music albums were recorded, and each following made the artist more and more popular and in demand, not only in the United States, but also at home.
Tours in the Soviet Union
Further, at the invitation of the USSR State Concert in 1989, the long-awaited tour to the Soviet Union took place. Alla Pugacheva took a large part in organizing the tour, however, close communication with the prima donna of the Soviet stage did not develop into further cooperation.
Seventy triumphal concerts in the USSR are what many variety performers dreamed of. Tokarev performed with the orchestra of Anatoly Kroll, an ingenious supermusic. The first performance, which brought together the entire metropolitan elite, was held at the Moscow Variety Theater. This technique inspired Tokarev and gave him confidence.
Further there were sports palaces, stadiums. Willy Tokarev, whose songs were enthusiastically perceived by the audience, traveled the whole Soviet Union. Several concerts were charitable. Willy Tokarev, whose biography is an example of bold and right decisions, did not think about money at that time. It was important for him that he returned to his homeland, home. His songs, banned earlier, now sounded free.
Today it is impossible to repeat such a tour: that sincere fuse in combination with frantic nostalgia, coming from the very depths of the heart, cannot be bought for money. All the footage of the grand tour served as the basis for the film about Tokarev "So I became a rich sir and came to the USSR."
All life is music
Willy Tokarev for millions of people is the one, only, beloved. Bohemia, the business elite, nomenclature applauded him; fans of a charming musician are people of different professions and age categories. His songs are charged with vitality, energy - everything that gives strength to live in this world, and Chapaev’s mustache never hangs down, no matter what surprises the fate-villain presented.
The full house was repeated in 1990, and then in 2005. Willy was famous by then, 24 albums were released, a documentary was released about him and his life in America. Having become famous at home, 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 new songs of the artist 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, among which were “I Loved You”, Adorero, “Shalom, Israel!”
Family happiness of Willy Tokarev
Willy Tokarev had several marriages in his personal life. The first marriage took place in his student years. The family union quickly broke up, his son lives in St. Petersburg, works on the radio. Tokarev met his second wife during a tour of the USSR. The son Alex was born, currently residing in the United States. There was another painting in the registry office: a 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 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. A significant age difference did not prevent this union from becoming happy: Julia gave birth to Willie Tokareva 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 loves her Julia (that is what Willy Tokarev calls her husband) and tries to stay young longer to match her beloved mate.