Charles Aznavour, the beloved French chanson entertainer, was born Shahnour Vaghinag Aznavourian on May 22, 1924, in Paris, France. His parents, Armenian immigrants, fled to France and settled in Paris. His mother was a seamstress and actress, while his father was a baritone who sang in restaurants. Aznavour developed a passion for singing and dancing at a young age, and he began performing on the streets to earn money for singing lessons.
At the age of 9, Aznavour made his theatrical debut in the play "Emil and the Detectives." He continued to work as a movie extra and eventually quit school to tour France and Belgium as a boy singer/dancer with a traveling theatrical troupe. He lived a bohemian lifestyle and developed a reputation as a talented performer.
Aznavour's big break came in 1941 when he met songwriter Pierre Roche, with whom he formed a singing and writing duo called "Roche and Aznavour." They became a popular act in Paris and toured internationally, including Canada. Aznavour's success continued to grow, and he began to compose songs for other established musicians and singers, including Édith Piaf.
Aznavour's mentor, Piaf, encouraged him to perform solo and he made several successful tours, scoring hits with songs like "Sur ma vie," "Parce que," and "Après l'amour." He also gave the song "Je Hais Les Dimanches" to chanteuse Juliette Gréco, which became a huge hit for her.
In the late 1950s, Aznavour began to infiltrate films with more relish, making a strong impression with his comedic roles in "Une gosse 'ensass'" and "Paris Music Hall." He also starred in the drama "Head Against the Wall" and the adaptation of the David Goodis novel "Shoot the Piano Player."
Aznavour's touring took him to sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall and London's Albert Hall, earning him the nickname "Frank Sinatra of France." He continued to act in films, including "Gosse de Paris," "Three Fables of Love," and "Caroline chérie."
Throughout his career, Aznavour received numerous accolades, including an honorary César Award in 1997. He wrote three books, including a memoir and a collection of song lyrics. Aznavour's chart-busting single "She" went platinum in Great Britain, and he received thirty-seven gold albums in all.
Aznavour was married at least three times and had six children. He died on October 1, 2018, in France, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and successful French chanson entertainers of all time.
