Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Leonid Utesov

Role / Field:

Iconic Soviet estrada singer and comic actor, celebrated for his unique blend of jazz and comedy.

Born:

1895-03-09

Died:

1982-03-09

Century / Era:

1895s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Leonid Osipovich Utesov, also spelled Utyosov or Utiosov, born Lazar (Leyzer) Iosifovich Vaysbeyn or Weissbein (21 March [O.S. 9 March] 1895, Odessa – 10 March 1982, Moscow), was a famous Soviet estrada singer, and comic actor, who became the first pop singer to be awarded the prestigious title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1965. Leonid Utesov was brought up in Odessa, Russian Empire and attended the Faig School of Commerce, from which he dropped out and joined the Borodanov Circus troupe as an acrobat. He started his stage career in 1911 in Kremenchuk, then returned to Odessa, changed his artistic name to Leonid Utesov, and performed as a stand up comedian with the Rosanov troupe and with the Rishelyavsky Theatre.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1917, he won a singing competition in Gomel, Belarus, then performed in Moscow. In the 1920s, he moved to Leningrad and set up one of the first Soviet jazz bands. In Leningrad, he began collaboration with the popular composer, Isaak Dunayevsky, which turned out to be a breakthrough for both artists. At that time, Utesov built a band of the finest musicians available in Leningrad, and created a style all his own – a jazz show with stand up comedy, which...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abd El-Razzak El-Sanhuri — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): Pioneering Egyptian jurist, celebrated for authoring the revised Civil Code of 1948.
• Albert Cohen (novelist) — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): Greek-born Swiss novelist who wrote in French, known for his memoirs and international work.
• Aleksandr Vasilevsky — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): A pivotal Soviet general who commanded forces during WWII and served as Minister of Defense.
• 1982 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament — Contemporary (Born in 1982) (1982): The 44th annual NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
• Alan Ritchson — Contemporary (Born in 1982) (1982): American actor known for roles in Reacher, Titans, and superhero franchises.
• Albert Facey — Contemporary (Died in 1982) (1982): Australian writer and World War I veteran, best known for 'A Fortunate Life'.
• Alexandra Kollontai — Shared historical date (03-09 · Died) (1952): Pioneering Marxist feminist, diplomat, and Bolshevik leader in early Soviet history.
• Aloysius Gonzaga — Shared historical date (03-09 · Born) (1568): Italian Jesuit seminarian and saint, known for his aristocratic background and early death.
• Amerigo Vespucci — Shared historical date (03-09 · Born) (1454): Italian explorer whose voyages led to the naming of the Americas.
• Anna Laetitia Barbauld — Shared historical date (03-09 · Died) (1825): Prominent English poet, essayist, and literary critic of the Enlightenment and Romantic eras.
• 1895 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1895
• March 9 (03-09) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 9
• 1982 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1982

Frequently Asked Questions about Leonid Utesov