Name: Laima Vaikule

Place of Birth: Cesis, Latvian SSR

Growth: 176 cm

The weight: 63 kg

Zodiac sign: Aries

Eastern horoscope: Horse

Activity: singer

Childhood

Singer Laima Stanislavovna Vaikule was born in the city of Cesis, Latvian SSR, on March 31, 1954. The celebrity family is more than simple: father Stanislav Vaikulis was a simple worker, and mother Yanina first worked as an ordinary saleswoman, and then became the director of a large store. The desire to sing Lyme most likely inherited from her grandmother, who sang in the church choir. The rest of Laima Vaikule's relatives have nothing to do with music. When Laima Vaikule was only three years old, her family - mom, dad and two older sisters (half and brother), as well as an older half-brother - moved to Riga. Lyme sang almost from the cradle. "AT kindergarten I did not like to sleep in the afternoon, and I sang. Parents also asked to sing when guests came. I sang low voice, which was funny, unusual, so I was a Diva, ”recalls Vaikule. As a child, the future celebrity dreamed of becoming a doctor, and not a singer. In the first grade, a school teacher came to Lima's parents and recommended that her daughter buy a piano, since the girl had a clear musical talent. However, Laima Vaikule herself flatly refused the prospect of being an artist. The piano was not bought for the girl. And not because Lyme herself did not want to, but because there was simply nowhere to put it in a one-room apartment.

Lyme grew up as a tomboy. Unlike her older sister Yana, the girl could not stand such beloved girlish games of “daughter-mother” and “classics”. Vaikule preferred to run around the yard with the boys and play "Cossack robbers" and catch up. “I was the favorite of the family, but very wayward. And she always did only what she considered necessary. Tough child, terrible. At the age of five, I “punished” my parents: I packed my things and left home. At the same time, the older sister told her mother: “Do you really believe her? Where is she going?" But I still left. Around the corner of the house. My parents went to look for me and, thank God, they quickly found me. And I was waiting for them and thought: “Why are they looking for so long?” But I’m stubborn, if they hadn’t found me, I would have sat there until the morning! - says Laima Vaikule. At school, all the disciplines of Laime were given effortlessly. For the first few years, only fives stood in the singer's diary. However, when our heroine became interested in creativity, the exact sciences were forgotten.

The beginning of Laima Vaikule's career

At the age of 12, the actress first appeared on stage. The girl took part in the competition young singers, which took place in the house of culture of the VEF Riga plant. Then she received a diploma and immediately began performing with the group. After graduating from the eighth grade, Laima Vaikule entered the local medical school. During her studies, at the age of 15, the singer became a soloist with the Riga Radio and Television Orchestra, led by Raimonds Pauls.

As Laima herself recalls, at the age of fifteen she studied music and vocals with maestro Zakhodnik. He, at that time, worked with the famous Raimonds Pauls today. Zakhodnik sang and voiced all the singers of their Raymond orchestra. The teacher noticed the talent of the young singer and took her to audition to Pauls. Laima showed her data in the Philharmonic Hall, during the performance of one of the compositions, Raymond Pauls approached her and said, clapping on the shoulder: “Baby, I take you.”

Since 1979, Vaikule has performed in the famous variety show Juras Perle (Sea Pearl) in Jurmala. At first, the girl sang in a dance orchestra, but then she became a soloist. She was not going to stop there, realizing that she needed to continue her studies further. In 1984, Laima Vaikule entered GITIS at the director's department.

Creation

How old is Vaikule on the big stage? Since 1979, the singer has performed in the famous variety show Juras Perle. It was from this time that her active creative activity began.

Even while Laima was studying at GITIS, the young singer was noticed by the famous songwriter Ilya Reznik. He saw her as a performer of his song "Night Bonfire". First, the song was played on the radio, then on the popular musical program "Song-86". In the same year, Laima Vaikule, together with Valery Leontiev, performed at the Soviet-Italian concert of pop stars new song"Vernissage" (music by Raymond Pauls, lyrics by Ilya Reznik). It was the rise and recognition of Laima Vaikule as popular singer. She woke up famous, and her photo was on the covers of the country's main publications.

A year later, the singer consolidated her success by singing the song "It's not evening yet." At the same time, Lyme offered her original interpretation for performance, and the song only benefited from this, hitting the first positions of the radio charts and music broadcasts.

All-Union fame Vaikule came in February 1987 after participating in the author's evening of Raymond Pauls at the State Central Concert Hall "Russia". It was her time, and Lyme worked tirelessly. Without interrupting her studies at GITIS, Vaikule prepared a large solo program, which premiered at the Rossiya State Central Concert Hall in early 1988. It was another convincing step that proved that creative biography Vaikule limes are not an accident at all, but a clear pattern. The star finally entrenched itself in the pop musical orbit and found its niche.

