88th Birthday of Oleksandr Vrataryov: The Songwriter Behind Hits for Rotaru and Yaremchuk

Oleksandr Vrataryov’s Milestone Anniversary

According to Главком: June 29 marks a major milestone for Ukrainian poet, lyricist, and playwright Oleksandr Vrataryov, who celebrates his birthday. Born on June 29, 1936, he has left a lasting imprint on Ukrainian culture through decades of creative work. His songs have been performed by legendary artists, including:

• Sofiya Rotaru
• Dmytro Hnatyuk
• Nazariy Yaremchuk
• Yuriy Bohatykov
• Anna German
• Lyudmyla Gurchenko
• Ivo Bobul

Among his most famous works is the hit 'Shlyopky,' written for Olya Polyakova.

Career Path and Lasting Impact

Vrataryov started his professional life as a locksmith before studying at the Kyiv Civil Engineering Institute. A pivotal encounter with composer Ihor Shamo led him to switch to writing in Ukrainian, marking a key turning point in his artistic journey. He has a daughter, Iryna Ester Vrataryova.

Over the years, he collaborated with many renowned composers, such as:

• Ihor Poklad
• Myroslav Skoryk
• Oleksandr Bilash
• Volodymyr Bystryakov
• Oleksandr Zlotnyk

He wrote lyrics for numerous beloved songs, including:

• 'Klych Mene'
• 'Ide Divchysko'
• 'Try Trembity'
• 'Hoyedalka'
• 'Kokhaty Chas'
• 'Vse Zoloto Svitu'
• 'Lady Hamilton'

Vrataryov also created Ukrainian adaptations of operettas by Imre Kálmán and wrote songs for cartoon characters Petryk Pyatochkin and Kapitoshka.

People’s Artist of Ukraine Alla Kudlay noted that 'Oleksandr Vrataryov’s works are memorable because of their strong poetry, vivid imagery, and unique energy.'

This anniversary is a significant moment for Ukrainian culture, as Vrataryov’s contributions to music and poetry remain influential even decades later. His body of work showcases the richness of the Ukrainian language and its emotional power, helping his songs resonate with diverse audiences. Given his profound impact on modern Ukrainian pop music, his legacy is sure to endure in the hearts of music and poetry lovers alike.