Ivan Rebroff was born Harry Rebroff in Berlin in 1931. He trained as a classical baritone, but found his calling in Cossack folk music after hearing a recording in 1965. He learned Russian and developed a deep, resonant vocal style that mimicked traditional Cossack choirs.
His rendition of "Hava Nagila" became particularly well-known, though he also performed songs like "Kalinka Moia." He recorded over 50 albums that mixed Cossack material with opera and ballads, often working with his own choir.
Rebroff's portrayal of Cossack culture sometimes drew criticism for being romanticized. He kept performing until his death in 2008.
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