Pathetic Facts

French music stars who deceased at age 68

Here are 15 famous musicians from France died at 68:

Lucien Rebatet

Lucien Rebatet (November 15, 1903 Moras-en-Valloire-August 24, 1972) was a French journalist and novelist.

During his early career, Rebatet worked for a variety of right-wing publications in France, including Je suis partout, a notorious newspaper that was associated with the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. Rebatet was a strong supporter of both the Nazi regime in Germany and the Vichy government in France, and these beliefs were reflected in his writing. His most famous work, the novel "Les Deux Etendards," was published in 1952 and explored the themes of fascism and anti-Semitism. After the war, Rebatet was tried and convicted for his collaboration with the Nazis, and he was sentenced to death. However, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, and he was eventually released in 1952. In later years, Rebatet worked as a music critic and published a number of works on classical music. Despite his controversial past, Rebatet is still remembered today as one of the most influential right-wing writers of his time.

Rebatet was born in Moras-en-Valloire, a small town in southeastern France. He grew up in a middle-class family and showed an early interest in literature and music. In 1923, he moved to Paris to pursue a career in journalism, and he quickly became involved in the city's intellectual and artistic circles. During this time, Rebatet developed his political beliefs, which were heavily influenced by the rise of fascism in Europe.

In 1940, following the Nazi occupation of France, Rebatet began working for the collaborationist newspaper Je suis partout. He used his position at the paper to promote Nazi ideology and anti-Semitic views, and he became one of the most notorious figures in the French media.

After the war, Rebatet was arrested and taken into custody. He was tried and convicted of collaboration with the Nazis, and he spent several years in prison before being released in 1952. Despite his controversial past, Rebatet continued to write and publish, and he remained active in the Parisian cultural scene until his death in 1972.

Today, Rebatet is remembered as a complex and divisive figure in French history. While his work as a journalist and novelist is often overshadowed by his collaboration with the Nazis, his writing has been praised for its literary merit and historical significance.

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Sully Prudhomme

Sully Prudhomme (March 16, 1839 Paris-September 6, 1907 Châtenay-Malabry) was a French poet and essayist.

He was the first person ever to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1901, recognizing his pioneering role in French literature. His poetry is known for its introspection and sensitivity, exploring themes such as love, nature, and the human condition. Prudhomme was also a philosopher and a keen observer of the scientific and social developments of his time, which greatly influenced his writings. Additionally, he was a member of the French Academy and a respected literary critic, advocating for the importance of poetry as a means of personal expression and reflection. Despite his recognition and success, Prudhomme led a rather secluded life, and his works were relatively unknown outside of France until his Nobel Prize win.

Prudhomme began his career as a civil servant, but after suffering from health problems, he turned to writing full time. He published his first collection of poems, "Stances et poèmes," in 1865, which brought him some recognition in literary circles. However, it was his second and most famous work, "Les solitudes," published in 1869, that established him as a major literary figure.

Throughout his career, Prudhomme wrote numerous collections of poetry, including "Impressions de la guerre," which reflected his experiences during the Franco-Prussian War, and "La vraie religion selon Pascal," influenced by his interest in philosophy and religion.

In addition to his literary achievements, Prudhomme was also involved in social and political activism, advocating for workers’ rights and supporting the education of women. He was a member of the French Society for the Rights of Women and often included feminist themes in his writings.

Despite his numerous achievements, Prudhomme remained a private figure throughout his life, preferring to stay out of the public eye. He died in 1907 at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most celebrated writers and poets of his time.

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Alexandre Dumas

Alexandre Dumas (July 24, 1802 Villers-Cotterêts-December 5, 1870 Seine-Maritime) also known as Dumas Alexandre, Alexandre Dumas, père, Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, Alejandro Dumas or Alexander Dumas was a French writer, playwright and novelist. His children are Alexandre Dumas, Marie-Alexandrine Dumas, Micaëlla-Clélie-Josepha-Élisabeth Cordier and Henry Bauer.

Dumas is regarded as one of the greatest French writers of all time and his novels have been translated into many languages and adapted into numerous films. His most famous works include "The Three Musketeers," "The Count of Monte Cristo," and "The Man in the Iron Mask." He was also a prolific playwright, who wrote over a hundred plays throughout his career. Dumas was of mixed race, his father was a General in the French army who was of noble birth and his mother was a black slave from Haiti. He was a prolific writer, writing over 300 books in his lifetime. Dumas was also a supporter of civil rights for people of color and supported the abolition of slavery.

