This day in Russian history and the History of the world.

October 27

October 27, 1900: Lidia Andreyevna Ruslanova, one of the greatest and best-loved performers of Russian folk songs was born. She first started singing for Russian soldiers during the Russian Civil War, and debuted as a professional singer in Rostov-on-Don in 1923.

She was noted for her peculiar singing voice and timbre, which was a revival of old traditions in which female soloists would perform on festive occasions.

She was extremely popular During the 1930s. When World War II broke out, she ceaselessly toured from one front to another, helping to boost the soldiers' courage with her patriotic songs.

Her signature songs were Valenki and Katyusha, written specially for her.

During the Battle of Berlin she performed on the doorsteps of the smouldering Reichstag. She was arrested and sentenced to 10 years of camp labour in 1948 for the refusal to sign the declaration that her husband was guilty of treason.

Ruslanova was released after Stalin's death and despite bad health returned to singing and performed right up until her death in 1973, at the age of 72.

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