Mikhail Krug(1962-2002)

Mikhail Krug was the most successful amateur bard, composer and singer in "Shanson" genre. At first he was just a truck driver. Having no musical education he took the first place on a contest of authors' songs in Tver, Russia. After his victory the "Sojuz" recording company spread Krug's records in markets all over Russia. His first album "Jigan-Limon" (Gangster-lemon) became immensely popular among the Russians of 1990s and was sold in millions of copies. But the radio stations and the television did not recognize Krug as a celebrity. He rarely appeared on the TV screen. But still he was loved by the people. His songs were devoted to the problems of the criminal world. It was in the jails, that Mikhail Krug gained recognition (all in all he gave 80 concerts in jails). Now, over 5 years after his death, Krug's songs are listened to by both the criminals and the police and other residents.