Mikhail Gorbachev releases debut album

He may not have reached Susan Boyle-levels of popularity (though perhaps that’s a good thing), but former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev now has a debut album–and he’s even sold a copy:

Somewhere in Britain, a mystery philanthropist is listening to a one-of-a-kind CD recorded by Mikhail Gorbachev. At least, we certainly hope they are listening to it – the album cost about £100,000.

An “anonymous British philanthropist” bought what we suppose is Mikhail Gorbachev’s “debut album”, Songs for Raisa, in London this week, bidding $164,940 (about £100,000) at an auction to benefit the Raisa Gorbachev Foundation. Nearly 350 luminaries were present at the private event[…]

Gorbachev was there too, and he brought his singing voice. The former Soviet leader warbled a song called Old Letters. “The performance … was greeted with delight and a storm of applause,” said Pavel Palazhchenko, chairman of the Foundation’s press service.

Attendees at the gathering included many famous Brits, ranging from J.K. Rowling to Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s wife, Sarah. Also present was Russian billionaire Alexander Lebedev, who is joining Gorbachev in founding a new Russian political party (the pair already own 49% of the Novaya Gazeta). While that process is still being completed, you can judge Gorbachev for yourself by listening to one of his songs here. 

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