Why these choices of artists and what makes this list unique? The list regroups some of the best, current and who passed away, with eight males and two females artists. It is in no particular order, and we left the numbers out as it is hard to say which one is the best, enjoy.
Serge Gainsbourg
France's most enduring cultural icon of the twentieth century, Serge Gainsbourg (1928 - 1991) was a French singer, songwriter, pianist, film composer, screenwriter, writer, actor and director from the 1960s and the 1970s. He made his recording debut in 1958 with the album Du Chant à la Une and his popular hit, "La Poinconneur Des Lilas." By becoming the Gainsbarre in the 1980s, this master of the subtle and sulphureous rhyme inspires the young generation beyond his disappearance.
Édith Piaf
Édith Piaf (1915-1963) was a French singer-songwriter, cabaret performer and film actress. Édith Piaf, whose interpretation of the "chanson," or French ballad, made her internationally famous. Her popular songs include, "Non Je Ne Regrette Rien", "La Vie en Rose", "Milord" and "Padam, Padam."
Johnny Hallyday
Johnny Hallyday (1943-2017) was a French rock and roll and pop singer, credited for having brought rock and roll to France. The French called him "Our Johnny," music critics called him "the French Elvis" and to anyone else, he was the biggest rock star they'd never heard of. Johnny Hallyday, the popular French icon had 32 number one albums, over 100 million records sold, 9.5 million TV viewers for his 2000 concert at the Eiffel Tower, with 34 movie appearances and four wives. We will never forget this legend that marked the French music and culture.
Françoise Hardy
Françoise Hardy (1944 - Present) is a French singer-songwriter, who was the face of 1960's French pop. She is one of only few female vocalists who could or would write and perform her own material. Known for her romantically nostalgic songs and melancholy lyrics, Hardy's first single, "Tous les Garçons et les Filles," sold over two million copies and made her a European star overnight. What helped established her as a legend is her French tunes, such as, pop, jazz and blues. In the '70s, she reinvented herself as an artist transcending teen-friendly pop interpreting songs by everyone from Leonard Cohen to Patrick Modiano and has remained a grande dame of French popular song ever since.
Georges Brassens
Georges Brassens (1921-1981) was a French singer and songwriter. One of the most-celebrated French chansonniers (cabaret singers) of the 20th century, Brassens held a unique place in the affection of the French public and, in a career of nearly 30 years, sold more than 20 million records.
Alain Souchon
Alain Souchon (1944-present) is a French singer and songwriter. It was in 1974 that his career took off again with a decisive encounter, that of Laurent Voulzy (more about him in part 2). Together, they collaborate on Alain Souchon's first album called J'ai Dix Ans. In 1979, Alain Souchon gave his first concert at the l'Olympia in France. Then in 1993, Alain Souchon made a huge success with the album C’est déjà ça, carried by the hit "Foule Sentimentale."
Charles Aznavour
Charles Aznavour (1924-2018) was a French-Armenian singer, lyricist, actor and diplomat. He was known for his distinctive tenor voice, that was clear and ringing in its upper reaches, with gravelly and profound low notes. What Charles Aznavour accomplished over his career was incredible, he wrote more than 1,000 songs that was for himself and for others and even sang them in French, Armenian, English, German, Italian, Spanish and Yiddish. He sold about 200 million records and appeared in more than 60 films. His most popular songs includes, "Yesterday, When I was Young," What Makes a Man" and "La Bohème."
Michel Sardou
Michel Sardou (1947-present) is a French singer and songwriter. In 1970, he released his album J'habite en France carried by the hit "Les Bals Populaires" who made to the top of the charts. This album received the prize of L'Académie Charles-Cros and launched the career of Michel Sardou. Engaged singer, he will, however, go through a rough period in the middle of the '70s. That doesn't destabilize him, where in the '80s, he will see success in his hits, "Etre une Femme" and "Les Lacs du Connemara." He will also win the Victoire de la musique of the best male performer of 1991. Michel Sardou also wins the Victoire de la musique for the most spectators in 1999.
Claude François
Claude François (1939-1978), famous nickname Cloclo, was a French pop singer, composer, songwriter, music production, drummer and dancer. In 1962, he had his first success with the tube, "Belles! Belles! Belles!"
In 1963, he received two gold discs and the following year; he has beaten all records and stars at l'Olympia. He continues to grow as an artist and in 1966 with the "Claudettes," his appointed dancers and reinforced his popularity. He even began an international career in 1976, by translating and performed his greatest hits in English.
Jean-Jacques Goldman
Jean-Jacques Goldman (1951-present) is a French singer-songwriter and music record producer. He first started to play in the Red Mountain Gospellers group, then with The Phalanster and finally with the Taï Phong. However, it is his solo career that made him one of the most popular artists of his generation, with song titles, that includes, "Quand La Musique est Bonne" (1982) and "Je Te Donne" (1985). In the year 1990, he put his solo career on a hold to create the trio with the Franco-Welsh Michael Jones and the American Carole Fredericks. To sum up his great successes, he performed with renowned artists, such as, Johnny Hallyday and Céline Dion.
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