Nani Bregvadze
Nani Giorgis asuli Bregvadze, born on July 21, 1936, in Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union, is a celebrated Georgian singer, pianist, and music pedagogue. Known for her contributions to classical and romance music genres, Bregvadze began her career in Soviet Georgia and rose to prominence after gaining USSR-wide popularity during the 1957 6th World Festival of Youth and Students. She performed with the Georgian music group VIA Orera and later established a successful solo career in the early 1970s, becoming renowned for her performances of Russian and Gypsy romances.
Her signature songs include "Snegopad" ("Snowfall"), "Bolshak," and "Dorogoi Dlinnoyu," the latter of which was adapted into English as "Those Were the Days." In recognition of her artistic achievements, she was named a People's Artist of the USSR in 1983. As of 2007, Bregvadze resided in Moscow, where she held a chair in popular and jazz music at the Moscow State Art and Cultural University. She has been an honorary citizen of Tbilisi since 1995. Her musical legacy continues through her daughter, Eka Mamaladze, and granddaughter, Natalia Kutateladze, who are also singers.