Jean-Michel Delpech, professionally known as Michel Delpech, was a celebrated French singer-songwriter and actor, whose life began on January 26, 1946, in Courbevoie, a charming suburb of the iconic city of Paris.
He was the offspring of Bertrand Charles Delpech, a skilled metal chrome plater, and Christiane Cécile Marie Josselin, a devoted housewife, who had two younger sisters, Catherine and Martine.
Delpech's maternal lineage, the Josselins, were renowned winegrowers hailing from the picturesque town of Gyé-Sur-Seine, situated in the Aube department, where they cultivated the rich soil and nurtured their vines to produce exquisite wines. On the other hand, his paternal ancestry was deeply rooted in the charming region of Sologne, specifically in the quaint towns of Dhuizon and La Ferté-Saint-Cyr, where his hairdresser grandfather and uncles, as well as cousins, who were skilled grocers, loggers, and farmers, made their homes.
Delpech would often spend his weekends and holidays with his provincial family, immersing himself in the simple yet rich way of life. He would lend a helping hand in his aunt's bustling grocery store, gaining valuable experience and developing a strong sense of community.
Delpech's educational journey began in 1961 when he enrolled at the prestigious Chabanne college in Pontoise, where he spent three formative years honing his skills and cultivating his intellectual curiosity. Concurrently, he attended the renowned Camille-Pissarro high school in the same city, a premier institution that would provide him with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences.
As a teenager, Delpech's interests began to shift towards the world of music, and he developed a profound admiration for the legendary singers of his time, including the inimitable Luis Mariano and the iconic great names of the 1950s, such as Gilbert Nécaud and Charles Aznavour. The sounds and styles of these musical giants had a profound impact on his artistic development, shaping his future endeavors and inspiring his own creative pursuits.
In 1963, Delpech's passion for music led him to form a small orchestra with his schoolmates, an initiative that would serve as a launching pad for his future musical endeavors. This early foray into music-making not only allowed him to express himself creatively but also provided a platform for him to collaborate with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared artistic vision that would stay with him throughout his life.
As Delpech approached the culmination of his high school education, he made the pivotal decision to depart from his academic pursuits in January 1964, opting instead to dedicate himself to nurturing his burgeoning singing career. This marked a significant turning point in his life, as he embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead him to become a renowned artist.
Delpech's next step was to audition for the esteemed disque Vogue record company in Paris, a move that ultimately led to the release of his debut album, Anatole, at the tender age of 18. This album served as a launching pad for his music career, and it was during this time that he had the privilege of collaborating with the accomplished composer Roland Vincent.
One of the most notable outcomes of this creative partnership was the composition of Delpech's first single, Chez Laurette, which was penned during a train ride between the Saint-Lazare and Saint-Cloud train stations. Although the song did not initially garner widespread popularity, its exposure on the radio eventually helped to raise its profile and establish Delpech as a rising star in the music industry.
Delpech's early career in the entertainment industry took a significant turn in 1965, when he landed a role in the musical comedy "Copains-Clopant", which enjoyed a six-month run and paved the way for his future success.
Following the completion of "Copains-Clopant", Delpech went on to perform at the prestigious Michodière and Gymnase theaters in Paris, further solidifying his reputation as a talented performer.
The success of "Chez Laurette" played a crucial role in catapulting Delpech to fame, and it was during this period that he met the love of his life, Chantal Simon. The two shared a romantic duet, and their relationship blossomed into a lifelong partnership.
In 1966, Delpech and Chantal Simon tied the knot, marking the beginning of a beautiful and enduring marriage that would last for many years to come.
That same pivotal year, French singer-songwriter Michel Delpech unveiled his sophomore album, "Inventaire 1966", under the esteemed Festival Label, thereby solidifying his position as a rapidly ascending star on the musical horizon. As a testament to his innovative approach, Delpech drew inspiration from the celebrated poetry of Jacques Prévert, weaving a tapestry of contemporary issues and trends into his music. This eclectic fusion included the tumultuous backdrop of the Vietnam War, the iconic minijupe fashion trend, and the Cacharel style, which collectively contributed to a unique sonic landscape. Furthermore, in 1966, Delpech had the distinct honor of opening for the legendary Jacques Brel during his farewell performance at the iconic Olympia music hall, a coveted opportunity that undoubtedly bolstered his reputation as a talented and versatile artist.
