1978 – EURODISCO – Gilla – Ra-Ra-Rasputin (Kavalier der Königin) - Deutsche Originalaufnahme

“Rasputin“ is a Eurodisco song that gained worldwide fame due to the legendary Boney M single, released in August, 1978 by the band’s creator Frank Farian. The same song with the same arrangement was performed in German language by Gilla, aspiring Austrian-born singer, who got signed by Farian to the German music concern Hansa Records in 1974, a year earlier vs. Boney M. In an effort to give Gilla momentum, who had just a few minor hits as opposed to Boney M, Farian decided to have her record a German cover of “Rasputin“ English version that quickly turned into a worldwide megahit just over the course of two months. Classic Boney M’s version was released on August 28, 1978, and Gilla released her “Rasputin (Deutsche Originalaufnahme)” in November 1978. Being largely forgotten in Europe, Gilla has in recent years performed regularly in Russia where her records are enjoying considerable popularity – “Johnny”, cover of Toto Cutugno’s song was especially popular in the USSR in early 1980s.