A Russian singer who became a viral Internet sensation in 2010 has died aged 77.
Eduard Khil, a Brezhnev-era Russian singer dubbed "Mr. Trololo" after a video featuring his unique brand of baritone yodeling, suffered a stroke more than a week ago.
Khil (also spelled as Hill) was living in relative obscurity until he was catapulted into stardom once again when a clip of his 1976 song "I Am Very Happy Because I Am Finally Coming Home" went viral in the United States.
He was inundated with interview requests and calls for him to go back on tour.
He spoke to RFE/RL's Claire Bigg in 2010 and even sang to her down the phone. (Read the interview here.)
Khil was awarded the prestigious title of People's Artist of Russia in 1974 and was honored with the Russian Order for Services to the Homeland in 2009.
The Associated Press quotes a press officer at the city's culture department, Ksenia Kachalova, as saying Khil died in a St. Petersburg hospital on the night of June 3.
President Vladimir Putin has sent his condolences to Khil's family.
Mr. Trololo is trending on Twitter worldwide. Here's a quick sampling of tweets:
Eduard Khil, a Brezhnev-era Russian singer dubbed "Mr. Trololo" after a video featuring his unique brand of baritone yodeling, suffered a stroke more than a week ago.
Khil (also spelled as Hill) was living in relative obscurity until he was catapulted into stardom once again when a clip of his 1976 song "I Am Very Happy Because I Am Finally Coming Home" went viral in the United States.
He was inundated with interview requests and calls for him to go back on tour.
He spoke to RFE/RL's Claire Bigg in 2010 and even sang to her down the phone. (Read the interview here.)
Khil was awarded the prestigious title of People's Artist of Russia in 1974 and was honored with the Russian Order for Services to the Homeland in 2009.
The Associated Press quotes a press officer at the city's culture department, Ksenia Kachalova, as saying Khil died in a St. Petersburg hospital on the night of June 3.
President Vladimir Putin has sent his condolences to Khil's family.
Mr. Trololo is trending on Twitter worldwide. Here's a quick sampling of tweets:
RIP Eduard Khil A.K.A. Mr. Trololo guy... He has died of a stroke. He gave us millions of laughs..
— Chocolate Iron Man(@iiBreakNecks) June 4, 2012
RIP Eduard Khil a.k.a Mr. Trololo you certainly trolled me when my english teacher would play you while taking tests LOL! #highschoolmemory
— avs(: (@avsdreamsbig) June 4, 2012
NOOOOOOOO YOU CANT HAVE DIED RIP MR TROLOLO GUY :(
— Dan Hall (@rtardDAN) June 4, 2012
RIP Eduard Khil, also known as Mr. Trololo. Your music video will remain as one of the best meme ever.
— Paha Ikan™ (@paha_ikan) June 4, 2012
