Serge Gainsbourg

1715 views

Serge Gainsbourg was a French singer, songwriter, actor, and director, known for his provocative and controversial music and public persona. He was born Lucien Ginsburg on April 2, 1928, in Paris, France, to Russian Jewish parents who had fled the country during the Russian Revolution.

Gainsbourg began his career as a pianist and songwriter, working for French radio and television before releasing his first album, "Du chant à la une!" in 1958. His early music was heavily influenced by jazz and chanson, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented composer and lyricist. He wrote many songs for other artists, including "Le Poinçonneur des Lilas" for Jacques Brel and "Poupée de cire, poupée de son" for France Gall, which won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965.

In the 1960s, Gainsbourg began to push the boundaries of French music with his provocative lyrics and controversial public appearances. He often courted scandal with his outrageous behavior, such as smoking on television and appearing in a film where he had sex with a doll. He also famously recorded a reggae version of the French national anthem, which caused a political uproar.

Gainsbourg's music became increasingly experimental and avant-garde in the 1970s, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and electronic music. He collaborated with many famous musicians, including Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot, and Charlotte Gainsbourg, his daughter from his relationship with Jane Birkin.

Throughout his career, Gainsbourg continued to shock and provoke audiences with his controversial behavior and music. He was known for his heavy drinking and smoking, and he often made inappropriate comments in interviews. However, he was also celebrated for his wit, intelligence, and artistic talent.

Gainsbourg died on March 2, 1991, at the age of 62, from a heart attack. He was mourned by fans around the world, and his influence on French music and culture continues to be felt to this day.

--> Watch some of Gainsbourg's most popular songs on Paris Chanson's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWflgUzryeDzgkPZVTcZaQ1Xut1xx3lDv

Gainsbourg died on March 2, 1991, at the age of 62, from a heart attack. He was mourned by fans around the world, and his influence on French music and culture continues to be felt to this day.

--> Watch some of Gainsbourg's most popular songs on Paris Chanson's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWflgUzryeDzgkPZVTcZaQ1Xut1xx3lDv