Jacques Joseph Victor Higelin, a celebrated French pop singer-songwriter, began to garner widespread recognition and acclaim in the early 1970s, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that would span many decades to come.
October 18, 1940, marked the auspicious arrival of Higelin, a notable individual, whose life was forever intertwined with the influences of his family. As the son of Paul, a railway worker and musician of Alsatian descent, Higelin's early years were steeped in the rich cultural heritage of his father's lineage. Meanwhile, his mother, Renée, of Belgian descent, played a pivotal role in nurturing Higelin and his brother, providing a stable and loving environment that would shape their formative years.
Jean-Louis Higelin's illustrious entertainment career commenced at the tender age of 14, when he made the bold decision to abandon his formal education and embark on a professional journey by working as a stunt double in various films, thus marking the beginning of his life's work in the entertainment industry.
Under the guidance of Henri Crolla, a renowned French-Italian jazz guitarist and film composer, Higelin was fortunate enough to receive expert tutelage on the guitar, laying the foundation for his future success in the world of music.
By the dawn of the 1960s, Jean-Louis Higelin's path was already taking shape, as he found himself enrolled in the esteemed René Simon drama school, a prestigious institution that would provide him with the foundation for his future artistic endeavors.
It was during this period that Higelin's talents were recognized and rewarded, as he was bestowed the François Perier award, a prestigious honor that acknowledged his outstanding performance and dedication to the craft.
However, Higelin's early twenties were marked by a significant departure from the world of drama, as he embarked on a two-year stint in the French military, serving in various countries and gaining valuable life experience.
From 1961, Higelin's military service would take him to diverse locations, where he would hone his skills, test his mettle, and develop a sense of discipline and camaraderie that would serve him well in the years to come.
As his military service came to a close, Higelin would return to the world of art, armed with a newfound appreciation for the human experience and a deeper understanding of himself, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
Upon the conclusion of his initial stint abroad, Michel Higelin returned to his native France, where he rekindled his passion for the film industry, albeit with a newfound emphasis on the art of music. As the decade drew to a close, he had successfully established himself as a vital component of the vibrant artistic underground scene that was flourishing in the City of Light, specifically in the capital city of Paris.
Michel Higelin
Born on August 16, 1949, in Paris, France, Michel Higelin is a multi-talented artist, musician, and filmmaker. His early life was marked by a strong connection to the world of art, as his father, Eugène Higelin, was a renowned French painter. This early exposure to the creative sphere would have a profound impact on Michel's future endeavors.
As a child, Michel was fascinated by the world of cinema, often spending hours watching classic films and dreaming of the day he would create his own. His passion for filmmaking eventually led him to enroll in the prestigious French film school, IDHEC (Institut des Hautes Études Cinématographiques).
After completing his studies at IDHEC, Michel Higelin began his career in the film industry, working as a scriptwriter, editor, and director on various projects. His early work caught the attention of the French New Wave movement, a group of innovative filmmakers who were pushing the boundaries of the cinematic medium.
In the late 1970s, Michel Higelin shifted his focus towards music, incorporating his artistic talents into the world of sound. He became an integral part of the French avant-garde music scene, collaborating with other prominent musicians and artists. His music often reflected his radical activism, as he used his platform to speak out against social injustices and promote change.
Throughout his career, Michel Higelin has continued to explore the intersection of art, music, and film. His unique blend of creativity and activism has made him a respected figure in the French cultural landscape.
Noted French singer-songwriter Michel Higelin's ascension to fame was largely fueled by his captivating live performances, which frequently took place in intimate, smaller settings, allowing for a deeper connection with his audience.
It was in 1971 that Higelin released his debut solo album, marking the beginning of his illustrious music career.
By the mid-1970s, he had established himself as one of France's most prominent and successful pop musicians, his impact and influence resonating throughout the music industry.
To this very day, Higelin's legacy continues to endure, a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft.
During the 1970s, French singer-songwriter Michel Higelin was romantically involved with Kuelan Nguyen, a woman of French-Vietnamese descent, who notably accompanied him during the recording of an album at the renowned Château d'Hérouville Studio, a historic recording facility.
It was during this time that American rock musician Iggy Pop, who was concurrently recording his debut solo album "The Idiot" at the same studio, developed a strong infatuation with Nguyen. However, she ultimately rebuffed his advances, a turn of events that reportedly inspired Iggy Pop to pen the song China Girl.
Although the song was initially written and recorded by Iggy Pop, it gained widespread popularity when re-recorded by the iconic British musician David Bowie, whose rendition of China Girl became a significant hit.
Jean-Louis Higelin, a renowned French singer-songwriter, has a remarkable family legacy, with his three children all pursuing careers in the arts. His eldest child, Arthur H, a talented singer, was born to his partner Nicole Courtois in 1966. Arthur H has made a significant impact in the music industry, carrying on the family's musical tradition.
Higelin's second child, Kên Higelin, is an accomplished actor, born to his partner Kuelan Nguyen in 1972. Kên has established himself as a skilled thespian, bringing his talents to the screen.
The youngest of the trio, Izïa, is a gifted singer, born to her father's partner, the dancer Aziza Zakine, in 1990. Izïa has followed in her family's footsteps, showcasing her remarkable vocal abilities.
In a beautiful display of love and commitment, Higelin married Aziza Zakine, Izïa's mother, in 2011, solidifying their bond and creating a loving family unit.
The untimely and sorrowful demise of the renowned French singer, songwriter, and musician, Michel Higelin, occurred on April 6, 2018, in the City of Light, Paris, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful music and a profound impact on the world of entertainment.
