Mikhail Tanich was born on September 15, 1923 in Taganrog. He finished school on June 22, 1941, right when the war broke out. Further on he experienced war, service at the frontline, hospital, awards, Berlin, and linkage on the Elbe. 
Afterwards Mikhail Tanich, then a student of the Architecture Faculty, was arrested for anti-Soviet propaganda and sentenced to six years in a labor camp. The beginning poet had to serve time till the death of Joseph Stalin and then he was released with restriction from dwelling in 39 cities of the USSR.

Back in 1940, Mikhail Tanich met his future wife and muse Lida in Volzhsk. She inspired and supported his poetry, which later on started to be published in Moscow editions. His book The Return came out and songs became more and more known. The first collection of poetry by Mikhail Tanich was published in 1959.

In the 1960s the song Textile Town gained him success and popularity. It was followed by many more songs, books, and verses... Lots of his songs became famous and were performed by various singers, thus becoming some kind of folk songs.

In 1992 Mikhail Tanich founded the band Lesopoval (i.e. Tree Felling) and while it existed wrote lyrics to over 100 songs. He collaborated with nearly all well-known Soviet composers, leading variety performers and stage and film actors.