Dumas was born into poverty and his father's aristocratic background did little to alleviate their financial struggles. Despite this, Dumas' father recognized his son's intellectual abilities and arranged for him to receive a good education. Dumas began his writing career as a playwright and achieved great success in this genre. However, it was his novels that truly established his reputation as a literary giant. He was known for his vivid characters, intricate plots, and colorful descriptions of historical events.

In addition to his writing, Dumas was also involved in politics and served as a general in the National Guard during the 1848 Revolution in France. He was briefly exiled from France for his political activities but returned to Paris in 1859, where he continued to write until his death in 1870.

Dumas' literary legacy continues to inspire writers and readers around the world. His works have been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and plays, and his influence can be seen in popular culture to this day.

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Adolphe Willette

Adolphe Willette (July 30, 1857 Châlons-en-Champagne-February 4, 1926 Paris) also known as Adolphe Léon Willette was a French painter, illustrator, caricaturist and lithographer.

Willette was well known for his pioneering work in the Art Nouveau movement and his illustrations for the magazine Le Chat Noir. He also designed posters and sets for the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris, as well as creating murals for several Parisian establishments. A politically engaged artist, Willette was a committed socialist and anarchist, and often included political themes in his artwork. Despite his success and popularity during his lifetime, Willette's work fell out of fashion in the decades following his death. However, in recent years there has been renewed interest in his work, with some art historians arguing that Willette deserves greater recognition for his contribution to the Art Nouveau movement.

In addition to his contributions as an artist, Adolphe Willette was also an important figure in the cultural scene of 19th-century Paris. He was a founding member of the Chat Noir cabaret, which was a hub for artistic and intellectual activity in the city. Willette was also a prolific writer and playwright, and was involved in numerous avant-garde theater productions. He collaborated with many of the leading cultural figures of his time, including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas, and was known for his wit and irreverence. Despite facing some criticism for his controversial political views, Willette remained influential in artistic circles throughout his life, and his legacy can be seen in the work of many later artists who were influenced by his innovative style.

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Henri Fantin-Latour

Henri Fantin-Latour (January 14, 1836 Grenoble-August 25, 1904 Buré) also known as Ignace Henri Jean Théodore Fantin-Latour was a French artist, painter and visual artist.

He was born into a family of artists and received his education at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Fantin-Latour's work is known for its realism and attention to detail, often featuring still-life paintings and portraits. He was closely associated with the Impressionist and Symbolist movements, and was friends with many notable artists of his time, including Edgar Degas, James Whistler, and Gustave Courbet. Despite his close association with these movements, he worked in a more traditional, realist style. His paintings can be found in many prestigious collections, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Fantin-Latour also worked as a lithographer, creating prints of his own work as well as works by other artists.

In addition to his work as a painter and lithographer, Fantin-Latour was also an accomplished musician, having studied piano at the Paris Conservatory. He often incorporated music into his art, creating still-life compositions featuring musical instruments. Fantin-Latour's portraits were highly sought after during his lifetime, and he received many commissions from wealthy patrons. His painting "A Studio in the Batignolles" is a notable work, depicting a gathering of artists including Édouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Claude Monet. Despite his success, Fantin-Latour remained relatively unknown outside of artistic circles during his lifetime, and it was not until after his death that his work gained wider recognition. Today, he is regarded as one of the most important realist painters of the 19th century.

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Jean Philibert Damiron

Jean Philibert Damiron (January 10, 1794-January 11, 1862) was a French philosopher.

He was born in Le Puy-en-Velay, Haute-Loire, France. He started his education at the college of that town and then moved on to study at the École Normale in Paris, where he was a student of Victor Cousin. After completing his studies, he became a professor of philosophy first at Strasbourg and later at Toulouse. His lectures and writings focused on the history of philosophy, including the works of René Descartes, Immanuel Kant, and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Damiron was also a member of the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques and served as its president for the year 1859. His main work, published in 1848, was titled Histoire de la philosophie en France au XIXème siècle, and is considered one of the most important works on the subject. He died in Paris in 1862.

Damiron was one of the leading figures of the École normale supérieure, a French grande école, during the 19th century. He is often credited with revitalizing the teaching of philosophy in France during a time when the discipline was in decline. Along with Victor Cousin, he played a key role in the development of French spiritualism, a philosophical movement that sought to reconcile the ideals of reason and freedom with that of religion. In addition to his work on the history of philosophy, Damiron was also known for his analysis of the methodology of science and for his contributions to the study of aesthetics. He is remembered as a distinguished intellectual who significantly influenced the course of French philosophy during the 19th century.

