Here are 9 famous musicians from France were born in 1901:
Alice Prin (October 2, 1901 Châtillon-sur-Seine-April 29, 1953 Sanary-sur-Mer) also known as Kiki de Montparnasse, Kiki, Alice [Kiki] Prin, Queen of Montparnasse or Alice Ernestine Prin was a French singer, actor, art model, memoirist and painter.
She was the muse of many important artists during the Roaring Twenties, including Man Ray, Alexander Calder and Kisling. Kiki's unique look and charisma made her an iconic figure of the avant-garde art scene in Paris. She also performed in several avant-garde films and cabaret shows, showcasing her talents as a singer and dancer. In 1929, Kiki released her autobiographical book "Souvenirs de Kiki", which chronicled her bohemian lifestyle and experiences as a model and performer. After the end of World War II, Kiki's popularity waned, and she struggled with poverty and alcoholism. She moved to the South of France in the 1950s and died of a heart attack at the age of 51. Despite her difficult later years, Kiki's legacy lives on as a symbol of freedom, creativity and nonconformity.
Kiki de Montparnasse was born Alice Prin on October 2, 1901, in Châtillon-sur-Seine, a small village in Burgundy, France. Her father was a tailor and her mother was a laundress. At the age of twelve, Kiki was orphaned and sent to live with her grandmother in the town of Tonnerre. After finishing school, she moved to Paris in search of a better life.
In Paris, Kiki became immersed in the city's vibrant art scene, where she quickly became a popular model and muse for many of the city's most famous artists. She was especially close with Man Ray, who took many iconic photographs of her. Kiki's unique look and personality made her an instant hit with the artists who frequented the cafes, bars, and nightclubs of Montparnasse.
During the 1920s, Kiki was famous for her performances in cabarets and avant-garde films. She was a gifted singer and dancer, and she often performed in risque shows that pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable at the time. Kiki was also a talented painter in her own right, and she exhibited her work in several galleries in Paris.
In 1929, Kiki published her autobiography, "Souvenirs de Kiki," which was an instant bestseller. The book chronicled her experiences as a model, performer, and muse to some of the most influential artists of the era.
After World War II, Kiki's popularity began to decline, and she struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties. She moved to the South of France in the 1950s, where she lived in poverty until her death from a heart attack in 1953.
Despite her difficult later years, Kiki de Montparnasse remains an iconic figure of the Roaring Twenties and a symbol of freedom, creativity, and nonconformity. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and performers around the world.
Read more about Alice Prin on Wikipedia »
Henri Tomasi (August 17, 1901 Marseille-January 13, 1971 Paris) was a French conductor and composer.
His albums include and Concertos pour clarinette et orchestre.
Read more about Henri Tomasi on Wikipedia »
Lucienne Boyer (August 18, 1901 Paris-December 6, 1983 Paris) otherwise known as Boyer, Lucienne or Émilienne Henriette Boyer was a French singer. She had one child, Jaqueline Boyer.
Her albums include Parlez-moi d'amour, Volume 2, Ciné-Stars, and .
Read more about Lucienne Boyer on Wikipedia »
Henri Sauguet (May 18, 1901 Bordeaux-June 22, 1989 Paris) also known as Henri Pierre Poupard, Sauguet, Henri, Henri Poupard or Henri-Pierre Poupard was a French composer and film score composer.
Genres related to him: Opera.
Read more about Henri Sauguet on Wikipedia »
Raymond Asso (June 2, 1901 Nice-October 24, 1968 Paris) a.k.a. Asso, Raymond was a French lyricist.
He is known for collaborating with famous French artists such as Edith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier, and Tino Rossi. Asso contributed to the creation of some of Piaf's most recognized songs, including "Mon Légionnaire" and "Mon Amant de Saint-Jean". Asso's talent for songwriting and his contribution to French music earned him the reputation as one of the most influential lyricists of his time. Aside from his work as a lyricist, Asso was also an accomplished painter and writer.
In addition to his collaborations with famous French artists, Raymond Asso also worked with renowned composers such as Marguerite Monnot and Vincent Scotto. He wrote lyrics for over 500 songs in his career. He also wrote his own novel, "La Nuit de Saint-Germain-des-Prés," which was inspired by the famous Parisian neighborhood. Asso was part of the artistic and intellectual circle of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 1940s, which included artists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Asso's contributions to French culture continue to be celebrated and remembered today.
Read more about Raymond Asso on Wikipedia »
Marianne Oswald (January 9, 1901 Sarreguemines-February 25, 1985 Limeil-Brévannes) also known as Oswald, Marianne or Sarah Alice Bloch was a French actor, screenwriter and singer.
Her discography includes: L'art de Marianne Oswald - 1932 à 1937.