In 1989, American producer Sten Cornelius invited Laima Vaikule to the United States. For seven months, the singer worked in America, recording new album in the studio of Michael Sembello. In the USA, Vaikule signed a contract with the well-known record company MCA / GRP. Released on American TV screens documentary about Laima Vaikul, filmed by the Videofilm studio and American filmmakers. The Western press dubbed Lyme the "Russian Madonna."

Vaikule continues to work "in pairs" with other performers, trying to repeat the success of "Vernissage". The song "Feelings", which was performed by the singer along with former member group "Kar-men" by Bogdan Titomir, did not become a mega-popular hit, but 20 years later, many fans demanded to shoot a modern version of the video with the participation of two stars.

In 1991, Laima Vaikule suffered serious illness which nearly resulted in death. When she was asked: “What book do you want to be brought to you?” she replied, "The Bible." They say that we are born and we die alone. Great phrase. And dying is easier when you believe. A stunning discovery for the singer was the books of Russian Orthodox priest, theologian Alexander Vladimirovich Men (1935-90). He was able to explain the inexplicable in an accessible language (the author of books on the basics of Christian doctrine, the history of religion, Orthodox worship).

“I came to the edge of my life and then turned to religion and began to perceive everything differently. And if earlier it seemed absurd to me the statement that a person becomes purer in suffering, I could not understand what could be good in bad. Now I know that a person who has not experienced anything, as a person, has not yet been born. I will forever remember the words from one American movie: "Life is walking on a wire, and everything else is waiting." I was shocked and surprised when I heard them for the first time. But now I completely agree with them ... ”- the singer shares.

Despite the fact that all her relatives are Catholics, Laima was baptized in an Orthodox church. He believes that there is no particular difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. All are Christians. During her career, the performer recorded 10 music albums in Latvia and Russia, 20 million of her CDs have been sold in Russia, Europe and the USA.

Laima Vaikule was also a regular guest on music competition « New wave”, which was also held in Jurmala from 2002 to 2014. She is invited to the jury of the KVN festival "Voicing KiViN". Vaikula fans especially remembered her collaboration with singer Boris Moiseev. The clip "Baltic Romance" has become one of the most popular on many music TV channels.

Children and husband of Laima Vaikule

Laima Stanislavovna Vaikule has created a wonderful image and image for herself, although her personal life rarely gets on the pages of the yellow press. The singer tries to avoid talking about family and relatives.

Vaikula has been living with her partner, friend and wonderful husband Andrey Latkovsky for more than 40 years, who helps her in everything. And although they do not have children, they give their love to young talents and talents. They managed not only to go through all the difficulties of life together and overcome terrible disease, but also to organize the competition "Jurmala". According to Laima, she loves her husband very much and appreciates everything he has done for her, is doing and will do. In other words, she is happy to be married to Andrei Latkovsky.

Laima Vaikule Awards

Laima Vaikule wins the Golden Lyre at international festival in Czechoslovakia, she is preparing a large solo program, in which she puts into practice all the knowledge she has received, demonstrating her directorial talent.

In 1992, the English-language album Tango was released, and in 1993, at the international World Music Awards ceremony, Laima Vaikule received a special prize from the Prince of Monaco.

Fragments of the interview

Many women are terrified of getting older. And you?

- It's not about age. Moreover, over the years, a person internally becomes more beautiful, although outwardly he surrenders. This is all injustice ... Or, on the contrary, balance.

- They wrote that you allegedly had a facelift in Miami with doctors who were advised by your friend Valery Leontiev ...

- (Laughs). Yeah, casually advised over a cup of tea and did it to me himself plastic surgery... No, no, I have not done any operations yet: neither in Miami, nor anywhere else. I manage on my own and solve all problems in my beauty salon in Riga. (Lime's salon specializes in aromatherapy. - Auth.). But I do not condemn this method, moreover, I welcome: if something annoys you in appearance, then calmly change it and live in harmony with yourself.

- They say that you have an intolerable character. But then how can Andrey endure you for so many years?

- My character is simple for those who I like, and vice versa, difficult for people who do not do something, for slobs, mediocrity. I am good friends with everyone who matches my talent. Andrey and I have learned to avoid sharp corners, to respect each other, our desires, tastes, principles in the end.

- But in childhood you were a rebel and, if something didn’t suit you, you could even run away from home ...

- Oh, before. I was a terribly difficult child. Very proactive. She loved to observe nature, climbed trees, lay in a clearing, looking at puddles, mud, some grasshoppers for hours. I could not put on good clothes, because after an hour they were torn or soiled. Yes, and youth was stormy, I wanted to try everything.

- Do you mean pills with a narcotic effect?

There were also pills. Youthful stupidity! I grew up early. From the age of 11 she toured, at 15 she already worked with a radio orchestra ... But allow myself to scream, slam the door, break dishes ... I didn’t sort things out like that. This is not my method. If emotions have accumulated, close the door, and that's it. The most important thing at this moment is to bite your tongue and count to ten.

- After an illness (in 1991, the singer was diagnosed with a terrible diagnosis - “oncology”), you came to faith. Did you change something about yourself for this?

