Alexander Nikolaevich Buinov was born on March 24, 1950 in Moscow, into the family of military pilot Nikolai Alexandrovich Buinov.
His mother, Klavdia Mikhailovna Kosova, was a trained musician and teacher, thanks to whom the children grew up in an atmosphere of musical discipline.
At his mother’s insistence, Alexander attended a music school, studying piano. The studies were difficult, but the persistence of the family paid off — he passed his final exam with “excellent.” The artist later recalled that his brother really used to chain him to the piano so he wouldn’t run away from lessons.
Early years and first bands
Buinov’s childhood took place around the Tishinsky Market district — a place full of mixed subcultures and street groups.
Despite a rebellious character and a “hooligan” environment, Alexander discovered music already in school. His first band was a school ensemble with the provocative name “Antichrist”, where he performed twist, boogie-woogie, and rock ’n’ roll.
Music gradually displaced all other interests, and by the mid-1960s Alexander began performing at dance evenings, already earning his first fees.
Meeting Alexander Gradsky
In 1966, Buinov met the young but already vibrant Alexander Gradsky. This encounter became fateful: under Gradsky’s influence, Buinov left school and went on his first tours.
The experience he gained during those years shaped him as a musician — his stage manner, sense of rhythm, and interaction with audiences.
Military service
Starting in 1971, Alexander served in the Altai region in the engineering troops. There he also met his first wife, marrying her right in the local village council.
During his service, Buinov wrote short stories, one of which — “One Day in the Brig” — caused issues with the special department. Despite the difficulties, the army gave him important experience and strengthened his character.
“Arax,” “Vesyolye Rebyata,” and the rise of his career
After demobilization, Alexander was invited to join the band “Arax” as a keyboardist.
In 1974, the group worked at the Lenkom Theatre with Mark Zakharov. At that time, “Arax” was one of the musically strongest rock ensembles in Moscow.
Later, Buinov joined the legendary ensemble “Vesyolye Rebyata” (“Merry Fellows”), where at various times performed:
- Alexander Gradsky
- Alexander Barykin
- Aurika Rotaru
- Sergey Malezhik
- Alla Pugacheva (who performed with the ensemble for some time)
Buinov spent 17 years with “Vesyolye Rebyata,” becoming a leading musician, arranger, songwriter, and one of the key members of the ensemble until the late 1980s.
Solo career
In the late 1980s, Alexander began his solo career. Most of his colleagues did not believe he could become an independent star — but he soon proved the opposite.
His style shifted from rock performance to pop music, lyrical material, and large-scale shows. He composed music, staged performances, and gradually became the artist known today.
In 1992, Buinov graduated from the directing faculty of GITIS, significantly raising the level of his concert productions.
Personal life
The artist had several marriages.
With his second wife he had a daughter, Yulia, who for some time performed in her father’s ensemble.
His third marriage became the happy one — to his wife Alyona, who became not only his life partner but also his producer. She runs her own production center and is actively involved in Buinov’s creative projects.
Artistry, style and legacy
Alexander Buinov is a versatile artist:
- singer
- composer
- keyboardist
- songwriter
- director of concert programs
His most famous songs include:
- “Empty Hands”
- “Snow Is Falling”
- “Airport”
- “Five Minutes”
- “Green Eyes”
He actively tours, appears on television, and remains a sought-after artist of the older generation.
DISCOGRAPHY OF ALEXANDER BUINOV (complete, by year)
Studio albums
1991 — “Like This!”
The debut studio album that launched his solo wave of popularity.
1993 — “Strange Tango”
1995 — “Leaves Are Falling”
1997 — “Snow Is Falling”
One of his best-known albums, containing future hits.
1999 — “Airport”
A breakthrough late-1990s album that cemented the artist’s success.
2000 — “Land of Flowers”
2001 — “Best Songs of Alexander Buinov”
(formally a compilation but included in the official numbering)
2002 — “Green Eyes”
2004 — “Songs from the ‘Airport’ Show”
A soundtrack album to the concert program.
2005 — “Former Major”
Includes one of Buinov’s most famous concert compositions.
2007 — “Your Choice”
2009 — “Buinov”
An image-defining rebranding album.
2011 — “Moon Path”
2013 — “Alexander Buinov. Selected Works” (2CD)
A large collection of his best tracks.
2015 — “Winter of Love”
Live albums and DVDs
1997 — “Live”
2000 — “Airport — Live Show”
A DVD/concert program that became one of the most popular in his career.
2003 — “Land of Flowers. Concert”
2009 — “Anniversary Concert of Alexander Buinov”
Compilations and official collections
1998 — “Grand Collection: Alexander Buinov”
1999 — “MP3 Collection”
2001 — “Best Songs”
2003 — “The Best”
2006 — “Golden Series: Alexander Buinov”
2008 — “The Best”
2010 — “The Very Best”
2020 — “Legends of Russian Pop: Alexander Buinov”
Singles (key official releases)
Buinov’s discography includes many releases, but below are the official and most significant singles.
1993–1997
- “Attraction”
- “My Captain”
- “Green Eyes”
- “Leaves Are Falling”
- “Snow Is Falling”
1998–2003
- “Airport”
- “Land of Flowers”
- “Five Minutes”
- “Colonel”
- “Stand Up”
- “You Are Loved”
2004–2010
- “Hello, Nurse!”
- “On the First Date”
- “Former Major”
- “The Sun Is Sleeping”
- “Moon Path”
2011–2023
- “My Girl”
- “Happy Birthday, Mom”
- “We Leave the House”
- “Winter of Love”
- “Everything Will Be Fine”
Conclusion
Alexander Buinov is one of the significant figures of Russian pop music — an artist who rose from a street musician to a nationally beloved performer and creator of large concert shows. His long artistic path, character, charisma, and professional versatility have earned him a place among the performers whose work has remained in demand for decades.
