Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Gorbachev Ballads Album Fetches $160K at Auction

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2009 2:34 PM CDT

(Newser) – A CD of Mikhail Gorbachev singing traditional Russian ballads has sold for $164,940 at a charity auction in London, the Guardian reports. The sole copy is now in the hands of an “anonymous British philanthropist.” The benefit was held to raise money for a foundation, named after the former Soviet premier’s late wife, committed to fighting childhood cancer.

“The disc includes seven of Raisa’s favorite romantic songs,” Gorbachev said before launching into a rendition of Old Letters, a ballad. “I sang them myself.” On the disc, Gorbachev is accompanied by the leader of one of Russia’s most popular rock groups. A Raisa Gorbachev Foundation official said the former president’s live performance “was greeted with delight and a storm of applause.”

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev speaks on Ekho Moskvy radio in Moscow, Thursday, May 24, 2007. Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev on Thursday criticized Washington's plans to deploy a missile defense system in Eastern Europe, saying it could threaten international security.
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev speaks on Ekho Moskvy radio in Moscow, Thursday, May 24, 2007. Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev on Thursday criticized Washington's plans to deploy a missile...   (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel)
Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev.
Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev.   (Getty Images)
Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev.
Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Timinator2K
Jun 22, 2009 7:41 AM CDT
GORBY STILL THE PARTY ANIMAL!

More Newser Stories

Gorbachev: Russia Is Reverting to Bad Old Days

West 'Wasted 20 Years' After Berlin Wall Fell: Gorbachev

Gorbachev: Russia Needs Real Democracy

Gorbachev Goes Easy on Putin, for Now


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne