Valery Meladze launched his solo career in 1993 following his departure from the rock group Dialog. A trained marine engineer from the Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding, he pivoted to music after performing as a vocalist in the band April. His path to prominence began when Alla Pugacheva invited him to perform at her 1993 Christmas Meeting.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born in 1965 in Batumi, Meladze initially pursued a career in engineering, echoing his family's professional history. However, his collaboration with his brother, Konstantin Meladze, steered him toward music. After the dissolution of the group Dialog, Valery worked with producer Evgeniy Friedland. Early songs such as Ne Trevoz Mne Dushu Skripka established his presence before the release of his debut solo album, Sera, on the Souz label.
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By 1998, Meladze ended his professional association with Friedland and rebranded his public persona. He adopted a formal dress code and shifted toward more aggressive musical themes. His subsequent albums, including Samba Belogo Motylka and Vsyo Tak I Bylo, produced several chart-topping singles. In 1999, he also contributed voice work to the cartoon Neznajka Na Lune.
Collaboration and Industry Recognition
In 2000, the Meladze brothers founded the group VIA Gra. Valery’s later career featured several notable collaborations, including the tracks Prityazeniya Bolshe Net and Okean I Tri Reki. His work earned multiple honors, including Muz-TV Awards and the Golden Gramophone Award. He was designated a Merited Artist of Russia in 2006 and a People's Artist of the Chechen Republic in 2008.
Fast facts
- Born: 1965, Batumi
- Education: Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding
- Academic Degree: Candidate of Technical Sciences
- First Solo Album: Sera, 1993
- Professional Collaborator: Konstantin Meladze
- Citizenship: Russia; Soviet Union
- Notable Recognition: Merited Artist of Russia
Questions readers ask
Did Valery Meladze change his name for his career?
Although his producer Evgeniy Friedland suggested he change his surname to Lisov or Lisovskiy, Meladze refused.
What was his professional background before music?
He studied marine power plant engineering at the Nikolayev Shipbuilding Institute in Ukraine.
Achievements
- Instruments: piano and voice
- Genres: pop music, traditional pop and pop rock