Charles Alexandre de Calonne

Charles Alexandre de Calonne (January 20, 1734 Douai-October 30, 1802) was a French lawyer and politician.

He played a role in attempting to resolve the financial crisis in France during the reign of King Louis XVI. He was appointed as Controller-General of Finances in 1783, and introduced a series of financial reforms, which included levying taxes on previously exempted groups such as the nobility and clergy. However, his proposals were met with resistance, and he was dismissed from his post in 1787. He later went into exile during the French Revolution and returned to France in 1802, where he died shortly thereafter.

De Calonne was born into a noble family and studied law at the University of Douai. He practiced law in Paris before being appointed as the intendant (royal governor) of the Hainaut province in 1768. In 1783, he was appointed as Controller-General of Finances by the King, in an attempt to solve the financial crisis that had plagued France for years.

While in office, de Calonne introduced a number of reforms aimed at increasing revenue and reducing expenditure. He proposed the creation of a universal land tax that would replace the existing taxes, which were complicated and often evaded. He also suggested the abolition of internal tariffs, which hindered trade and commerce, and the establishment of free trade zones. These proposals were ahead of their time and were resisted by powerful interest groups, including the nobility and clergy.

De Calonne's reforms were also undermined by his lavish lifestyle and excessive spending. He borrowed heavily to cover the deficit and spent large sums on expensive parties and personal luxuries. In 1787, he was dismissed from his post and forced into exile. He spent the rest of his life travelling around Europe, writing pamphlets and books on economics and politics. He returned to France in 1802 but died shortly thereafter in his hometown of Douai.

Despite his failures, de Calonne was a pioneer of economic reform in France and his ideas influenced subsequent generations of policymakers. He was one of the first to recognize the importance of free trade and the need for a modern tax system, and he challenged the traditional privileges of the nobility and clergy. His legacy was an important step towards the French Revolution and the modernization of the French economy.

Louis de Funès

Louis de Funès (July 31, 1914 Courbevoie-January 27, 1983 Nantes) also known as Louis de Funes, Fufu, Louis Germain de Funès de Galarza, Louis Germain David de Funès de Galarza, De Funes, L. de Funès, de Funès or the man with the forty faces per minute was a French actor, screenwriter, pianist, film director, comedian and voice actor. He had three children, Daniel Charles Louis de Funès de Galarza, Olivier de Funès and Patrick Charles de Funès de Galarza.

His albums include Louis de Funès, Volume 2 : Pouic-pouic / Le grand restaurant / Le petit baigneur / Le tatoué / Sur un arbre perché / Les aventures de Rabbi Jacob / L'aile ou la cuisse / La zizanie / L'avare / La grosse valse.

He died in myocardial infarction.

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Duchenne de Boulogne

Duchenne de Boulogne (September 17, 1806 Boulogne-sur-Mer-September 15, 1875 Paris) also known as Guillaume Duchenne de Boulogne, Dr. Guillaume Duchenne or Guillaume Duchenne was a French physician.

He is best known for his pioneering work in electrical stimulation of muscles and the use of photography to capture facial expressions, which he employed to identify the specific muscles that create different facial expressions. He is considered a founder of modern neurology and his work on the muscles of facial expression, particularly the so-called "Duchenne smile", has had a lasting impact on our understanding of human emotion. In addition to his scientific work, Duchenne was also an accomplished photographer, and his photographs remain some of the earliest and most detailed records of human facial expression.

Duchenne de Boulogne became interested in medicine and biology at a young age, and he studied these subjects in school before becoming a trainee at the Hôtel-Dieu de Paris hospital. After earning his medical degree, he began working on a research project focusing on the anatomy and physiology of muscles. He was convinced that the human body was capable of producing infinite expressions through the diverse muscles on the face, and with his groundbreaking scientific efforts, he managed to create a topographic map of facial muscles. Duchenne discovered that different facial expressions are created by specific muscles, and that they can be stimulated through electricity to produce the desired expression.

In addition, Duchenne was a strong advocate for the use of photography in scientific documentation. He developed the "Duchenne electrodiagnostic apparatus," which could stimulate a person's facial muscles through electrical impulses and simultaneously take photographs of their expressions. He used this apparatus to capture thousands of photographs of individuals making a wide range of facial expressions, which he then analyzed to identify the specific muscles responsible for each expression.

