Pugacheva, Alla (1949–)

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Pugacheva, Alla (1949–)

Russian pop singer. Name variations: Alla Borisovna Pugacheva, Pugachova or Pugachyova. Born April 15, 1949, in Moscow, USSR; attended Ippolitov-Ivanov School of Music and Lunacharsky School of Theatrical Arts; m. Mikolas Edmundas Orbakas, 1969 (div.); m. 3 more times, lastly to singer Philipp Kirkorov, 1995; children: (with Orbakas) Kristina Orbakaite (singer and actress).

Made 1st recordings for radio station at age 16; toured USSR and Far East with Russian bands, including New Electron, Moscovites and Happy Fellows; won 3rd prize at All Union competition of pop artists, receiving national attention (1974); won Grand Prix at Golden Orpheus competition in Bulgaria with song "Arkelino" (Harlequin, 1975); won 1st prize at International Sopot Song Festival, becoming a musical superstar of concerts, films and tv shows throughout Russia and Eastern Europe (1978); recorded over 20 albums—a mix of pop, rock, folk and torch songs—which have sold between 140 and 200 million copies; appeared in several popular films, including The Woman Who Sings (1977) and Came to Say (1985). Was the last singer to win National Artist of the USSR award; awarded medal for "service to the fatherland," Russia's highest civilian award (1999).

See also Women in World History.