Alexander Nikolayevich Malinin (birth surname — Vyguzov; born November 16, 1958, Sverdlovsk) is a Soviet and Russian singer, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation (1997), and People’s Artist of the Russian Federation (2006). He is one of the most recognizable performers of Russian romances and lyrical pop music of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Early Life
Alexander was born in Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg) in a family not connected with professional music. His father was Nikolai Vyguzov, and his mother, Ludmila Vasilievna, worked in domestic services. His parents divorced early, and after the separation his mother returned to her maiden name, Malinina, which Alexander later adopted as well.
His musical abilities appeared in childhood: he taught himself to play the guitar, and was interested in vocal performance and singer-songwriter music.
First Steps in Music
After finishing school, Malinin became a soloist of the Ural Folk Choir, combining work with the beginning of formal musical education. During his army service, he performed in an ensemble, which allowed him to maintain vocal practice.
In the late 1970s, he worked at the Sverdlovsk Philharmonic as part of a vocal-instrumental ensemble.
Move to Moscow and Work in Ensembles
In 1983, Alexander Malinin moved to Moscow.
In the capital he worked with several musical projects:
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Stas Namin Group
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VIA "Metronom"
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collaborations with Alexander Losev and other musicians
These projects did not bring him widespread fame, but they became an important stage of professional growth.
A Turning Point — Accident and Loss of Voice
In 1986, Malinin was involved in a serious car accident and temporarily lost his voice. Recovery took several months. After rehabilitation, he returned to performing, but true success came later.
Victory at Jūrmala and the Start of Fame
Real recognition came in 1988 after his participation in the international contest "Jūrmala-88", where Alexander won the Grand Prix with the performance of the song "Corrida" — one of the brightest numbers of the competition.
Following the contest, his name gained nationwide visibility.
It was during this period that his signature style began to take shape — lyrical pop music and Russian romances.
Romances and Nationwide Popularity
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Malinin frequently appeared on television, recorded new songs and romances. Major success came with:
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"Naprasnye slova" (Vain Words)
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"Poruchik Golitsyn"
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"Bely kon’" (White Horse)
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romances from the singer’s original program
Malinin became one of the leading performers of the genre of Russian romance in the post-Soviet era.
Personal Life
Alexander Malinin has been married three times.
In 1991, he married Emma Malinina, who became his permanent partner and supporter. Their children are:
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Frol Malinin (1997)
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Ustinya Malinina (2000)
He also has an older son, Anton, from a previous marriage.
Emma actively participates in her husband's creative career and has appeared in his music videos and television projects.
"Alexander Malinin’s Balls"
In the 1990s, the singer created a large-scale author’s project — "Alexander Malinin’s Balls", dedicated to Russian musical and aristocratic culture.
These events featured romances, orchestral programs, and stylized costumes, and received wide audience acclaim.
Creative Achievements
Malinin continues active concert work, performs in Russia and abroad, participates in charity events, and records new programs and albums.
He has received numerous awards, including:
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Honored Artist of the Russian Federation (1997)
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People’s Artist of the Russian Federation (2006)
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multiple laureate of the television program “Song of the Year” and other awards
Alexander Malinin has become one of the most recognizable performers of romance and lyrical pop in Russia. His artistic biography includes dozens of concert programs, television productions, and albums, while his distinctive vocal style and commitment to the genre have ensured him long-lasting popularity over several decades.
