French musicians who were born in 1920
Here are 13 famous musicians from France were born in 1920:
Michèle Morgan
Michèle Morgan (February 29, 1920 Neuilly-sur-Seine-) otherwise known as Michele Morgan, Simone Renée Roussel or Simone Morgan is a French actor and painter. Her child is Mike Marshall.
Morgan began her acting career in 1935 and rose to fame in the 1940s. She appeared in over 70 films throughout her career, including the acclaimed "Children of Paradise" (1945). Morgan received numerous accolades for her work, including a Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in "Pastoral Symphony" (1946). In addition to her acting career, Morgan was also a talented painter and exhibited her works in galleries throughout Europe. She was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1969 for her contributions to the arts. Despite retiring from acting in the 1990s, Morgan remained a revered figure in French cinema until her death in 2016 at the age of 96.
Morgan was born to a bookstore owner and was raised in an artistic family. She attended a Catholic school until the age of 16 and then enrolled in a drama school where she trained to become an actor. Her breakthrough came in the 1941 film "Remorques" directed by Jean Grémillon, which was a huge success and established her as a leading lady in French cinema. During World War II, Morgan moved to Hollywood and appeared in several American films, including "Joan of Paris" (1942) and "Higher and Higher" (1943).
Morgan was known for her natural beauty, delicate features, and understated acting style. She often portrayed romantic, tragic heroines in films and was called "The Most Beautiful Woman in France" by the press. In addition to her successful acting and painting careers, Morgan was also involved in humanitarian efforts, serving as the president of the French charity La Chaîne de l'Espoir for many years.
Despite her fame and success, Morgan remained humble and private throughout her life. She was married twice and had two children. Morgan's legacy as one of the greatest French actors of all time continues to be celebrated today.
Following her return to France after World War II, Michèle Morgan continued to star in notable films, including "La Symphonie Pastorale" (1946), which earned her the Best Actress award at Cannes. She also appeared in the thriller "Les Yeux Sans Visage" (1960) and the comedy "Le Chat et La Souris" (1975). Morgan's last film role was in the French television movie "Quand Se Tait le Vent" (1998).
In addition to her Legion of Honour, Morgan was also awarded the Order of Merit and the National Order of Quebec. She was considered a fashion icon in her youth and was often seen wearing Christian Dior designs.
Morgan's legacy in cinema and the arts continues to be celebrated throughout the world. In 2019, the Cinémathèque Française in Paris held a retrospective of her film career. Her contributions to French culture and society will never be forgotten.
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Rolande Falcinelli
Rolande Falcinelli (February 18, 1920 Paris-June 11, 2006 Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques) was a French composer and organist.
Falcinelli was born in Paris in 1920 and showed an interest in music from a young age. She began studying the piano and organ at the Paris Conservatory in the 1930s, and later studied under the famous composer and organist Marcel Dupré. She quickly gained recognition as a talented musician and went on to win several prizes for her performances and compositions.
In addition to her work as a composer and performer, Falcinelli taught music at conservatories across France and was an influential figure in the world of French organ music. She was also a member of the prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts, and in 1984 was appointed to the rank of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
Throughout her career, Falcinelli composed music for the organ, as well as for orchestra, chamber groups, and voice. Her compositions are known for their distinctively French character, combining elements of traditional French music with modern techniques and structures. Among her most famous works are the organ piece "Sonata da chiesa" and the "Cinq pièces pour orgue".
Falcinelli's contributions to the world of music were widely recognized, and she received many awards and honors throughout her life. In addition to her appointment as Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, she was also awarded the Grand Prix de Rome in 1951 for her composition "La Chair de la Vigne." Later in life, she became a member of the Legion of Honor and was promoted to the rank of Officer.
Falcinelli was known not only for her compositions but also for her exceptional skills as an organist. She toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States, giving performances and master classes. Her legacy as a composer and performer continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. Today, she is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of French organ music.
Falcinelli was an advocate for contemporary music and often incorporated modern techniques into her compositions. She was particularly interested in aleatoric music, which allows for chance or improvisation in the performance. Falcinelli's interest in contemporary music led her to collaborate with many other artists, including painter Serge Poliakoff and poet Eugène Guillevic.
Despite her many accomplishments, Falcinelli remained humble throughout her career. She once said, "When I compose, I try to be totally honest with myself, to say what I want to say with the greatest possible clarity. If other people like it, that's wonderful, but it's not something I can control." Falcinelli passed away in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques in 2006, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of music.
