Today marks 32 years since the death of Vladimir Vysotsy, a legendary Russian pop singer, song-writer, poet and actor.

Reports on his decease were not almost available in the press. But a huge crowd had gathered at the Taganka Theatre.

Seeing the crowd, the artist's second and last wife, Maria Vlady, said: "I have seen how princes and kings are buried, but nothing of this kind was ever known to me..."

Vladimir Vysotsky was born on January 25, 1938. He became widely known for his unique singing style and for his lyrics, which featured social and political commentary in often humorous street jargon. He was also a prominent stage and screen actor. Though his work was largely not accepted by the official Soviet cultural circles, he achieved remarkable fame during his lifetime, and to this day exerts significant influence on many of Russia's popular musicians and actors who wish to emulate his iconic status.