Alexander Nikolaevich Serov was born on March 24, 1951 in the village of Kovalyovka, Mykolaiv Region, Ukrainian SSR.
A Soviet and Russian singer, composer, arranger, Honored Artist of the RSFSR (1989), and People’s Artist of the Russian Federation (2004). One of the most recognizable male vocalists of the late 1980s and early 1990s, he is known for hits such as “Madonna,” “I Love You to Tears,” “Starfall,” “Suzanna,” and “Nostalgia for You.”
Early Years and Musical Education
Serov’s interest in music appeared during his school years — he played alto horn in a brass band. Later, he taught himself piano and became deeply fascinated by Western pop music, especially Tom Jones.
After graduating school, he enrolled in the Mykolaiv State Higher Music School, where he studied clarinet. In addition to his classes, he played saxophone and keyboards and wrote his first arrangements.
Over time, Serov gravitated toward jazz, though he was unable to form a stable jazz ensemble of his own.
Military Service
Serov served in the Navy of the USSR.
During his third year of service, he performed as a soloist and musician in the Officers’ House orchestra in Mykolaiv. It was there that he gained his first serious stage and concert experience.
Beginning of Professional Career
After military service, Serov worked in Krasnodar, then returned to Mykolaiv and joined the vocal-instrumental ensemble “Singing Cabin Boys”.
He later became an arranger, composer, and performer in various ensembles. By the early 1980s, Serov had already become a notable figure in Ukrainian pop music.
VIA “Svityaz” and “Cheremosh”
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In the early 1980s, he became the leader and soloist of the VIA “Svityaz” of the Volyn Philharmonic.
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From 1982 to 1984, he served as artistic director of the VIA “Cheremosh”, where Aurika and Lidia Rotaru performed.
It was during this period that Serov began receiving his first nationwide radio rotations. One of the earliest was “Cruise”, a duet with Olga Zarubina.
Breakthrough: Competitions and First Hits
1983 — 2nd place at the All-Union Competition in Yalta.
After this success, he moved to Moscow, where TV presenter Olga Molchanova noticed him and helped him gain exposure on television programs.
That same year, Serov recorded his first official vinyl release on the Melodiya label.
Intertalent-87 — International Success
The true breakthrough came in 1987 at the prestigious Intertalent competition (Prague).
Despite missing the preliminary round due to a delayed flight, Serov performed in the final and won the Grand Prix, becoming the second Soviet artist to receive this honor.
After Intertalent, his name became widely known throughout Eastern Europe.
“Madonna” — The First Soviet Music Video
At the end of 1987, Serov released the music video “Madonna”, which became one of the first fully produced music videos in Soviet pop music. The video instantly turned Serov into a star across the USSR.
Albums, Touring, and Popularity
From the late 1980s to the early 1990s, Serov released a number of hits, many created in collaboration with composer Igor Krutoy:
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“Suzanna”
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“Nostalgia for You”
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“Starfall”
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“I Love You to Tears”
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“Madonna”
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“Mon Amour”
Between 1988 and 1993, he actively toured the USSR, Germany, the United States, and Israel.
Decline and Comeback
In the mid-1990s, Serov’s activity decreased.
In 1998, he embarked on a concert tour across the United States.
In 2000, he released the album “New and Best”, dedicated to his daughter Michelle. It included updated versions of his hits and new material.
Later Works
2008 — release of the album “Confession”, containing rare and previously unreleased songs.
2009 — a major anniversary concert at the Rossiya State Concert Hall dedicated to his 55th birthday.
Style and Significance
Alexander Serov is one of the key representatives of the lyrical pop tradition of the 1980s–1990s. His artistic style is based on the combination of a velvety, slightly husky baritone, emotional delivery, cantilena-style melodies, and classic pop arrangements.
Serov’s music has become part of the golden heritage of Soviet and Russian pop music.
