Hugues Jean Marie Auffray, a renowned French singer-songwriter and accomplished guitarist, first drew breath on August 18, 1929, in the charming French commune of Neuilly-sur-Seine.
Noted French singer-songwriter, Michel Aufray, rose to prominence for his remarkable French language interpretations of iconic Bob Dylan songs, a discovery that was sparked during his time spent in the vibrant city of New York and through his frequent visits to local record shops.
Aufray's masterful translations not only accurately conveyed the emotional essence of the original songs, but also breathed new life into them, imbuing them with a distinctly French flair.
Throughout his illustrious career, Aufray has penned an impressive array of original compositions, with some of his most beloved and enduring works including the hauntingly beautiful "Santiano", the poignant "Céline", the nostalgic "Stewball", and the memorable "Hasta Luego".
Born to Henry Auffray, an industrialist, and Amyelle de Caubios d'Andiran, a musician and second cousin of French author François Mauriac, Aufray's family boasted a rich cultural heritage.
His sister, Pascale Audret, was an accomplished actress, and his niece, Julie Dreyfus, followed in her footsteps, also becoming an actress.
Following his parents' divorce, Aufray's family relocated to Sorèze, where he was raised by his mother, who played a significant role in his upbringing.
During World War II, he attended Sorèze secondary school, where he received a solid education.
In 1945, Aufray joined his father in Madrid, living there for three years and attending the Lycée Français de Madrid, a prestigious school that provided him with a strong foundation in education.
He later returned to France, where he began singing in Spanish, an early indication of his passion for music.
The remarkable journey of Georges Aufray, a talented songwriter and musician who initially made a name for himself by crafting songs for prominent French singers. His big break came after finishing in second place at a singing competition, which ultimately led to a record deal with the esteemed Eddie Barclay in 1959. This marked the beginning of a prolific period for Aufray, during which he co-wrote and arranged numerous songs, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of genres including folk, blues, and rock music.
As his career continued to flourish, Aufray had the privilege of supporting the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary on tour in New York City in 1962. It was during this time that he formed a lasting and enduring friendship with the iconic Bob Dylan, who would later pay him a visit in Paris in 1964. Aufray's impressive skills as a translator led him to adapt many of Dylan's songs into French, a feat that not only showcased his linguistic prowess but also demonstrated his deep respect for Dylan's artistry.
The culmination of Aufray's creative partnership with Dylan was the release of his 1965 album Aufray chante Dylan, a masterpiece that significantly impacted the musical tastes of France's new generation. This album not only cemented Aufray's status as a pioneering musician but also served as a testament to the power of artistic collaboration and cross-cultural exchange.
The illustrious career of Jacques Aufray, a renowned Luxembourgish singer-songwriter, was marked by several significant milestones. In 1964, Aufray had the distinction of representing his country in the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest, where he took to the stage to perform the captivating "Dès que le printemps revient". Although he ultimately finished in fourth place, this notable achievement served as a precursor to his future endeavors.
Fast-forward to 1966, Aufray was deeply moved by the plight of Martin Luther King and his fight against racism. In a powerful display of solidarity, Aufray performed the poignant "Les Crayons de Couleur" at an anti-racism benefit, lending his voice to the cause and demonstrating his commitment to social justice.
Years later, Aufray had the extraordinary opportunity to share the stage with none other than the legendary Bob Dylan. In 1984, the two musical icons came together for a memorable concert in Grenoble, France, with Aufray joining Dylan on stage in Paris. This unforgettable experience not only showcased the incredible talent of these two musical legends but also served as a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together.
