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Iconic Russian actor, lyricist, and folksinger whose social and political satire spoke of the ironies and hardships of a strictly regulated Soviet society. While risking official displeasure, he became an immensely popular figure who was revered by the Russian people even after his death. He still remains the greatest and most influential Russian singer/poet of all-time.

"He embodied all that is Russian. He was Russia," said Vasily Ovchinnikov, a 43-year-old market seller clutching his guitar at the cemetery after a rendition of one of Visotksy's songs.

"He saw life as it really was. What he sang and wrote about still has meaning for us now," said Kortashev, a poet, after reciting some of Visotsky's verse near his hero's grave.

"His songs help me live. He purifies me of all bad things in life and makes me stronger." - Elena

"The Russian Shakespeare. His work will be with us for all time." - Mark (myspace.com/checkmate31)

"Till this day, Russia hasn't given birth to a musician with such talent and charisma. Long live his poetry and genius, in our hearts and in our thoughts." - Alex (myspace.com/osuicide)

"I'm not Russian, and can't even understand the language. Yet, Mr. Visotsky's music has such a raw, irresistible power that cannot help but affect me. He transcends national borders and even language." - Samuel Cardwell, Melbourne, Australia (myspace.com/erasmusxavierruddlestone)

"Vladimir Vysotsky has influenced me more than all Russian classical and contemporary literature taken together. He will always be in our hearts..." - Natalie (myspace.com/balticlady)

"His fire & passion is like an eternal flame which will forever warm the very essence of my soul." - Mark (myspace.com/checkmate31)

"Idols come and go. But ever since I heard his songs for the first time in my early childhood, he has remained with me through every life change, every triumph and every disappointment. It’s like I’ve known him personally for years. When I hear his voice, I know everything will be OK and hope is still alive. His songs and his voice, like hope, are timeless." - Mila (myspace.com/milasings)

Спасибо Владимиру Семеновичу, что он был и есть, за силу и любовь, которой он нас всех наделил. За то, что дает веру в себя, за желание жить. За то, что учит думать и быть самой собой, сопереживать чужой беде, не мириться с серостью и гадостью. Все в этой стране пронизано его стихами, его любовью и болью. Высоцкий = Россия. Я родилась в эпоху его Гения. Она и сейчас продолжается. - Aheshi (myspace.com/aheshimusic)