Composer of the Month 1/2014: Claude François
(selected by Peter van Dessel / Belgium)
France 21.5.2001
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"Comme d'habitude" during an appearance on Spanish TV in 1967. |
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The French musician, composer, singer and music producer Claude François was born on 1 February 1939
in Ismaïlia, Egypt. He learned several instruments and worked in the 1950s as a drummer for various
jazz ensembles. In 1960 he moved to Paris and had his first major success as a singer in 1962. In 1963
he appeared at the Paris 'Olympia' for the first time with numerous original compositions.
In the 1960s and 1970s he was one of the most popular artists in France.
Early in 1967, after a failed relationship, Claude François composed his most famous song "Comme d'Habitude". With an English text by Paul Anka this song was a worldwide hit in 1969: "My Way" sung by Frank Sinatra. In 1967, Claude François founded his own record company "Flèche", which released numerous albums of French chanson singers. As a singer, he performed several hits of known performers in French. Conversely, however, many international stars interpreted songs that were written and sung by Claude Francoise. Overall, Claude François has left more than 500 songs. Claude François died on 11 March 1978 in Paris to an electric shock. This year he would have turned 75 years old. More composer can be found in the members only section |