Putin channels Fats Domino at party

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Vladimir Putin showed a whimsical side this weekend, taking a stage to play a piano and sing Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill" in English.

The Russian premier wowed a celebrity crowd including Sharon Stone, Kevin Costner and Goldie Hawn at a children's charity dinner in St. Petersburg, ABC News reported.

Putin initially took a seat at the piano, carefully playing the opening notes before heading over to the microphone. His spokesman said Putin learned the lyrics in his English class and takes music lessons when he can.

Putin has been showing a softer side lately. Last week he invited the 5-year-old winner of a nationwide competition to name his new Bulgarian Shepherd puppy to his official residence to meet the dog. Buffy was a present from Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borissov.

The folksy photo ops are a contrast to images of Putin swimming in Siberian rivers or stalking a tiger with a tranquilizer gun.