“I started loving people. In addition to myself, I began to notice others, and in general everything that happens around. This is the most important achievement. Stop being selfish. And before I was like everyone else young people who think the earth revolves around them. And there is only me, me and me again. Not! There are also other people.

– Are you fasting?

– I periodically refuse products. But it's more of a need-to-diet to look good. For me, fasting is not so much a restriction in food as control of my thoughts. And hunger is not a problem for me. I used to sit on the water alone.

- Are you interested in politics?

- I try not to be interested in order to waste less nerves. But I am very conservative. And I think that if there is a government in the country, let it work. I like the American approach to business: the term will end, new ones will come, then please criticize, work. It's great that there is freedom of speech, but to offend ... I can't stand it when our Latvian president is spoken of in an insulting tone, it's humiliating. It hurts me, because it seems to be directed at me. After all, we cannot change anything, and in general we know little about all these political games.

- Laima, on the one hand, you are very feminine, but on the other hand, you have a lot of masculine traits in your character. Is that why trouser suits predominate in your wardrobe?

“It's not about character. Many well-known female politicians with a masculine grip, for example, Margaret Thatcher, and business women, often wear very feminine suits. So character is not an indicator. Another thing is fashion. In my opinion, a fashionable person is one who finds style in himself. Everyone should have their own style. The state of your soul, lifestyle - this dictates your clothes. For me, it is not very feminine when a lot of things are open. And when covered - it's always sexy, that's just the whole femininity. I always say that I love it when people look at my eyes and not at my body. The latter is allowed only to selected people.

• “Now the main thing is to create an image, to find exactly what suits you - this is fashion,” says Laima.
• “There is no need to become a slave to your own appearance. There are several components of beauty in any person - healthy teeth, decent shoes, good manicure, well-groomed hair and sparkle in the eyes. If a person has this, he will be beautiful,” she said.
• “If I feel that I have gained over four kilos to my weight, I go hungry for a couple of days: I drink only water, tea and coffee, I eat almost nothing. If this does not help, then I sit down on a 9-day diet. The first 3 days I eat rice without salt and oil, the next 3 - white chicken meat, and the last 3 - only apples. This diet has been around for a long time. The effect is amazing. Once a week I arrange fasting days when I drink water and eat apples, ”the artist shares.
• Among bad habits Vaikule limes - smoking. "Yes I smoke. I tried to quit many times, but nothing happened, ”she complained.
• Probably, there is no person in the domestic pop crowd more compassionate towards animals than Laima Vaikule. One of the dancers of her ensemble admits: “When we perform on tour in another city, you can easily follow the route along which Lyme drove: homeless dogs eat on the corners of the streets.”
• A few years ago, Lyme decided to get a dog and chose the most fighting breed - the Rottweiler. The dog was named Candy (translated from English - "candy"). However, despite the harmless name, the dog has a sharp temper. According to Laima herself, while she is gone, he bites everyone. The concept of “everyone” includes both the singer’s close people (mother and husband) and colleagues (the new manager of the Lyme Lux salon, Candy tore the sleeve of a luxurious fur coat). It is worth noting that the fame of Candy's cool temper extends far beyond the borders of our fatherland. There was a case when Laima Vaikule was forced to cancel foreign tours, as the organizers flatly refused to accept her with Candy. And there was no one to leave the dog with.
• Laima Vaikule is known as an active advocate for animal rights. She is a vegetarian for ethical reasons.
• Here is what one person said about her: “Although, of course, I don’t like something about her. In fact, I don't like everything about it. For example, the fact that she is a fanatic at work. Then she becomes completely uncontrollable person. It is very difficult with her before going on stage, in the dressing room ... I think that this is wrong, because a person must always control himself or it already becomes some kind of madness ... "
• Lyme tours a lot, gets very tired and is rarely pleased with herself. She often changes housing, hairstyles, clothing style. She is trying to find herself in other areas that have nothing to do with music - active protection of homeless animals, building a house, passion for design, acting, vegetarianism ... she is not like everyone else, and is not like anyone else! She is different. But music remains an indispensable outlet for the lime, the main business of her whole life.

Discography of Laima Vaikule

• 2002 - Names for all time
• 2000 - Best Songs
• 1999 - Mirror
• 1998 - Latin Quarter
• 1996 - Viss nāk un aiziet ...
• 1996 - I went to Piccadilly
• 1994 - Honey, goodbye!
• 1993 – Laima Tango
• 1992 - I pray for you
• 1987 - Songs to poems by Ilya Reznik - Vernissage

Laima Vaikule became the first pro-Western style ambassador on the Soviet stage both in the presentation of musical material and in the manner of dressing. Deep voice, accent, polished movements, "a cabaret surrounded by monumental statues" - in the mid-80s it was "not right", not as accepted and allowed.

Singer Laima Vaikule

The singer even now can surprise with just her appearance on stage. Time and criticism have no power over the Baltic star.

