Roksana Rubenovna Babayan — Soviet and Russian pop singer, actress, and TV presenter, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation. Her name has been associated for decades with sincerity, warmth, and Eastern emotionality, while her voice is recognized for its depth and expressiveness, blending the traditions of the Armenian musical school with Soviet pop culture.
Early Years
Roksana Babayan was born on May 30, 1946 in Tashkent, into an educated Armenian family. Her father, Ruben Mikhailovich, was a civil engineer, and her mother, Seda Grigoryevna, was a pianist and singer. Her mother became Roksana’s first music teacher: she began singing and playing the piano early, and the family’s home music evenings shaped her artistic personality.
Despite her natural talent, her parents insisted on a formal education. After finishing school, Roksana enrolled at the Tashkent Institute of Railway Engineering, where she earned a degree in civil engineering. However, her love for the stage prevailed — during her student years, she became active in amateur performances, singing in ensembles and at cultural events.
Beginning of Her Creative Path
After graduating, Roksana Babayan fully devoted herself to music. Her bright timbre and stage charisma caught the attention of professional musicians, and soon she became a soloist of the State Variety Orchestra of Armenia under the direction of Konstantin Orbelyan.
Working with the orchestra gave her invaluable experience: touring, studio recordings, and collaboration with skilled composers and arrangers. During this period, she developed into a versatile singer — performing everything from lyrical romances to rhythmic pop songs.
Recognition and Popularity
Her real breakthrough came in the mid-1970s when Roksana Babayan won the International Schlager Festival in Dresden with the song “Rain”. This victory brought her nationwide recognition and opened the door to the big stage.
In the following years, she toured extensively across the Soviet Union and abroad, and became a frequent guest on popular television shows such as “Song of the Year,” “Blue Light,” and “Morning Mail.” Audiences recognized her by her warm, expressive voice and sincere, heartfelt performance style.
By the 1980s, Roksana Babayan was among the leading pop singers in the country. Her songs — “The East is a Delicate Matter,” “Magical Spells,” “Farewell, My Home,” “Call Me” — were heard on television, radio, and in concert programs. Her musical style blended Eastern melodic intonations, Soviet lyricism, and jazz influences, giving her repertoire a unique identity.
Theater, Cinema, and Television
In addition to her singing career, Roksana Babayan also worked as an actress. She appeared in films such as “We Are from Jazz”, “Formula of Love”, and “Intermission”, and took part in stage productions like “Khanuma” and “Love and Doves.”
Later, she became a frequent guest on TV programs, talk shows, and cultural events. Her artistic versatility allows her to move confidently between musical, theatrical, and conversational genres.
Personal Life
Roksana Babayan was married twice. Her second husband was the famous theater and film actor Mikhail Derzhavin. Their long marriage was marked by deep creative understanding and affection, and they were regarded as one of the most harmonious couples in Russian culture. After Derzhavin’s death in 2018, Babayan took the loss hard but continued her professional and public activities.
She has no children but has often said that she considers the stage and her audience to be her extended family.
Public Work and Charity
Beyond her artistic career, Roksana Babayan is known for her social activism. She is the President of the Russian League for Animal Protection and advocates for humane treatment of animals and nature. She organizes charity concerts and fundraising events, always emphasizing sincerity and personal involvement — to her, kindness must be both sung about and practiced.
Titles and Awards
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Honored Artist of the RSFSR — 1988
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People’s Artist of the Russian Federation — 1999
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Order of Honor — for her contribution to the development of national culture
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Numerous music awards and international festival diplomas
Roksana Babayan’s Discography
| Year | Album / Release | Format / Features | Notable Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Rain | Single / Dresden Festival Hit | Brought her international acclaim |
| 1979 | Songs by Konstantin Orbelyan | Vinyl / Collaboration with orchestra | I Love You, Life, I Don’t Believe in Coincidence |
| 1983 | The East Is a Delicate Matter | Concert Program / TV releases | Eastern motifs, rich orchestration |
| 1987 | Magical Spells | Vinyl / Pop-romance, retro style | Magical Spells, Old Motif |
| 1994 | Say You Love Me | Album / 1990s pop-radio sound | Farewell, My Home, Call Me |
| 2003 | I Love You, Life! | Compilation / Anniversary release | Best hits of the 1970s–1990s |
| 2011 | The Heart Sings | Digital / Studio album | New versions of classic songs |
| 2020 | An Evening with Roksana Babayan | Live album | Recording of the anniversary concert in Moscow |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role / Participation | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Intermission | Pop singer | Music short film |
| 1981 | We Are from Jazz | Cameo role | Feature film |
| 1984 | Formula of Love | Guest musician (cameo) | Comedy / Cult classic |
| 1987 | Khanuma | Lead role (stage & TV musical) | Musical performance |
| 1990s–2000s | Song of the Year, Morning Mail, Blue Light | Performer, host | TV shows and concerts |
| 2010s | Man’s Destiny, Hello, Andrey! | Guest | Television interviews |
| 2020s | Anniversary Evenings and Documentary Projects | Herself | TV and YouTube cultural retrospectives |
Awards and Honors
| Year | Award / Title | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | First Prize at the “Dresden Schlager Festival” | For the song “Rain” |
| 1988 | Honored Artist of the RSFSR | For her contribution to Soviet pop music |
| 1999 | People’s Artist of the Russian Federation | For outstanding achievements in music |
| 2006 | Order of Honor | For many years of creative activity |
| 2021 | Honorary Medal of the Russian Cultural Workers’ Union | For humanitarian and charitable work |
Interesting Facts
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Roksana Babayan was one of the first Soviet singers to perform at international festivals in Eastern Europe.
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Her stage image blends Eastern femininity with European elegance.
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Her husband, actor Mikhail Derzhavin, was her closest partner and inspiration.
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In the 2000s, she became the President of the Russian League for Animal Protection and an advocate of kindness and humanity.
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Even after decades on stage, she continues to perform, record, and exemplify artistic dignity.
Creative Legacy
Roksana Babayan’s music embodies a union of Eastern temperament and refined lyricism. She preserved the sincerity of Soviet pop while remaining relevant in the 21st century. Her concerts still fill halls, and her voice remains instantly recognizable and warmly familiar.
Her repertoire includes dozens of songs, with special prominence given to “Magical Spells,” “Call Me”, “Rain”, “The East Is a Delicate Matter”, “Old Motif” — now regarded as timeless classics.
Conclusion
Roksana Babayan represents a rare combination of talent, intellect, and human grace. Her voice has become part of the cultural memory of several generations, and her career stands as a symbol of devotion to art.
She remains active on stage, radiating the same warmth, energy, and sincerity that have captivated audiences since her earliest performances. Her art reflects the soul of the East, the dignity of an intelligent woman, and a genuine love for life.
