Iosif Kobzon (1937-2018) was a Soviet and Russian variety singer, political and public figure, a music educator, a People's Artist of the USSR (1987), a Cavalier of the Order For Merit to the Fatherland, a Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation (2016); he was awarded The Orders of Courage and Friendship of Peoples.
Iosif Kobzon was born on September 11, 1937, in the city of Chasov Yar, Donetsk Region. Since childhood, he practiced singing in school amateur art activities, was the winner of school regional and republican skill competitions. In 1952, he entered the Dnepropetrovsk Mining Technical School. In 1956, he was called into the Soviet Army.
After demobilization, he entered the Vocal Department of the Gnesins State Music and Pedagogical Institute. He combined his studies at the Institute with work as a vocalist in the circus. In 1962, his first record came out with songs by Arkady Ostrovsky and Alexandra Pakhmutova, performed by Iosif Kobzon. Since 1964, he regularly participated in song competitions, became a laureate of the Sopot and Golden Orpheus international festivals, and won the All-Union competition of performers of Soviet song.
The artist repeatedly traveled with concerts to Komsomol construction sites and to farm workers; he performed in Afghanistan and was one of the first to give a concert in Chernobyl.
Since 1984, he worked as an art director of the vocal and variety department of the Gnessins State Pedagogical Institute of Music and taught variety vocal there (a Professor since 1993).
Kobzon's political career began in May of 1989, when he was elected People's Deputy of the USSR. From 1997 to 2018, Iosif Kobzon was elected a Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. In 2003, he was elected the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Culture, and since January 2012, he was the First Deputy Chairman.
The repertoire of the singer numbered more than 1,500 songs, among which were compositions of quite different genres that formed a song chronicle of the century. High skill, sincere emotion, uniqueness, virtuoso command of the vocal palette, and peculiar magnetism of Iosif Kobzon's performing style will forever remain in the hearts of numerous adorers.
The postage stamp provides a portrait of Iosif Kobzon and the Order For Merit to the Fatherland.
In addition to the issue of the postage stamp, JSC Marka produced First Day Covers and special cancels for Moscow and St. Petersburg; and a maxi-card.
Design Artist: R. Komsa.
Face value: 40 rubles.
Stamp size: 42×30 mm, sheet size: 142×174 mm.
Emission form: a sheet with (3×5) 14 stamps and a coupon.
Quantity: 140 thousand stamps (10 thousand sheets).
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