Soviet and Russian musician Andrei Derzhavin spoke about his final conversation with Vyacheslav Dobrynin, a People’s Artist of Russia, revealing the essence of a moment that connected two generations of Russian music. Derzhavin described how Dobrynin phoned him with a clear, warm invitation to shoot a television show—a plan meant to bring together friends for a shared project that could celebrate their lifelong friendship and creative ties.
According to Derzhavin, the call came at a time when the veteran composer was upbeat and energetic. The 61-year-old artist recalls the moment with a tremor of gratitude, saying, “For you – always.” He described Dobrynin as exceptionally cheerful, radiating a kind of spirit that made others feel buoyant and inspired to grab at life with both hands.
Derzhavin mourns Dobrynin’s passing as a profound loss to the art world. He notes that Dobrynin possessed a rare ability to spark enthusiasm and a zest for life in everyone around him, including himself. That infectious optimism is what, in Derzhavin’s view, left a lasting imprint on those who had the chance to work with him or share a stage with him over the years.
Vyacheslav Dobrynin wrote some of the era’s most enduring tunes, with the memorable hit “Blue Mist” standing alongside other beloved pieces such as “Don’t rub salt in my wound.” His catalog also includes melodies for songs like “Farewell (from all the train stations),” “Everything I have in life,” “Who told you,” and “Music is playing on the ship,” among many more. Over the years, performers including Alla Pugacheva, Mikhail Boyarsky, Mikhail Shufutinsky, Masha Rasputina, and Lev Leshchenko brought his music to life, turning his compositions into timeless stage moments.
Dobrynin founded the ensemble “Doktor Shlyager” in 1994, a project that carried his distinctive style into years of performing. He also collaborated with the poet Leonid Derbenev, a partnership that helped shape songs with a lyrical and melodic depth that resonated widely with audiences.
Dobrynin passed away on October 1 after suffering three strokes. The loss was felt across the music community, where his melodies had become part of the soundtrack of many people’s lives. In commentary that circulated after his death, a producer recalled him as a figure comparable to Russia’s Toto Cutugno, underscoring the broad appeal and international resonance of his work.