Nikolay Mikhaylovich Rubtsov was born in a village in the Arkhangelsk Region. He worked as a fireman at a fishing vessel first and then at Kirov Plant in Leningrad.

Rubtsov’s creativity to a certain extent continues the traditions of Aleksey Koltsov and Sergei Yesenin. Rubtsov wrote all his best works within less than ten years. During his lifetime the poet had four collections of his poems published, whereas the fifth one was published posthumously.

As a result of a family quarrel the poet was strangled by his girlfriend on January 19, 1971. He was buried at Poshekhonsky Cemetery in Vologda.

The song "Bouquet" performed by pop singer Alexander Barykin is still popular. This song, as well as many other smash hits, is based on Nikolay Rubtsov’s verses.