Duchenne was widely recognized for his contributions to the field of medicine, and many of his discoveries, including the "Duchenne smile," are still widely used today. His work paved the way for future advancements in neurology, muscle physiology, and photography, and he remains a celebrated figure in the scientific community.

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Maurice Halbwachs

Maurice Halbwachs (March 11, 1877 Reims-March 16, 1945 Buchenwald concentration camp) was a French writer and philosopher.

He is best known for his pioneering work on collective memory, a concept he explored in his seminal book "Les Cadres sociaux de la mémoire" (The Social Frameworks of Memory). Halbwachs was a key figure in the development of the Durkheimian school of sociology, and his work on memory and social space has been influential in the social sciences and humanities. Later in his career, Halbwachs became increasingly interested in the relationship between individual and collective identity, and in the tensions between tradition and modernity in contemporary society. Unfortunately, Halbwachs died in Buchenwald concentration camp during World War II, where he was imprisoned for his Jewish heritage.

Prior to his death, Halbwachs was a prominent social theorist, and he played an active role in the intellectual life of Paris in the interwar years. In addition to his work on collective memory, Halbwachs was also interested in the sociology of knowledge, and he wrote extensively on the formation and circulation of ideas in modern society. He taught at several universities, including the École Pratique des Hautes Études and the Sorbonne, and he was a member of several notable intellectual circles, including the Collège de Sociologie and the French Communist Party. Despite his untimely death, Maurice Halbwachs left behind a rich and influential body of work, which continues to shape our understanding of memory, identity, and social life today.

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Guillaume Coustou the Elder

Guillaume Coustou the Elder (November 29, 1677 Lyon-February 22, 1746 Paris) was a French personality.

He was a renowned sculptor who was known for his exceptional talent in creating magnificent works of art. Coustou received his training in the academy of painting and sculpture in Paris, and he was a student of the great sculptor Antoine Coysevox.

Throughout his career, Guillaume Coustou the Elder created a number of notable artworks that have become famous around the world. His most well-known pieces include the statue of King Louis XV on horseback, the Marly Horses, and the bas-reliefs for the façade of the Hôtel des Invalides.

Coustou was also a member of the prestigious French Academy of Fine Arts and was appointed as the director of the academy in 1735. He was a very influential figure in the French art world during the 18th century, and his contributions to sculpture have helped shape the direction of the art form for generations.

In addition to his role as a sculptor and director of the French Academy of Fine Arts, Guillaume Coustou the Elder also served as the first sculptor to the King. He was appointed this role in 1737, which involved creating sculptures for the royal residences and other important royal buildings in France. Coustou's work as the first sculptor to the King further cemented his reputation as one of the greatest sculptors of his time. His sculptures were known for their outstanding attention to detail and the lifelike qualities of the figures he created. Coustou was a master of both the classical and baroque styles of sculpture, seamlessly blending the two styles to create works that were both timeless and unique. His legacy as a sculptor continues to influence the art world to this day, and his works remain some of the most admired and celebrated pieces in French art history.

Alexandre Falguière

Alexandre Falguière (September 7, 1831 Toulouse-April 20, 1900 Paris) also known as Alexandre Falguiere, Jean Alexandre Joseph Falguière or Jean-Joseph-Alexandre Falguière was a French personality.

He was a renowned sculptor, painter, and engraver. Falguière studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he excelled in sculpture. He was awarded the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1859, which allowed him to study in Italy for a few years.

Upon his return to France, he established himself as one of the most important sculptors of his time. His work was characterized by a fusion of classical and modern elements, with many of his pieces showcasing a romantic and realistic style. Falguière created statues, busts, and reliefs, depicting historical and mythological figures, as well as contemporary personalities.

Some of his most notable works include "La Danse" at the Paris Opera, "Victor Hugo" in the Panthéon, and the "Fountain of Diana" in the Luxembourg Gardens. Falguière was also a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, and a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Falguière was also a politician and a member of the National Assembly. He was known for his support of the arts and was instrumental in the establishment of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

In 1882, Alexandre Falguière was appointed as the President of the Société des Artistes Français, a position he held until his death in 1900. He was also awarded the Legion of Honour, the highest decoration in France, in recognition of his contributions to the arts. As a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts, Falguière taught many famous artists, including Auguste Rodin, Jules Dalou, and Camille Claudel. He also created a bronze sculpture of the Greek goddess Athena, which was placed in front of the Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee in 1897. Today, his works can be found in numerous museums and public spaces around the world, including the Louvre in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Alexandre Falguière's legacy as a master sculptor and influential art figure continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts around the world.

