Bruno Coquatrix, a renowned French music producer, entered the world on August 5, 1910, in the picturesque town of Ronchin, situated in the Nord region of France. This influential figure would ultimately leave an indelible mark on the music industry, his legacy continuing to reverberate through the years. Throughout his illustrious career, Coquatrix held the esteemed position of owner and manager of the legendary Olympia Hall in Paris, a role he undertook with distinction from 1954 until his passing in 1979.
Noted songwriter and composer, Coquatrix, left an indelible mark on the music world by crafting an impressive repertoire of over three hundred original songs, featuring a diverse range of popular melodies, including the timeless classics "Mon ange" and "Dans un coin de mon pays", both penned in 1940. Additionally, his impressive oeuvre boasted the iconic tunes "Clopin-clopant" (1947) and "Cheveux dans le vent" (1949),as well as several notable operettas.
Beyond his work as a songwriter, Coquatrix also made a significant impact as an impresario, serving as a representative and manager for a range of notable artists, including the renowned Jacques Pills and the talented Lucienne Boyer, among others.
Noted French entrepreneur and entertainment mogul, Bruno Coquatrix, took the helm at the illustrious Olympia Hall, having previously overseen the renowned variety theatre, Bobino.
In 1954, Coquatrix made a significant career move by acquiring ownership of the Olympia Hall, which, at the time, held the distinction of being Europe's largest and most prestigious music hall. During his tenure as proprietor, Coquatrix had the privilege of presenting some of the most iconic and influential musical talents of the era, including the inimitable Georges Brassens, the incomparable Jacques Brel, the legendary Gilbert Bécaud, the enchanting Ewa Demarczyk, the irrepressible Johnny Hallyday, the captivating Violetta Villas, the incomparable Édith Piaf, the effervescent Annie Cordy, the charismatic Charles Aznavour, the sublime Mireille Mathieu, and the inimitable Yves Montand.
Noted French entrepreneur and musician Pierre Coquatrix, in addition to his illustrious career in the music industry, also ventured into the realm of business, co-founding the renowned Disques Versailles record company.
He went on to assume a leadership role as the director of the esteemed casino in the picturesque town of Cabourg, situated in the Calvados region, during the 1950s. Later on, Coquatrix's civic-minded endeavors led him to become the mayor of Cabourg, a position he held from 1971 until his passing in 1979.
During his tenure as mayor, Coquatrix concentrated on fostering a thriving tourism industry and developing the local real estate market. He was also instrumental in establishing Cabourg's sister cities, a total of over 11, which further solidified the town's reputation as a hub of international cooperation and cultural exchange.
Paulette Coquatrix, his spouse, shared a lifelong bond with him, and it was only fitting that he stood as best man at the nuptials of two esteemed gentlemen, Henri Betti and André Hornez, both of whom were renowned authors of the beloved tune "C'est si bon".
Notable acknowledgments have been bestowed upon Bruno Coquatrix in appreciation of his profound impact on the music world and his dedication to the city of Cabourg. A prominent tribute is the naming of a street in his honor, Rue Bruno Coquatrix, in the capital city of Paris. Furthermore, a commemorative monument, known as the "Bruno Coquatrix Stèle", stands proudly in the central square of Cabourg, designated as Place Bruno Coquatrix, serving as a lasting testament to his enduring legacy.