Childhood and youth

Laima Stanislavovna Vaikule was born on March 31, 1954 in the Latvian city of Cesis. The family of the future singer was simple and had nothing to do with music. Father Stanislav Vaikulis is a worker, and mother Yanina worked first as a seller, and then as a store director. Only Laima's grandmother, who sang in the church choir, belonged to people who are close to art.

When Laima was 3 years old, the family moved from a provincial town to Riga, to a small one-room apartment. The Vaikulis family was quite large: in addition to Laima, 2 more daughters and a son grew up. In the bustling metropolitan Riga, the girl went to school, and at the age of 12 she made her debut on stage. Before that, she entertained only family and guests with songs. Now it was a competition for young vocalists in the House of Culture of the VEF Riga plant. The girl received a diploma - the first award for talent. This day is considered the start of the creative biography of Laima Vaikule.

Lyme did not dream of becoming an artist. The girl saw herself as a doctor, so after graduating from the 8th grade high school enrolled in medical school. In her youth, her views gradually change.

It will soon turn out that "Lyme did not choose the music, it was the music that chose Lima." The girl was destined to sing, not to heal. The young singer was lured by the scene. At the age of 15, Vaikule successfully passed the competition and became a soloist with the Riga Radio and Television Orchestra, headed by.

Since 1979, Vaikule has performed in the famous variety show Juras Perle (Sea Pearl) in Jurmala. At first, the girl sang in a dance orchestra, but then she became a soloist. She was not going to stop there, realizing that without a special education in the world of music there was nothing to do. In 1984, Lyme entered GITIS at the director's department.

Music

Even while Lima was studying at GITIS, the young singer was noticed by a famous songwriter. He saw in Vaikul the performer of the composition "Night Bonfire". First, the song was played on the radio, then on the popular musical program "Song-86". In the same year, the girl, together with the Soviet-Italian concert of pop stars, performed a new song "Vernissage" (music by Raymond Pauls, lyrics by Ilya Reznik).

It was the rise and recognition of Vaikule as a popular singer. The actress woke up famous, and Lyme's photos were on the covers of the country's main publications.

A year later, the singer consolidated her success by singing the song "It's not evening yet." At the same time, Lyme offered her own original interpretation for performance, and the song only benefited from this, hitting the first positions of the radio charts and music broadcasts.

Valery Leontiev and Laima Vaikule - "Vernissage"

The creative union of Vaikule, Pauls and Reznik presented the listeners with unforgettable hits “I Pray for You” and “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Charlie” and “Business Woman”. Laima also quailed the composition “Yellow Leaves”, for which he wrote poems former ambassador Latvia in Russia, poet Janis Peters. Stage performances, in which the Baltic star appeared in unique, extravagant outfits, accompanied by bright dance groups, turned into full-fledged clips.

All-Union recognition came to Vaikula in February 1987, after participating in the author's evening of Raymond Pauls at the Rossiya State Central Concert Hall. It was her time, and Lyme worked tirelessly. Without interrupting her studies at GITIS, she prepared a large solo program, which premiered at the Rossiya State Central Concert Hall in early 1988.

This was another convincing step that proved that the creative biography of Laima Vaikule was not an accident at all, but a clear pattern. The star finally entrenched itself in the pop musical orbit and found its niche.

In 1989, American producer Sten Cornelius invited Laima Vaikule to the United States. For seven months, the singer worked in America, recording a new album in the studio of Michael Sembello. In the US, she signed a contract with the record company MCA - GRP. A documentary film about Laima Vaikul, shot by the Videofilm studio and American filmmakers, was released on American television screens. The Western press dubbed the woman "Russian".

Laima Vaikule - "Charlie"

Vaikule continues to work "in pairs" with other performers, trying to repeat the success of "Vernissage". The song "Feelings", which was performed by the singer along with a former member, did not become a mega-popular hit, but 20 years later, fans demanded to shoot a modern version of the video with two stars.

During her artistic career, the performer has recorded a dozen music albums in Latvia and Russia, 20 million Vaikule discs have been sold in Russia, Europe and the USA.

Laima Vaikule is a regular guest at the New Wave music competition, which took place in Jurmala from 2002 to 2014. The singer was invited to the jury of the KVN festival "Voicing KiViN". The Vaikule fans especially remembered the collaboration with the singer. The clip "Baltic Romance" has become one of the most popular on music TV channels.

On the rise of a career, trouble came. Doctors diagnosed Vaikule with a tumor. She overcame the disease, but did not stay in America. The singer terminated the contracts, driven by the only desire - to return home.

Laima Vaikule was called an "agent of Russia"

After returning from the USA, Lyme saw how the world around had changed. The Soviet Union was no more, and the Latvian newspapers called the actress a scout: “The Russian army is leaving, but the agents remain!”. But Vaikule survived.

The celebrity soon amazed the public with revelations about how she got breast cancer and was on the verge of death. The performer in an interview with the TV presenter told how oncology turned her life upside down, made her completely reconsider beliefs and principles and think about the future, looking at familiar things in a completely different way. Vaikule made a simple conclusion, stating that a person grows in suffering:

“Before, I did not understand what the words of the sages mean about suffering in which a person grows and develops. And only after experiencing what happened to me, I began to look at life differently, turned to religion ... ".

