Gilbert Bécaud

Gilbert Bécaud was born on October 24, 1927, in Toulon, France. Showing prodigious musical aptitude from early childhood, he trained in classical piano at the Conservatoire de Nice. During the Second World War, he joined the French Resistance, afterwards working as a cabaret pianist in post-war Paris and composing songs for legendary chanteuse Édith Piaf.

Making his solo singing debut in 1953, Bécaud's frenetic performances, polka-dot ties, and thunderous piano-playing ignited riots of youthful excitement at the Paris Olympia, prompting critics to christen him 'Monsieur 100,000 Volts'. He went on to headline the Olympia a record thirty-three times throughout his illustrious five-decade career. His 1961 masterwork 'Et Maintenant' became one of the biggest hits in French recording history and, adapted into English as 'What Now My Love', was covered by global giants including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Judy Garland.

Similarly, his 1955 composition 'Je t'appartiens' became the world-renowned standard 'Let It Be Me', famously recorded by The Everly Brothers, Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, and Willie Nelson. His 1964 ballad 'Nathalie' served as a historic cultural bridge between France and Russia during the Cold War. Decorated as a Commander of the Legion of Honour, Bécaud passed away in Paris on December 18, 2001, leaving an unforgettable catalog of melodies cherished across the globe.