Laima Vaikule is a renowned Latvian actress, singer, director, and choreographer, celebrated across Europe and the Former USSR for her iconic hits such as "Vernisazh" and "Charley", among many other captivating songs.
Born Laima Stanislavovna Vaikule on March 31, 1954, in Cesis, Latvian Republic, Soviet Union (now Cesis, Latvia),her parents relocated to Riga when she was just three years old. Young Laima Vaikule developed a profound passion for music and dancing. In 1966, at the tender age of 12, she participated in a competition for young singers and was noticed.
From 1970 to 1973, she pursued a degree in nursing at the Medical School in Riga, with the intention of becoming a surgeon. Concurrently, she continued to nurture her singing talents with a local band. Eventually, she became the lead singer with a local band in Riga and worked night gigs at local clubs and restaurants for several years.
In the 1980s, Laima Vaikule enrolled in the Moscow State Institute for Theatrical Arts (GITIS),graduating as an actress and director. Her first hit in the Soviet Union was in 1985, marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with renowned Latvian composer Raimonds Pauls and Russian poet Ilya Reznik, who penned hits such as "Vernisazh", "Charley", and "Skripach na kryshe" (also known as "Fiddler on the Roof").
Laima Vaikule was among the original organizers of the Yurmala Festival of popular music, alongside Raimond Pauls. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she was a regular participant at international music competitions and festivals across Europe. Her numerous accolades include the Golden Lyra at "Bratislavská Lýra, 87", awards at "Yurmala, 92", and participation at "AU music world" in Monaco, among other prestigious festivals and competitions.
Designated National Actress of Latvia, Laima Vaikule was awarded the Grand Prix in 1996 for her special contribution to the music and culture of Latvia. Currently, she resides and works in Riga, Latvia, and owns a second home in Moscow, Russia.
