Oleg Gazmanov, a pop singer, People’s Artist of Russia, was born on July 22, 1951 in Kaliningrad into a serviceman’s family. After finishing school, Gazmanov studied at the Kaliningrad Higher Marine Engineering College which he completed with an engineer degree. In 1973 Lietenant Gazmanov served in the military near Riga. He was popular in the army because of his love of music. During festivals, he would sing to the guitar. After the army, Gazmanov returned to Kaliningrad where he worked for three years on the faculty of Marine Engineering College. Later he became a postgraduate student. He was expected to defend his thesis, receive an academic degree and begin a scientific career. Instead, Gazmanov took up music. In the late 1970s, he was admitted to Kaliningrad School of Music, in guitar. Oleg Gazmanov first became known as a composer with his song “Lucy” performed by his son, Rodion. That song contributed to popularizing a new trend, modern children's popular music on the national stage. Soon Gazmanov’s songs were performed by Valery Leontyev, Masha Rasputina, Vladimir Presnyakov Jr, and others. In 1988, Gazmanov began performing with the band “Squadron,” which he founded. The album “Squadron” was released in 1991 followed by “Sailor,” “Spree,” “Tramp,” and “Moscow.” Gazmanov made videos for his songs “Squadron,” “Sailor,” “Close My Eyes,” “Hope Dies Last,” “My Temple,” and “Moscow.” Gazmanov has won the pop festival “Song of the Year” many times. He was also awarded an Ovation national music prize. Gazmanov is the Master of Arts at the International Academy of Arts in San Marino, and a People’s Artist of Russia.
