 Edita Piekha was born in Noyelles-sous-Lens, France, in 1937, into a Polish family. Her father was Stanislav Piecha, a mining worker, her mother was Felicja Korolewska. From 1945 to 1955 Edita Piekha lived in Poland with her mother and stepfather. There she studied music, sang with a choir, and excelled in Russian at her school, graduating at the top of her class.
In 1955 Edita Piekha moved to Leningrad to study psychology on a state scholarship. From 1955 to 1957 she attended the St. Petersburg University. There she met composer and pianist Aleksandr Bronevitsky. Together they formed the first popular band in Russia, named "Druzhba", and gave their first TV performance on the New Year`s eve, on December 31, 1955, with the Polish song "Autobus czerwony" which became a popular hit in the USSR.
At the same time, Edita Piekha transferred from the Leningrad University to Leningrad Conservatory, and studied singing and composition. In 1957, ensemble "Druzhba" and Edita Piekha won Gold Medal and the First Prize at the 6th World Festival of Youth and Students in Moscow. There Edita Piekha made history with her performances of the popular hit "Moscow Nights" which she was able to sing in several languages to international audiences from 130 nations.
Edita Piekha was especially popular among international audiences because of her ability to sing and speak in many languages, such as French, German, Polish and Russian, among others. After the 6th World Festival of Youth and Students, ensemble "Druzhba" and Edita Piekha released several sold-out records of their songs, eventually becoming one of the most popular bands of the former Soviet Union. In 1972, Piekha and ensemble "Druzhba" entertained international audiences at the XX summer Olympics in Munich. In 1976 Edita Piekha formed her own band, and remained one of the popular female singers in the USSR. She also continued performing internationally and toured over 20 countries. Over the years, Piekha made more than 30 concert tours in East Germany alone. Among the highlights of her career were her appearances at Carnegie Hall, New York and at the Paris Olympia.
During the 2000s, Edita Piekha gave several performances on the Russian television. She also has been giving her annual birthday performances in St. Petersburg, a popular tradition she has been maintaining for many years.
Edita Piekha has been residing in St. Petersburg, Russia, since 1955. Her daughter, Ilona Bronevitskaya, has been a popular singer and actress in Russia. Her grandson, actor and singer Stas Piekha, emerged as one of the winners of the Star Factory show in 2005.
On her 70th birthday, Edita Piekha received the "Anniversary greeting" from the President of Russia, and was decorated with the "Order of Merits" for her lifelong contribution to music and international cultural relations of Russia.
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