The personal participation of Laima Vaikule in organizing such a large-scale festival interested a large number of celebrities. The singer basically invited her friends and colleagues, popular artists from different countries to perform together on the stage of the famous Dzintari Concert Hall. Spectators of the festival have repeatedly stated that they are delighted with the bright show and many surprises.

Laima Vaikule at the opening of the festival "Rendezvous" in Jurmala

Laima Stanislavovna herself explained in an interview that Rendezvous is significantly different from the New Wave in that it is not a competition, but the format of the festival is completely new. According to her, the audience gets much more positive emotions from concerts, where there is always a friendly atmosphere and artists offer the audience new, unique performances and ideas.

One of these surprises can be called a song about Karaganda. The composition, which Laima Vaikule sang together with Ukrainian performers and the Potap and Nastya duet, immediately received positive feedback from fans.

Laima Vaikule and Stas Piekha - "I close my eyes"

Laima Vaikule in last years is increasingly collaborating not only with famous artists. Many young talents learn from the famous pop singer, performing compositions with her. In 2016, the song "I close my eyes" appeared, which Laima Vaikule performed with Russian singer. The composition was released on television for the first time in new year's eve. TV viewers highly appreciated the quality of the performance of the newly-made duet.

Many immediately began to compare the new performance of Laima Vaikule with Evgeny Anishko from the Four Kings group. Then there were even rumors about the romance of a Latvian celebrity with a young vocalist.

Laima Vaikule - "Yellow Leaves"

Vaikule is known as an active protector of animals. The artist is a vegetarian for ethical reasons. She does not wear fur, she constantly opposes circuses with trained animals. Lyme is an ardent opponent of animal fights, hunting, bullfighting and other cruel entertainments and traditions where quadrupeds are the victims.

Fans love the singer for her inimitable image, her appearance on stage in extravagant outfits always captivates the audience. Laima Vaikule does not hide his age. And there is no need to do this: she looked great 20 years ago, and is still attractive. The star leads a healthy lifestyle, has no bad habits, loves sports and healthy food.

Personal life

The personal life of Laima Vaikule rarely gets on the pages of tabloids and the yellow press. The star did not use scandals to raise her rating and did not share private details.

First and only civil husband Laima Vaikule remains Andrey Latkovsky, a former bass player and producer. The couple has been together since 1970 - from the moment they met. For many years, Vaikule and Latkovsky have been spouses, best friends and partners in creative work. Andrei was there when Lyme became seriously ill. It was he who helped to survive, without leaving his beloved one step.

The couple has no children. Your unspent maternal love Laima Vaikule gives back to young singers: she was one of the founding organizers of the competition for young pop song performers "Jurmala".

The artist is going to age beautifully and is sure that you should not become a slave to appearance.

The "living wage" is decent shoes, healthy teeth, good manicure, well-groomed hair, and everything else depends on the look.

Even Vaikule's stage make-up is minimalistic. Lyme claims that she has not yet resorted to plastic surgery. However, according to individual photographs, a number of fans decided that the singer could not do without injections of fillers and botulinum toxin.

Agreeing with the demand of the time, Lyme started a personal website and a page in. twice asked to perform the hit "Mood Color Blue". Valery Leontiev presented a new composition "Violinist Wind".

Laima Vaikule at the Rendezvous festival in 2018

A month later, Vaikule went on tour to Ukraine, where, in an interview with Odessa journalists, she would never go to Crimea, no matter what the fee was offered. The singer also said that she was happy about the collapse of the Soviet Union. On the artist fell and insults. Colleagues in the workshop reacted to the words of Laima in different ways. Some left the singer the right to her own opinion, others accused her of hypocrisy and that Vaikule "bites the hand that feeds her."

Later, Vaikule shared her impressions of the situation. Lyme, by her own admission, does not watch TV, but she is aware of what people think about her.

"I do not even know what to say. In my life I have not commented on any artist who did something. It's just embarrassing, vicious and ugly. This is jealousy, envy. It's horrible. It's just disgusting."

And journalists, according to the singer, are liars and provocateurs at all. Supported Laima and the concert director. According to Alexei Yakovlev, nothing terrible happened, Vaikule's words are "twisted and inflated."

The scandal did not have the best effect not only on the image of the singer. The tax authorities of Russia became interested in the activities of Vaikule. Officials, in particular, have questions about the legality of Laima's performances at private parties and corporate parties, since foreign artists are subject to a number of requirements that they must comply with if they want to work on the territory of the Russian Federation. If it turned out that the Latvian star had committed violations, the artist would have been fined or banned from performing in Russia.

Later, the internal affairs authorities reported that there were no grounds for bringing the celebrity to justice. And Vaikule herself said that after the lifting of sanctions, she would immediately come to Crimea and sing for free.

