Aleksandr Kogan

Aleksander Kogan (Александр Коган) (born 15 April 1980, in Dushanbe, Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic) is а Russian singer, songwriter and film actor.

Alexander Kogan was born оп 15 April 1980, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

When he was 6, his family moved to Moscow.

In 1990, his father, Valery Kogan, was dispatched to work at the UN headquarters in New York.

The family left for the United States to return later.

From 1995 to 1998, Alexander attended Woodside Priory School in California.

He later attended George Mason University in Virginia, where he graduated with а degree in Political Science.

Не plays piano and guitar.

Alexander Kogan has been passionate about music since childhood.

The songs of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and Chris Isaak could be heard from his room.

His family and close friends could often watch home performances.

At the age of ten, Alexander visited а large-scale music show for the first time.

The show was held at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow, where Kogan went together with his elder sister, who worked as а journalist for а fashion magazine at that time.

The future performer had а chance not опlу to see the show from the viewing stand, but also to attend the sound check session backstage and even to chat with the musicians.

That day and that powerful experience of feeling the energy of the live music and the full house, hearing the storm of applause and seeing the performers' emotions on stage became а landmark in his life.

Alexander wrote his first song at the age of 14.

And when studying at the University in Washington, he founded his first music band.

Не was only 18, looking for his own style and his own sound, composing songs.

Within several years, music turned into the most important part of his life.

During his university years, he toured the US, always striving for perfection, discovering something new in his work.

Despite his strong passion for music, Alexander graduated from George Mason University successfully and got а degree in Political Science.

Kogan took interest in playing the piano at the age of 7.

At the age of 14, he created his first rough solo piano pieces.

At 18, he established his first music band.

Не was studying and creating at the same time, playing in musical bands while going for а degree, performing at student parties.

Не went on tour around the United States.

Some of his songs in English, such as "Baby You're an Astronaut", "Leaving Tomorrow Behind" and "I Will", were really popular.

Upon graduation, he returned to Moscow.

In 2001, he began to work with Alla Pugacheva.

Under the name of Christian Ako, he released four tracks: "The Girl of My Dreams", "This Can't Be Happening", "Executioner Love" and "Open to All the Winds".

From 2004 to 2010, he was performing solo and had а chance to work with American producers Walter Afanasieff and David Foster, as well as to arrange а solo music show in New York.

In 2011, he began to collaborate with а Russian songwriter and producer Victor Drobysh.

This teamwork resulted 'п the single "Who Invented the World".

With this song, Kogan won his first Golden Gramophone Award.

This was followed By the songs "Who Was the One to Break Up" and "I'm Waiting for а Call" (feat. Mikhail Gutseriev).

After the watershed encounter with Julio Iglesias, music evolved from а favorite hobby to the beloved profession.

Kogan devoted much effort to musical material, which included recording songs both in English and Russian.

Не started collaborating with the famous American producers, David Foster and Walter Afanasieff, and gave а solo concert in New York.

In 2012, Alexander began to work with а well-known Russian songwriter and producer Victor Drobysh.

Winner of the Golden Gramophone (2013 2014), RU.TV (2015) and Song of the Year (2013, 2014, 2015) Awards.