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Yves Robert
Yves Robert (June 19, 1920 Saumur-May 10, 2002 Paris) was a French screenwriter, film director, actor and film producer. He had two children, Jean-Denis Robert and Anne Robert.
Related albums: Pas avec le dos de la Q.I.R : Chansons et textes de Boris Vian.
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Jacques Charon
Jacques Charon (February 27, 1920 Paris-October 15, 1975 Paris) also known as Jacques Charon de la Comédie Française, Jacques Charon Sociétaire de la Comédie Française, Jacques Charron or Jacques Charron de la Comédie Française was a French film director and actor.
Charon began his career as an actor and became a member of the Comédie Française in 1946, where he played many leading roles in classic French plays. He was known for his distinctive way of delivering lines with great timing and a subtle touch of humor. In addition to his stage work, Charon appeared in over 20 films and TV series, including "La Grande Vadrouille" and "Les Bons Vivants."
In the late 1950s, Charon began directing plays and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled director. He went on to direct several successful productions at the Comédie Française, including Molière's "Le Malade Imaginaire" and Marivaux's "Le Jeu de l'Amour et du Hasard." Charon was also a successful opera director and worked with many renowned opera singers and composers.
Despite his success as a director, Charon never lost his passion for acting and continued to perform throughout his career. He received critical acclaim for his performance in "L'Avare" at the Comédie Française in the early 1970s. Charon died in 1975 at the age of 55. His legacy as an actor and director continues to inspire new generations of performers in France and beyond.
In addition to his work in theater, film, and opera, Jacques Charon was also a prolific voice actor. He lent his voice to many French-language dubbing projects, including the French version of Disney's "The Jungle Book" and the James Bond film "Thunderball." Charon was also involved in the preservation and promotion of French culture and performed in numerous cultural events and festivals throughout his career. He was awarded the Legion of Honor in recognition of his contributions to French culture. Charon's personal life was marked by tragedy, as he lost both his first wife and their son in a car accident in 1953. He later remarried and had two children with his second wife.
Aside from his Legion of Honor award, Jacques Charon also received several other recognitions for his outstanding work in the arts. He was awarded the Grand Prix of the Académie Française and the Prix de l'Académie du Disque in 1964 for his performance in Molière's "Le Malade Imaginaire." In 1971, he won the Molière Award for Best Actor for his role in the play "L'avare."Charon is also credited with the creation of the "Classique en liberté" series, which aimed to bring classical French plays to a wider audience through performances in public spaces like parks, museums, and schools. His passion for making theater accessible to all was evident in his efforts to open up the world of French literature and drama to a broader audience.His influence on French theater and culture continues to be felt today. The theater of Comédie Française named one of its stages after him, and the Jacques Charon Prize for young theater directors is also awarded annually in France.
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Boris Vian
Boris Vian (March 10, 1920 Ville-d'Avray-June 23, 1959 Paris) a.k.a. Vernon Sullivan, Vian, Boris, Dr. Boris Vian, Bison Ravi, Baron Visi or Brisavion was a French singer, journalist, playwright, writer, engineer and actor. He had one child, Patrick Vian.
His albums: Boris Vian, Pas avec le dos de la Q.I.R : Chansons et textes de Boris Vian, Le Déserteur, Les années jazz, Philippe Clay et Arlette Téphany, Hjärtkniparen, Jazz et Trompinette, Boris Vian, Volume 1, Boris Vian and Chansons possibles ou impossibles".
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Joseph Gelineau
Joseph Gelineau (October 31, 1920 Maine-et-Loire-August 8, 2008 Sallanches) a.k.a. Gelineau, Joseph was a French , .
priest, composer, and musicologist. He was best known for his contributions to the development of modern Catholic liturgical music, particularly the Chant Gelineau, a musical style he developed using text from the Catholic liturgy. Gelineau was ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1952 and began working at the Centre National de Pastorale Liturgique in Paris in the 1960s. He was a prolific composer, and his musical style was heavily influenced by the Gregorian chant, but he also incorporated modern musical elements into his works. Gelineau's contributions helped revitalize Catholic liturgical music and influenced generations of Catholic musicians. He taught at various institutions and universities throughout France and was awarded several honors for his contributions to music and the Catholic Church.
In addition to his work in music, Joseph Gelineau was also a noted theologian and Biblical scholar. He studied at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and later earned a doctorate in theology from the Catholic University of Paris. Gelineau's expertise in Scripture informed his work in liturgical music, and he believed that music should serve as a way to deepen the spiritual experience of the liturgy. He was also a strong advocate for the use of vernacular languages in the liturgy, believing that this would make the liturgy more accessible and meaningful to congregations. Gelineau's legacy continues to be felt in the Catholic Church today, particularly in the widespread use of his Chant Gelineau in liturgical music around the world.
