The Irresistible Earl

Regina Ilyinichna Spektor (Russian: Регинa Ильинична Спектор, pronounced [rʲɪˈɡʲinə ˈspʲɛktər]; born February 18, 1980) is a Soviet-born American singer, songwriter, and pianist. After self-releasing her first three records and gaining popularity in New York City's independent music scenes, particularly the anti-folk scene centered on the East Village, Spektor signed with Sire Records in 2004, resulting in greater mainstream recognition. After giving her third album, Soviet Kitsch, a major label re-release, Sire released Spektor's fourth album, Begin to Hope, which achieved a Gold certification by the RIAA. Her following two albums, Far and What We Saw from the Cheap Seats, each debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200. Mayor Bill de Blasio proclaimed June 11, 2019, Regina Spektor Day in New York City. Spektor was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame on May 18, 2019, by Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr.