Ukrainian Singers of the Past

Ukrainian singers and Ukrainian music have become very popular around the world.

Some popular American singers, popular Australian singers and famous Canadian singers have Ukrainian roots. Today, some pop music artists are performing Ukrainian popular songs and Ukrainian popular music in their support for the people of Ukraine.

The road to fame is not easy. And so, may top female singers and particularly male opera singers began their careers singing in a church choir or community choir. At least, many Ukrainian singers did just that.

Ukrainian Singers of the Past
Ukrainian Singers of the Past

 

Read to Discover: Ukrainian Singers of the Past

There are many Ukrainian singers of the past. On this page, we highlight some of them:

 

Ukrainian Singers – A Definition

According to our definition of “Who are Ukrainian singers?”, we claim that Ukrainian singers are those who:
✔ sing in Ukrainian
or
✔ claim a Ukrainian heritage
or
✔ were born on present-day Ukrainian territory.
On these pages, we will focus on singers of the past.

We focus on the past, not because we don’t acknowledge, appreciate or honour those who are promoting everything Ukrainian around the world today. We focus on the past because we honestly believe that a knowledge of the past lays the foundation for the present and future.

Ukrainian Singers
Ukrainian Singers

 

A Popular Ukrainian-Canadian Singer

Antin Derbish (1921-1991) was a popular Ukrainian singer who was born on the present-day territory of Ukraine on June 13, 1921. At the time of his birth, the city of his birth was part of Poland.

Antin Derbish claimed his Ukrainian heritage throughout his life while performing in post WWII Europe (Austria). After emigrating to Canada in 1949, A. Derbish continued to perform in a number of popular ensembles and church choirs in Edmonton, Alberta and later in Toronto, Ontario.

Antin Derbish regularly recorded singles and long-play records in Canada. His recordings popularized the works of composers of his time – most notably, the works of Bohdan Wesolowskyj (1915-1971).

Antin Derbish (1921 – 1991)
Antin Derbish (1921 – 1991)

 

A Popular Ukrainian Singer and Composer

Volodymyr Ivasiuk (1949-1979) is usually remembered for being a composer of popular music and songs. Specifically, V. Ivasiuk is remembered for composing the popular hit Chervona Ruta (The Red Ruta Flower).

What is less well known is that Volodymyr Ivasiuk also performed as a singer. Most notably, V. Ivasiuk performed in the first Song of the Year festival televised on New Year’s Day in 1972.

Volodymyr Ivasiuk (1949 – 1979)
Volodymyr Ivasiuk (1949 – 1979)

 

A List of Ukrainian Singers

A list of Ukrainian singers of the past:

Text by Oksana A. Wynnyckyj-Yusypovych

 

Continue Reading about Singers – Some Ukrainian, Some Not!

Created: July 21, 2022


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