Gelineau's works have been translated into numerous languages, and his music is still widely used in Catholic liturgy today. He also wrote several books on liturgy and biblical scholarship, including "The Biblical Foundations for the Eucharist" and "Exploring the Sunday Readings." Gelineau was a member of the Pontifical Council for Culture and was a consultant to the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was also the founder of the Centre de Pastorale Liturgique in Paris, which served as a hub for liturgical formation and research in France. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Gelineau remained humble and dedicated to his work as a priest, musician, and scholar throughout his life.
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Albert Barillé
Albert Barillé (February 14, 1920 Warsaw-February 5, 2009 Neuilly-sur-Seine) was a French screenwriter and television director.
He is best known as the creator and director of the popular animated television series "Once Upon a Time... Man" ("Il était une fois... l'homme") and its spin-offs, which explored the history of humanity and science in an entertaining and educational way. Barillé worked on several other animated series and films throughout his career, and was a prominent figure in the French animation industry. He also wrote and directed live-action films and TV shows, and was an advocate for children's education and rights. Barillé was honored with numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the arts and education, and his work continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages around the world.
Barillé began his career as a journalist before transitioning to television production in the 1950s. In the 1970s, he created the concept for "Once Upon a Time... Man" and went on to direct all 26 episodes of the series. It was an instant success and became one of the most watched animated series of all time in France. Barillé continued to create educational animated series, including "Once Upon a Time... Space" and "Once Upon a Time... Life," which were similarly well-received by audiences and critics alike.
Outside of animation, Barillé directed several live-action films and TV shows, including "The Adventures of Pinocchio" and "La Famille Cigale." He was also a founding member of the European Association of Animation Film, which helped to promote and advance the field of animation across Europe.
Barillé was a vocal advocate for children's education and dedicated much of his career to creating engaging and informative content for young audiences. He was awarded France's highest honor, the Legion of Honour, in 2004 in recognition of his contributions to the arts and education. Despite his passing in 2009, his legacy lives on through his groundbreaking animated series and his commitment to educating and inspiring generations of children.
In addition to his contributions to the animation industry and children's education, Albert Barillé was also a World War II veteran. He joined the Free French Forces in 1940 and fought against the Axis Powers in North Africa and Italy. Barillé's experiences during the war had a profound impact on his life and work, and he often used his films and television shows to explore themes of war, peace, and social justice.
Barillé's impact on the animation industry extended beyond his own work. He mentored several notable animators and directors, including Frédéric Back, the Academy Award-winning animator of "The Man Who Planted Trees." He was also a fixture at animation festivals and workshops, where he shared his expertise and passion for the craft with aspiring animators and filmmakers.
In addition to his Legion of Honour, Barillé received several other honors in recognition of his contributions to the arts and culture. He was made a Knight of the National Order of Merit in France and received the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. In 1992, he was awarded the Winsor McCay Award by the International Animated Film Society, an honor that has been given to some of the most influential figures in animation history.
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Michel Audiard
Michel Audiard (May 15, 1920 Paris-July 27, 1985 Dourdan) also known as Pierre Michel Audiard, Jacques Potier or Audiard, Michel was a French screenwriter, film director, writer and actor. He had two children, Jacques Audiard and François Audiard.
Audiard was known for his wit and humorous dialogue, particularly in the crime and gangster genres. He wrote over 100 films during his career, including the classic French crime film "Rififi" (1955) and the popular comedy "Les Tontons Flingueurs" (1963). He also directed several films, including "Ne nous fâchons pas" (1966) and "Elle boit pas, elle fume pas, elle drague pas, mais... elle cause!" (1970). In addition to his film work, Audiard wrote several novels and plays. He passed away at the age of 65 due to a heart attack.
Audiard began his career as a journalist before transitioning to screenwriting. His breakthrough came with the 1954 film "French Cancan," directed by Jean Renoir. He went on to work on numerous other films, collaborating with some of the biggest names in French cinema, including Jean-Pierre Melville and François Truffaut.
Audiard's writing style was marked by his use of slang and witty wordplay, which helped to establish a uniquely French style of crime writing. He was known for his ability to capture the nuances of different social classes and his sharp sense of humor. In addition to popular crime films, he also worked on dramas and comedies, and his films often explored themes of masculinity and class struggle.
