Anatoly Novikov (1896–1984) was a Soviet composer, a choral conductor and a political activist. He wrote more than 600 songs, as well as film music and stage works. Some of his widely popular songs are Vasya-vasilyok (1941), Smuglyanka (1943), Rossiya (1946), Dorogi/ Roads (1946), The Hymn of Democratic Youth of the World (1947). Novikov was awarded two Stalin Prizes, and the Order of Lenin. He was bestowed the titles of People’s Artist of the USSR, and Hero of Socialist Labour.