Discography

• 1986 - “The first season. Eighties"
• 1992 - "I'm praying for you"
• 1993 - "Laima Tango"
• 1994 - “Darling, goodbye!”
• 1996 - "I went out to Piccadilly"
• 1996 - "Viss nāk un aiziet"
• 1998 - Latin Quarter
• 1999 - "Mirror"
• 2000 - "Best Songs"
• 2002 - "Names for All Seasons"
• 2005 - "What is the pianist playing about?"
• 2013 - "Atkal Majas"

Singer Laima Stanislavovna Vaikule was born in the city of Cesis, Latvian SSR, on March 31, 1954. The celebrity family is more than simple: father Stanislav Vaikulis was a simple worker, and mother Yanina first worked as an ordinary saleswoman, and then became the director of a large store. The desire to sing Lyme most likely inherited from her grandmother, who sang in the church choir. The rest of Laima Vaikule's relatives have nothing to do with music.

When Laima Vaikule was only three years old, her family - mother, father and two older sisters (half and brother), as well as an older half-brother - moved to Riga.

Lyme sang almost from the cradle.

“In kindergarten, I didn’t like sleeping in the afternoon, and I sang. My parents also asked me to sing when guests came. I sang in a low voice, which was funny, unusual, so I was a Diva,” recalls Vaikule.

As a child, the future celebrity dreamed of becoming a doctor, and not a singer. In the first grade, a school teacher came to Lima's parents and recommended that her daughter buy a piano, since the girl had a clear musical talent. However, Laima Vaikule herself flatly refused the prospect of being an artist. The piano was not bought for the girl. And not because Lyme herself did not want to, but because there was simply nowhere to put it in a one-room apartment.

Lyme grew up as a tomboy. Unlike her older sister Yana, the girl could not stand such beloved girlish games of “daughter-mother” and “classics”. Vaikule preferred to run around the yard with the boys and play "Cossack robbers" and catch up.

“I was the favorite of the family, but very wayward. And she always did only what she considered necessary. Tough child, terrible. At the age of five, I “punished” my parents: I packed my things and left home. At the same time, the older sister told her mother: “Do you really believe her? Where is she going?" But I still left. Around the corner of the house. My parents went to look for me and, thank God, they quickly found me. And I was waiting for them and thought: “Why are they looking for so long?” But I’m stubborn, if I hadn’t been found, I would have sat there until the morning! - says Laima Vaikule.

At school, all the disciplines of Laime were given effortlessly. For the first few years, only fives stood in the singer's diary. However, when our heroine became interested in creativity, the exact sciences were forgotten.

The beginning of Laima Vaikule's career

At the age of 12, the actress first appeared on stage. The girl took part in the competition of young singers, which was held in the house of culture of the VEF Riga plant. Then she received a diploma and immediately began performing with the group.

After graduating from the eighth grade, Laima Vaikule entered the local medical school. During her studies, at the age of 15, the singer became a soloist with the Riga Radio and Television Orchestra, led by Raimonds Pauls.

As Laima herself recalls, at the age of fifteen she studied music and vocals with maestro Zakhodnik. He, at that time, worked with the famous Raimonds Pauls today. Zakhodnik sang and voiced all the singers of their Raymond orchestra. The teacher noticed the talent of the young singer and took her to audition to Pauls. Laima showed her data in the Philharmonic Hall, during the performance of one of the compositions, Raymond Pauls approached her and said, clapping on the shoulder: “Baby, I take you.”

Since 1979, Laima Vaikule has performed in the popular variety show "Juras Perle" (translated from Latvian as "Sea Pearl"). At first, the singer was in a dance orchestra, but gradually became a soloist in a variety show. In 1984, Laima Vaikule decided to receive a specialized education and entered GITIS. There she studied directing.

In addition to Western material and a lot of modern songs, the singer, together with the Laima ensemble, performed Latvian songs. In particular, Vaikule performed the composition of Raymond Pauls "Verococo". In Russian, the composition was performed by Valery Leontiev.

The peak of the popularity of Laima Vaikule

In the mid-80s of the last century, Vaikule was noticed by songwriter Ilya Reznik. He invited her to record and present on the radio a new song called "Night Bonfire". With this composition, Lyme got on the radio, as well as on the TV show "Song-86". In the same year, Laima Vaikule and Valery Leontiev together performed the famous song "Vernissage" (joint work of Pauls and Reznik) at the Soviet-Italian concert of pop stars.

By the beginning of 1987, Vaikule recorded another hit by the same authors - "It's not evening yet." The singer gave her original interpretation of the composition.

Interview with Laima Vaikule

A few months later, Vaikule took part in the author's evening of Raymond Pauls in the capital concert hall"Russia". After the broadcast of the evening on TV, the singer received all-Russian fame. The success and popularity of the artist was reinforced by the Golden Lyre award, which she received at the international Bratislava Lyra festival in Czechoslovakia.

