Charles Aznavour
Charles Aznavour
Charles Aznavour (May 22, 1924 – October 1, 2018) was a French-Armenian singer, songwriter, actor, and diplomat. He was one of the most popular singers in France and was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to tell stories through his songs. Aznavour wrote over 1,000 songs, many of which became hits for himself and other artists. He also appeared in over 60 films, including Shoot the Piano Player (1960) and Ararat (2002).
Aznavour was born in Paris to Armenian immigrants. He began singing at a young age and made his professional debut in 1941. He quickly gained popularity in France and became a household name in the 1950s. In the 1960s, Aznavour began to achieve international success, particularly in the United States and Canada. He toured extensively throughout the world and sold over 100 million records.
Aznavour was known for his powerful voice and his ability to convey emotion through his songs. He often sang about love, loss, and social issues. His most famous songs include "La Bohème", "She", "Yesterday When I Was Young", and "Les Enfants de la Terre".
Aznavour was also a successful actor. He appeared in over 60 films and television shows, including Shoot the Piano Player (1960), Ararat (2002), and The Cardinal (1963). He often played characters who were struggling with personal or social problems.
In addition to his music and acting career, Aznavour was also a diplomat. He was appointed Armenia's ambassador to Switzerland in 2009 and served until his death in 2018. He was also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and a member of the French Academy of Arts.
Aznavour was a prolific artist who made a significant contribution to French and international culture. He was one of the most popular singers in France and was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to tell stories through his songs. Aznavour also had a successful acting career and was a diplomat. He was a respected figure in the world of music, film, and diplomacy.
Awards and Honors
Aznavour received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including:
- Legion of Honour (France)
- National Order of Merit (France)
- Order of Arts and Letters (France)
- Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance (1975)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (1980)
- César Award for Best Actor (1980)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program (1985)
- Polar Music Prize (Sweden)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy (2011)
