Григорий Лепс: The Gritty Voice of Russian Chanson

Григорий Лепс is a major Russian singer and songwriter known for his distinctive, raspy baritone and his dominance in the genre of Russian chanson and pop-rock. Hailing from Sochi, Russia, he has built a massive commercial career, with numerous platinum-certified albums and sold-out arena concerts across the country and beyond.

Early career

Born in 1962 in Sochi, Georgian SSR, Grigory Lepsveridze (later known as Leps) began his musical journey in the 1980s performing in restaurants and local ensembles in Sochi. His early professional steps were challenging, and it wasn't until 1995 that he released his debut album, Храни Вас Бог, which initially garnered little attention but later became a cult favorite.

Breakthrough

Leps's true national breakthrough came in the early 2000s with the album На струнах дождя in 2002. This record, featuring hits written by composer and producer Viktor Drobysh, catapulted him to stardom, earning multi-platinum status and establishing his signature blend of lyrical chanson, rock, and pop.

Key tracks

Натали — This romantic ballad became one of his first nationwide hits and remains a staple in his concert setlists.

Я уеду в Карачу — A quintessential chanson-style track that solidified his image and connection with a broad Russian audience.

Рюмка водки на столе — A definitive anthem within his repertoire, perfectly showcasing his gritty vocal style and thematic roots.

Самый лучший день — This later hit demonstrated his continued chart dominance and ability to craft modern pop-rock anthems.

Зеркало — A successful collaboration with singer Ani Lorak that highlighted his versatility and star power in duets.

Following his breakthrough, Leps became a fixture in the Russian music industry, releasing a steady stream of successful albums like Лабиринт (2004) and В центре Земли (2006). He is renowned for high-profile collaborations, working with artists like Stas Mikhailov, Philip Kirkorov, and the band B-2, and frequently appearing as a judge on Russian television talent shows. His label, United Music Group, has released many of his later records, which consistently achieve gold and platinum certifications.

Fans of Григорий Лепс often appreciate the music of Михаил Круг for his foundational role in the Russian chanson genre. The emotional pop-rock style of Стас Михайлов also shares a similar audience and thematic depth. Listeners might also enjoy the powerful ballads of Александр Розенбаум, another bardic figure. The contemporary chanson sound of Бутырка offers a grittier, ensemble-driven approach to the style.

RADIO ROTATION: The music of Григорий Лепs maintains heavy rotation on dedicated Russian chanson radio stations, mainstream Russian pop FM networks, and online radio streams specializing in music from Eastern Europe. His timeless hits and newer releases are programming staples, ensuring his voice reaches listeners across multiple generations.

You can hear the powerful hits of Григорий Лепs regularly on the radio stations featured on our website. Explore the diverse selection of stations available on onairium.com to discover his music and other artists within the Russian chanson and pop-rock genres.