While studying at GITIS, Laima Vaikule began to prepare her big solo program. Its premiere took place at the Rossiya State Central Concert Hall in 1988. The performance proved to the audience that the singer can embody lyrical, humorous, characteristic and also grotesque images.

It is worth noting that Laima Vaikule is one of the founders and organizers of the competition for young song performers in Jurmala.
American producer Sten Cornelius invited the singer to the USA in 1989. There she worked on the album for 7 months and recorded in the studio of Michael Sembello. In the USA, Vaikule also took part in the filming of American programs and signed a contract with the well-known record company MCA / GRP. In the same year, a documentary film about Laima Vaikul was released on American television screens, which was shot by the Videofilm studio and American filmmakers. The Western press dubbed Lyme the "Russian Madonna."

During her career, Laima Vaikule recorded 10 music albums in Latvia and Russia, 20 million of her discs were sold out by fans from Russia, Europe and the USA. The peak of Laima's creativity came in the 90s of the last century. It was in this last decade of the 20th century that she recorded 7 discs. In 1991, the artist suffered a serious illness. The illness helped her come to faith. Laima Vaikule became an Orthodox Christian.

Vaikule at the annual ceremony "World Music Awards" 93 "was awarded the special prize of the Prince of Monaco. In 1993, Vaikule begins in parallel with her creative activity do business. The singer became the founder of the perfumery and cosmetic company Laima-Lux International.

In 1997, Lyme performed with a new concert program, prepared jointly with musician Y. Varum (father of the singer Anzhelika Varum), and continued to perform on stage with famous artists: with Igor Krutoy, Vladimir Vinokur and Lev Leshchenko, with the tea for two duet.

Film career Laima Vaikule

Laima Vaikule also showed herself as an actress. She began acting in films in 1979.

What is the pianist playing about? Laima Vaikule

Her first role was as a singer in a bar in the film Inspector Gull. In total, the filmography of the artist has 13 roles in different films. Laima Vaikule is widely known as an active animal advocate and is an ethical vegetarian. For the past 20 years, the artist has not worn fur, she constantly opposes the photo business and circuses with trained animals. In addition, the singer is against animal fights, hunting, bullfighting and other cruel areas where animals are victims. In support of her conviction, Lyme took part in the first anti-hunting film, in which the rest took part. Russian stars. And later she became a member of the jury of the world-famous anti-fur competition Design Against Furs.

Personal life of Laima Vaikule

Laima Vaikule is married to her producer and former bass player of her ensemble Andrey Latkovsky. The couple met back in 1970, and in 1978 began to live in civil marriage. A little later, the couple played a modest wedding in Las Vegas.

Now the star is a regular guest at the New Wave music competition. In addition, the singer constantly appears on the TV and radio, as well as at holiday concerts.

Laima Vaikule leaves few people indifferent. Her individual style of performance captivates, and vitality makes the singer respect even her ill-wishers.

Laima Vaikule was born in Cesis, in Latvia, on March 31, 1954, in a family far from creative circles. In the spring of 2017, Laima Stanislavovna celebrated her 63rd birthday.

Laima Vaikule. Young years

The father and mother of the future celebrity lived modestly, in a one-room apartment. The girl was not the only one, there were three more children in the family. In order to defend her interests and views, the wayward Lyme, at the age of 5, defiantly left home, collecting things. Remembering such moments, the singer shares that she usually stopped around the corner of the house and waited to be found. It was embarrassing to go back.

The girl's singing talent was noticed in the first grade. Even then, the class teacher advised Stanislav and Yanina, Laima's parents, to buy a piano for her, which they did not do because of modest living conditions.

The girl's talent did not fade away without this purchase. Laima has performed at all local concerts since the age of 11. Already at the age of 14, Vaikule received a diploma at the competition of young vocalists, and a year later Raimonds Pauls himself noticed her.

First steps on the big stage

In 1979, when the girl entered into an agreement with the Juras Perle variety show, concerts with her gathered full houses.

In order not to stop developing his talent, Vaikule went to Moscow in 1984 to enter GITIS. At the school, her talent is noticed by another master of the Russian stage, Ilya Reznik. With his song "Night Fire" to the music of R. Pauls, the young performer gets on the "Song of the Year" in 1986. At the same time, Laima Vaikule performed the song "Vernissage" with Valery Leontiev at an international concert. Since then, her talent has been recognized throughout the country.

The singer with a characteristic, individual manner has regular fans. A year later, she performs the song "It's Not Evening Yet", and in 1988 she gives her first concert at the State Concert Hall "Russia". These steps cemented her niche on the star stage.

In 1989, the American studio MCA / GRP signed a contract with the singer. For seven months she has been recording an album in the USA. American television released a documentary about Laima Vaikul, after which critics dubbed it the "Russian Madonna."

Returning to her homeland, Lyme found the collapse of the country, accusations of espionage. Soon she was given a terrible diagnosis.

"A person is born in suffering"

In 1991, when Laima Vaikule already had fame in her hands, she was diagnosed with breast cancer of the last stage. The singer was warned: the cure occurs in one of five cases. Resistant Lyme did not give in to the disease. After the operation, a complete recovery awaited her, but she recalls this period of her life as the worst in her life.