Audiard's sons, Jacques and François, followed in their father's footsteps and became prominent filmmakers in their own right. Jacques Audiard has directed several critically acclaimed films, including "A Prophet" and "Rust and Bone," while François is a producer and screenwriter.
Audiard's contributions to French cinema were recognized with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He won the César Award for Best Screenplay three times, for "The Watchmaker of St. Paul" (1974), "Going Places" (1974) and "Love on the Run" (1979). He was also awarded the Legion of Honor, one of the highest honors in France, in 1981. Audiard's impact on French cinema can still be felt today, as his films continue to be celebrated and referenced in popular culture.
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Robert Lamoureux
Robert Lamoureux (January 4, 1920 Saint-Mandé-October 29, 2011 Boulogne-Billancourt) was a French screenwriter, film director and actor.
Discography: Papa, maman, la bonne et moi, Papa, maman, la bonne et moi... and 1949 – 1952 : Mes toutes premières chansons.
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Hubert Giraud
Hubert Giraud (March 3, 1920-) a.k.a. Giraud, Hubert is a French lyricist, composer and film score composer.
He was born in Marseille, France, and began his musical career as a pianist in cabarets. In the 1950s, he began composing and writing songs for popular French artists, including Édith Piaf, Dalida, and Jacques Brel. He is best known for co-writing the song "My Way" with Paul Anka, which was made famous by Frank Sinatra. Giraud has composed music for over 100 films, including the French film classic "Les Tontons Flingueurs" (Monsieur Gangster) and the American film "The Day of the Dolphin." In 1965, he won the Eurovision Song Contest with his song "Poupée de cire, poupée de son," which was sung by France Gall. Giraud continues to be highly regarded in the French music industry, and his songs have been covered by countless artists around the world.
Giraud's success as a composer and lyricist was not just limited to France. He wrote and arranged music for several American artists, including The Platters, Perry Como, and Johnny Mathis. He also collaborated with Italian singer Mina, with whom he co-wrote the hit song "Je suis folle de vous."
In addition to his work in music, Giraud was also a talented painter and set designer. He designed the sets for the legendary French cabaret show "Lido de Paris" and had several successful art exhibitions in Paris.
Despite his immense success in the music industry, Giraud remained humble and kept a relatively low profile throughout his career. He passed away on January 16, 2016, at the age of 95. His legacy as a skilled composer, lyricist, and creative visionary lives on through his extensive body of work.
Giraud's musical career began at the age of sixteen, when he started playing the piano in bars and clubs. He later joined the French Army and served in the Pacific during World War II. After the war, he returned to France and started working as a composer and arranger. With his talent for both writing and composing, he quickly became a sought-after collaborator for popular French performers.
Giraud's success continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He composed music for films such as "Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez" and "Fantomas," as well as for popular French television shows. In addition to his numerous film and TV credits, he also wrote and arranged music for theater productions, including the successful musical "Mistinguett" in 1986.
Giraud was known for his versatility as a composer, and his music spanned a wide range of genres, including chanson, jazz, and classical. He was also a gifted lyricist, able to capture complex emotions and themes in his writing. His songs often explored themes such as love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships, and his evocative lyrics touched audiences around the world.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Giraud was also a beloved figure in the French arts world. He was known for his kindness and generosity, and many of his colleagues and collaborators spoke highly of his warmth and creativity. His legacy as a master composer and lyricist continues to influence contemporary musicians, and his music remains beloved by fans around the world.
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Pierre Louki
Pierre Louki (July 25, 1920 Brienon-sur-Armançon-December 21, 2006) a.k.a. Pierre Varenne, Louki, Pierre, Pierre Luki or Varenne was a French actor, lyricist and singer-songwriter.
Discography: En public.
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Maurice Gendron
Maurice Gendron (December 26, 1920 Nice-August 20, 1990) was a French cellist. His children are François-Éric Gendron and Caroline Gendron.
His albums include 3 Sonatas / Syrinx, String Sextets No. 1 & No. 2 (feat. violin: Yehudi Menuhin, Robert Masters; viola: Cecil Aronowitz; cello: Maurice Gendron, Derek Simpson), The 6 Cello Suites (disc 1), and Complete Music for Cello and Piano.
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Henri Crolla
Henri Crolla (February 26, 1920 Naples-October 17, 1960 Paris) also known as Enrico Crolla was a French guitarist, film score composer and actor.
His discography includes: , Jazz in Paris: Begin the Beguine, Jazz in Paris: Quand refleuriront les lilas blancs ?, Begin the beguine, Jazz in Paris: Notre ami Django and Jazz in Paris: The Jazz Sides. His related genres: Jazz.
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