Lev Leshchenko Essentials

In 1980, Lev Leshchenko sang “Den Pobedy” at the close of the Moscow Olympics, yet there's more to this deep-voiced balladeer than a moment in sporting history. He began singing when conscripted into the army and soon became a soloist in the Soviet Red Army Ensemble, later for state radio. Needless to say, austere, military-minded and patriotic themes runs through his songs, but that's counterbalanced by a style that taps into a deep wellspring of emotion, with universal appeal. This list is a testament to Leshchenko's talent, which has seen him decorated with several major national honours.