Valeriya, one of Russia's most beloved pop stars, has had her life chronicled by her former husband, Leonid Yaroshevsky, who claims he played a pivotal role in shaping her emergence as a musical talent. Yaroshevsky's new book, titled Valeriya: The Locomotive from Atkarsk, offers his perspective on how Alla Perfilyova, known professionally as Valeriya, achieved remarkable fame.
Meetings between the future spouses took place back in 1985, when Yaroshevsky was already establishing himself as a recognized musician within the vibrant music scene of Saratov. Having founded a jazz ensemble just three years prior, he was eager to recruit talented performers. He vividly recalls the moment he first laid eyes on Valeriya, who wowed the judges at an All-Region VAI competition. Following the contest, Yaroshevsky embarked on a quest to find her, eventually discovering her rehearsing at the local House of Culture.
"I only knew her father was the director of the music school; I had no idea where she lived. After wandering around, I stumbled upon the venue where I found her rehearsing—what luck!" Yaroshevsky recalled of their initial encounter.
Valeriya initially hesitated, needing to convince her mother, who, after her parents' divorce, was focused on her daughter's academic success. Yaroshevsky's persistence, coupled with promises of educational opportunities, eventually led Valeriya to join his ensemble, launching her performing career.
Life on the road, particularly during the early years, was rife with challenges, forcing Valeriya to navigate harsh conditions. Yaroshevsky describes performing across the region during bleak winters, living in cold hotels devoid of amenities, and handling cramped transportation. "She was just seventeen, thrown from the comfort of her mother's care to face the toughest realities of touring life," he remarked.
Despite the hardships, this period solidified their bond, leading to their marriage soon after, with Yaroshevsky proposing openly to Valeriya, alongside her mother. Their honeymoon, fittingly intertwined with performances, took place by the sea. Yet, their success eventually required them to venture to Moscow's competitive scene.
With the move, they picked up gigs at various venues, including the prestigious restaurant Central. While their lives began to improve, it wasn't long before opportunities arose for Valeriya outside their partnership. The couple accepted diverse engagements, which at times led Valeriya to question the nature of their work.
One significant moment arose when producer Alexander Shulgin approached Valeriya to join him for auditions abroad. "She showed immediate interest, flying off to Germany without much hesitation. It raised my suspicions, and she returned behaving quite oddly," shared Yaroshevsky, reflecting on the strain this opportunity placed on their marriage.
Following their separation, Valeriya's personal life shifted again when she became involved with Alexander Shulgin, leading to public drama and allegations of domestic abuse later on. This chapter ignited controversy, with Yaroshevsky claiming Valeriya’s description of their marriage was exaggerated for dramatic effect.
"I know Valeriya's character; she could assert herself against any adversity. It's hard to picture someone daring to raise their voice at her," Yaroshevsky mused. His doubts extended to the narrative constructed within her autobiography, where he suspected embellishments served to cast her as the victim.
Valeriya and her current husband, Iosif Prigozhin, have refuted Yaroshevsky's claims about his role, insisting her success was solely her own achievement. Valeriya remarked, "I knew I would sing on the big stage from early on. No one helped me reach my goals, not even him. My commitment and talent were enough."
Prigozhin echoed this sentiment, declaring, "Yaroshevsky contributed nothing to her success. They lived under dire conditions; he was not pivotal to her overcoming those challenges. He was first love but turned out to be her first mistake."
Interestingly, this public disagreement highlights how memories of shared experiences can diverge. While Yaroshevsky feels justified sharing his narrative, Valeriya intends to control her own story, confident of her artistic merits.
To this day, Valeriya remains an iconic figure within the Russian music industry, her legacy defined not solely by her talent but also by the controversies surrounding her past relationships. The narratives surrounding her life serve to enrich discussions about personal branding and resilience.
While some may perceive her story as tinged with drama, those devoted to Valeriya through the years recognize the indomitable spirit and passion she carries forth on and off the stage. Regardless of differing perspectives on her early life, it is undeniable she fought to establish herself as one of Russia's beloved artists, claiming her space within the pantheon of pop music.