My absolute favorite singer and song, “Ya Tebya Otvoyuyu” (“I Shall Win You Over”) by the great Irina Aleksandrovna Allegrova.  

Upon its creation, she sang in a powerful state of emotion in association with her dearest father and cried upon its completion in a single take. 

That power is mesmerizing and eternally unforgettable. My greatest artistic teacher.  

The song was crafted by the great composer Igor Krutoy, with poetry originally written by the incomparable Marina Tsvetaeva.  

Here is a clip of a famous performance. I am glad to say I likewise saw her perform it live in San Francisco, from the first row, while I was still in high school.