Gilbert Becaud

Gilbert Bécaud was a French singer, composer, pianist and actor, known for his energetic performances and his popular songs. He was born on October 24, 1927 in Toulon, France, as François Gilbert Léopold Silly. His father abandoned the family when he was young, and he was raised by his stepfather Louis Bécaud, whose surname he later adopted. He developed an interest in music at an early age and learned to play the piano. He attended the Conservatoire de Nice and later joined the French Resistance during World War II. He began his musical career in 1948, after meeting Maurice Vidalin, who inspired him to write his first songs. He also collaborated with Marie Bizet and formed a successful trio. He started singing in 1953, at the suggestion of Édith Piaf, whom he met while touring with Jacques Pills as a pianist. His first hits were "Mes Mains" and "Les Croix". He made his debut at the Olympia in Paris in 1954 and became a regular performer there, attracting large crowds with his dynamic style. He earned the nickname "Monsieur 100,000 Volts" for his electrifying presence on stage. He also began acting in films such as "Le Pays d'où Je Viens" (1956) and "Casino de Paris" (1957). Some of his most famous songs include "La Corrida" (1956), "Le Jour où la Pluie Viendra" (1957), "Et Maintenant" (1961), "Nathalie" (1964), "L'Important c'est la Rose" (1967) and "L'Indifférence" (1978). Many of his songs were translated into English and other languages and became international hits. For example, "Et Maintenant" became "What Now My Love", recorded by artists such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand. "Je t'appartiens" became "Let It Be Me", recorded by the Everly Brothers, Bob Dylan and Nina Simone. "Seul sur son étoile" became "It Must Be Him", recorded by Vikki Carr and Shirley Bassey. Bécaud composed over 450 songs and sold millions of records over the years. He also composed musicals and operettas such as "L'Opéra d'Aran" (1962), "Monsieur Carnaval" (1965) and "Roza" (1987). He received many awards and honors for his work, such as the Grand Prix du Disque, the Prix de l'Académie Charles Cros, the Ordre national du Mérite and the Légion d'honneur. He was also a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. He was married twice: first to Monique Nicolas from 1952 to 1976, with whom he had three children: Gaya, Philippe and Anne; then to Kitty Saint-John from 1973 to 2001, with whom he had two children: Jennifer and Emily. He died of lung cancer on December 18, 2001 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. He was buried at the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.