At the same time, Laima Stanislavovna became a deeply religious person, changed her views on many things. She became a vegetarian, opposes the ritual killing of animals, hunting and fighting with their participation. For ethical reasons, she no longer wears furs either.

Years later, native Latvia recognizes her People's Artist Latvia, and in 1993 Laima Vaikule received a special prize from the Prince of Monaco at the World Music Awards. In 2011, she received the Order of Friendship for the fact that her work has strengthened ties between Russia and Latvia.

Personal life of Laima Vaikule

Laima Vaikule has repeatedly stated that she values ​​\u200b\u200bfreedom. At the same time, she created an actual marriage with Andrei Latkovsky back in 1978, and they met in 1970. The tandem of the bass player, and then the producer with the famous singer is almost 40 years old.

At first, the couple, passionate about creativity, did not even dream of children. Vaikule underwent an abortion twice, and after the illness, the chances of having a healthy child decreased. Thinking about IVF, the performer turned to her confessor for advice. He didn't approve artificial insemination, which made Laima Vaikule come to terms with the fact that she would not have children.

However, her brainchild can rightfully be called the Rendezvous International Festival, which the singer has been holding at the Dzintari Concert Hall in Jurmala since 2015.

Related videos

Laima Vaikule / showbiz.delfi.ua

Childhood and education

Laima Stanislavovna Vaikule was born in a simple family: father Stanislav Vaikulis was a worker, and mother Yanina Vaikule first worked as a seller, then as a store director. Their whole family was sung only by Laima's grandmother - she sang in the church choir.

When Vaikula was three years old, her large family - mother, father, half-sisters and sisters, and half-elder brother moved to Riga. There Lyme went to school for the first time.

The artist sang almost from the cradle, at home she arranged concerts for guests.

The first time Vaikule took the stage at the age of 12 - she took part in the competition for young vocalists in the House of Culture of the VEF Riga plant, where she received a diploma. Since then, she began to perform in a big band.

However, Vaikule did not dream of a career as a singer - she wanted to become a doctor, and at the end of eight classes she entered a medical school.

Laima Vaikule (left) / https://24smi.org

During her studies, Laima did not give up singing - at the age of 15 she became a soloist with the Riga Radio and Television Orchestra, led by Raimonds Pauls.

Vaikula was not destined to become a doctor - in 1984 she entered GITIS at the director's department.

Laima Vaikule / https://24smi.org

Creative activity

Since 1979, Vaikule has performed in the popular variety show "Juras Perle" (translated from Latvian as "Sea Pearl") - where she sang in a dance orchestra, then became a soloist in a variety show.

While studying at GITIS, Laima was noticed by the famous songwriter Ilya Reznik. He invited her to perform his song "Night Bonfire", which soon hit the radio, as well as on the TV show "Song-86". In 1986, Vaikule performed the song "Vernissage" at the Soviet-Italian concert of pop stars, which brought her universal recognition .

In 1987, Laima recorded another song by Pauls and Reznik - "It's Not Evening Yet".

All-Union glory for the artist was brought by participation in the author's evening of Pauls in the State Central Concert Hall "Russia", which was broadcast on TV.

Laima's popularity also increased after participating in the Bratislava Lyra international festival in Czechoslovakia, where she received the Golden Lyra award for the song Vernissage. It is worth noting that Vaikule is one of the founders and organizers of the competition for young song performers in Jurmala.

Since 2015, she has created and holds an annual international music Festival in Jurmala "Laima Rendezvous Jūrmala" ("Laima Rendezvous Jurmala").

In 2016, the artist recorded a duet with Stas Piekha for the song "I Close My Eyes".

During her career, she recorded 10 music albums in Latvia and Russia, 20 million of her discs were sold out by fans from Russia, Europe and the USA.

Political position

In August 2018, during a tour in Odessa of the Dumskaya publication, Vaikule said, despite generous financial offers.

Disease

On the rise of her career, the singer was diagnosed with breast cancer. Vaikule admitted that she was on the verge of death. She fought the disease in the United States, after which she returned home.

The famous singer, in an interview with TV presenter Oksana Pushkina, said that the illness completely turned her life upside down, the illness made her completely reconsider her principles and think about the future, looking at the usual things in a completely different way.

Personal life

Since 1970, Laima has been with Andrey Latkovsky, a former bass player and her producer. The couple in 1978 began to live in a civil marriage. A little later, the couple played a modest wedding in Las Vegas.

The artist has no children, she had two abortions and experienced a miscarriage.

Laima Vaikule and Andrey Latkovsky / https://24smi.org

Interesting Facts

Vaikule is known as an active defender of animal rights. She is a vegetarian for ethical reasons.

Vaikule acted in films - her debut took place in 1979 in the film "Inspector Gull" - she played a singer in a bar.

In 1995, the artist received the title " National artist Republic of Latvia".