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Paul Émile Chabas

Paul Émile Chabas (March 7, 1869 Nantes-May 10, 1937 Paris) also known as Paul Emile Chabas was a French personality.

He was a painter who was associated with the Académie Julian in Paris, and was part of the École de Crozant. Chabas was particularly known for his portraits and landscapes, as well as his depictions of nude figures in idyllic outdoor settings.

Chabas exhibited his work at the Paris Salon starting in 1890, and was awarded a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle in 1900. He gained international recognition for his painting "September Morn," which depicts a young nude woman bathing in a pond, and was controversial for its sensuality. The painting was reproduced widely and became a cultural icon in the early 20th century.

In addition to his painting career, Chabas was also a writer and illustrator, contributing to publications such as Le Rire and La Vie Parisienne. He was awarded the Legion of Honor in 1900, and was elected to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1921.

Chabas was born into an artistic family; his father was a musician and his mother was a painter. He began his formal artistic training at the Académie Julian, where he studied under prominent painters including William Bouguereau and Tony Robert-Fleury. Chabas also spent time painting en plein air with a group of artists in the village of Crozant in central France, known as the École de Crozant.

Chabas' style was influenced by the Impressionists, particularly their emphasis on capturing the effects of light and color. He often painted his subjects outdoors, and his landscapes and portraits exhibit a sense of naturalism and freshness. His depictions of nude figures in natural settings were also seen as innovative, as they challenged traditional academic conventions.

Despite the controversy surrounding his most famous work, "September Morn," Chabas continued to enjoy a successful career, exhibiting regularly at the Paris Salon and other prestigious art exhibitions. He also received numerous commissions for portraits and murals, and his work was collected by prominent art collectors and institutions.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Chabas was also an avid traveler and explorer, often venturing into remote regions such as North Africa and the South Pacific. He documented his travels through sketches and paintings, and his experiences in these exotic locales informed much of his artistic output.

Chabas passed away in Paris in 1937, leaving behind a legacy as one of the leading painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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Roger Ducos

Roger Ducos (July 25, 1747 Dax-March 16, 1816 Ulm) was a French lawyer.

He became a member of the National Convention in 1792 and voted for the execution of King Louis XVI. Ducos then served as a member of the Committee of General Security and was appointed as one of the five Directors after the fall of Maximilien Robespierre in 1794.

As a Director, Ducos supported the coup d'état of 18 Brumaire in 1799, which brought Napoleon Bonaparte to power. He briefly served as interim president of the French Republic in 1800, after the resignation of Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès.

After his resignation from the Directory, Ducos retired from politics and dedicated himself to his legal practice. He died in Ulm, Germany in 1816.

During his early career, Roger Ducos worked as a prosecutor and a judge. He also authored several books on law and published a legal journal. He showed great diligence in meeting his responsibilities as a Director, but he did not have the political or military skills necessary for governing France during the tumultuous times of the Revolution. After the coup d'état in 1799, Napoleon appointed Ducos as a senator, a position he held until his retirement. His legal expertise, combined with his loyalty to Napoleon, earned him the respect of the emperor. Ducos was married twice and had several children. One of his sons, Charles Ducos, also became a statesman in France.

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Jean Baptiste Treilhard

Jean Baptiste Treilhard (January 3, 1742 Brive-la-Gaillarde-December 1, 1810 Paris) was a French judge.

He was also a member of the National Convention during the French Revolution, where he played a prominent role in the trial and execution of King Louis XVI. Treilhard was later elected as a member of the Council of Five Hundred and the Tribunate, and in 1801 he was appointed as a member of the French Consulate. As a judge, he was known for his moderate and just approach to the law, and he was highly respected for his impartiality. In addition to his legal career, Treilhard was also a well-respected poet and essayist. He died in Paris at the age of 68.

Treilhard was trained as a lawyer and was well known for his legal scholarship, having published several notable works on the subject. During the Reign of Terror, he narrowly escaped execution and was forced to go into hiding. After the fall of Robespierre, Treilhard resumed his political career and became a prominent figure in Napoleonic France. He was appointed to the Council of State and helped draft the Code Civil, which would become the basis of French civil law. Treilhard was also known for his opposition to Napoleon’s attempts to establish a hereditary monarchy, and he consistently advocated for a more democratic government in France. Despite his disagreements with Napoleon, Treilhard was never exiled and remained a respected figure in French politics until his death.