Charles Aznavour

A keystone in the modern chanson genre, French cabaret singer and songwriter Charles Aznavour has been entertaining the world since the 1940s. In the early '50s, he often opened for Edith Piaf, and composed several songs for her, thus beginning a solid reputation as both a gifted writer (his songs have been covered memorably by Jack Jones, Matt Monro, and others) and a unique song-stylist. He has a special talent for writing and singing from unusual points of view, creating personal and compassionate character studies that expand the emotional range of the typical pop ballad. Aznavour has also acted in dozens of films, most famously Truffaut's SHOOT THE PIANO PLAYER. Aznavour retired from performing in 2000, but continues to write and record music.

• pop
• european
• french
• italian
• 1960s
• 2000s