Soviet musician (1915–1993)
Musical artist
Pavel Rudakov (Russian: Павел Рудаков; 15 July 1915 – 16 January 1993) was a Soviet musician (concertina player) and film actor, the member of the estrada duet of Rudakov & Nechayev, which was popular in the 1950s.[1] He was the Merited Artist of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (1961).[2]
Early life
Pavel Rudakov was born in Tula on 15 July 1915. He worked at the Tula Weapons Factory, then – at circus and at philharmonic hall. He fought in World War II.[1]
Duet Rudakov & Nechayev
He met Veniamin Nechayev in Khabarovsk during their military service in the post-war years. After demobilization they worked in Far East Philharmonic Hall for about three years.[1]
In 1948, Rudakov and Nechayev formed a estrada duet and gave first concert in Leningrad. They accompanied themselves; lyrics for them were written by Konstantinov, Ratser, Grey, Merlin. Lyrics were written on topical issues (In newspaper at morning – in verse at evening) thus shaping the popularity of the duet which had become one of the signs of the times of the Khrushchev Thaw.[1] Even Nikita Khrushchev himself treated Rudakov and Nechayev with sympathy; artists were invited to important meetings on cultural issues.[3]
In 1962, the duet was dissolved.[1] The duet was reunited one time specifically for filming in Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears – director invited them to participate in the movie, with a view to recreation the atmosphere of 1950s.[2]
Later years and death
After 1962, Rudakov worked on solo career and was a mentor of new generation performers. He died on 16 January 1993 in Saint Petersburg.[2]
