Biography
Hamlet Gonashvili (Georgian: حмлет гонашвили, (June 20, 1928 – July 25, 1985), was a Georgian baritone singer, influential teacher and performer of traditional Georgian songs, who was described as "the nightingale of Georgia"
He was born on June 20, 1928 in the Sighnagi region of eastern Georgia and is considered the best performer of songs from the Kartli and Kakheti regions. His special musical talent was discovered during his theater studies, the dean of the school advised him to turn to singing professionally. In 1953 Gonashvili became the leading soloist of the Georgian State Song and Dance Ensemble and in 1969 he joined the State Ensemble "Rustavi".With this ensemble Gonashvili traveled almost all over the world attracting the attention of audiences and experts with his unique voice and his theatrical interpretation of traditional Georgian songs.
He was the recipient of many national honors and awards. He died on July 25, 1985, at the height of his fame, as a result of head injury, after falling from a roof.