Read more about Marianne Oswald on Wikipedia »
Vittorio De Sica (July 7, 1901 Sora-November 13, 1974 Neuilly-sur-Seine) otherwise known as V. De Sica, De Sica, Vittorio Domenico Stanislao Gaetano Sorano De Sica or Vittorio de Sica was a French film director, actor, screenwriter and film producer. He had three children, Christian De Sica, Manuel De Sica and Emi De Sica.
De Sica was born in Italy and started his career in the entertainment industry in the 1920s as a stage actor. He later transitioned into film, starring in a variety of silent films during the 1930s. De Sica became known for his roles in Italian Neorealism films during the 1940s and 1950s, including his acclaimed performances in "Bicycle Thieves" (1948) and "Umberto D." (1952).
In addition to acting, De Sica also directed and produced films, including the award-winning "Shoeshine" (1946) and "The Garden of the Finzi-Continis" (1970). He was a pioneer in Italian Neorealism, a film movement that emphasized realism and addressed social issues, and his work influenced many filmmakers around the world.
De Sica was a multi-talented artist who made a lasting impact on the film industry. He won several awards throughout his career, including four Academy Awards for his films "Shoeshine," "Bicycle Thieves," "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" and "Il giardino dei Finzi-Contini." Despite his international success, De Sica remained committed to addressing the social issues of his time through his work.
De Sica's contributions to cinema were not limited to his work in Italian Neorealism. He also directed comedies and dramas, displaying his versatility as a filmmaker. His 1951 film "Miracle in Milan" is notable for its fairy tale-like story and imaginative use of special effects. De Sica also worked with Hollywood actors, directing Sophia Loren in "Two Women" (1960) and Henry Fonda in "The Garden of the Finzi-Continis." In addition to his film work, De Sica was also an accomplished stage director, with productions of plays such as "Waiting for Godot" and "The Diary of Anne Frank" to his credit. De Sica was highly respected in the film industry, and his legacy continues to influence filmmakers today.
Read more about Vittorio De Sica on Wikipedia »
Roland Armontel (December 21, 1901 Vimoutiers-March 8, 1980 Paris) a.k.a. Auguste Magnien or Auguste Louis Magnin was a French actor.
Armontel began his acting career in the 1920s with small roles in French silent films. He gained recognition in the 1930s for his work in films such as "Maria Chapdelaine" (1934) and "Mollenard" (1938). Armontel also appeared in Jean Cocteau's acclaimed film "La Belle et la Bête" (1946) as the character Avenant.
In addition to acting in films, Armontel also had a successful career on stage. He worked at the Théâtre de l'Œuvre and the Théâtre de la Madeleine, among others. Armontel continued to act in French films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Outside of his acting career, Armontel was known for his passion for aviation. He was a skilled pilot and served as an instructor during World War II. Armontel was also a member of the Aero-Club of France and the president of the Association of French Artist Pilots.
Armontel passed away in Paris in 1980 at the age of 78.
Armontel's passion for aviation extended beyond his own piloting. He also worked as a dubbing artist for aviation films and recorded the French voiceover for films such as "The Wings of Eagles" (1957) and "Strategic Air Command" (1955). He was known for his ability to accurately recreate the technical dialogue required for the dubbed versions of these films. Armonetl also wrote several books on aviation during his lifetime, including "Traité d'Hélicoptérotechnique" and "Mécanique de vol à l'usage des Pilotes." In recognition of his contributions to the world of aviation, Armontel was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 1953.
Read more about Roland Armontel on Wikipedia »
René Sarvil (January 18, 1901 Toulon-March 31, 1975 Marseille) otherwise known as Sarvil or René Ernest Antoine Crescenzo was a French actor and screenwriter.
He began his career on the stage, performing in comedies and drama productions. He made his film debut in 1932 and starred in over 50 films throughout his career. Sarvil was known for his comedic timing and often played supporting roles in popular French films.
In addition to his acting career, Sarvil was also a screenwriter, co-writing several films in which he starred. He also appeared on television, notably in the series "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" (The Last Five Minutes).
Sarvil was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor) in 1974, shortly before his death in 1975 at the age of 74. Despite his extensive career and contributions to French cinema, Sarvil often remains lesser known among international audiences.
Sarvil's career spanned several decades, and he worked with some of the most prominent French directors of his time. Some of his notable film appearances include the 1949 film "Un Certain Monsieur," directed by Yves Ciampi, and the 1970 film "Le Cercle Rouge," directed by Jean-Pierre Melville.
In addition to his work in film and television, Sarvil was also a well-known stage actor. He performed in many theater productions throughout his career, including productions at the Comédie-Française and the Théâtre de l'Atelier in Paris.
Sarvil was born into a family of Italian immigrants, and he often drew on his background for inspiration in his work. He was known for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from comedic roles to more serious dramatic roles.
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Sarvil remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He was well-respected among his peers and is remembered today as a talented actor and screenwriter who made significant contributions to French cinema.
Read more about René Sarvil on Wikipedia »