Песняры

Soviet (and then Belarusian) vocal-instrumental ensemble. Founded in September 1th, 1969. Previously it was a variety revue [a=Лявониха] with inner ensemble [a=Лявоны]. But in 1970 they changed name on "Песняры" for participation in IV All-Union competition of variety artists and took second place (first didn't exist).
At the beginning consisted of:
[a=Владимир Мулявин] - art-director, leader, vocal.
Александр Демешко - drums, vocal
Владислав Мисевич - flute, saxophone, vocal
Валерий Яшкин - bayan, keyboards
Леонид Тышко - bass-guitar, bass-vocal
Валерий Мулявин - guitar, vocal
Валентин Бадьяров - violin
Валерий Гурдезьяни - trombone
[a=Леонид Борткевич] - trumpet, vocal

In 1998 splitted to [a=Песняры (2)] and [a=Белорусские Песняры]. After the death of Vladimir Mulyavin in 2003 new band [a=Белорусский Государственный Ансамбль Песняры] was formed - and many subsequent bands by former members.

Actually there are a lot of related/disputed bands using name of the band and their songs (in chronological order):
[a=Лявоны] (1968-1969) (until name change)
[a=Песняры] (1969-1998) (original band)
[a=Песняры (2)] (1998-2003)
[a=Белорусские Песняры] (1998-present)
[a=Белорусский Государственный Ансамбль Песняры] (2003-present)
[a=Песняры под управлением Леонида Борткевича] (2003-present)
[a=Песняры И. Свечкина] (aka VIAPESNIRI) (2004-present)
Лявоны-Песняры (2005-2007)
[a=Лявоны (2)] (2008-2012)

Related sub-projects:
Молодёжная студия ансамбля "Песняры" (1986-1987)
Студия "Лявоны" при БГА "Песняры" (1996-1998)