Charles Aznavour
Charles Aznavour (1924–2018) was a French-Armenian singer, songwriter and actor whose songs, including La Bohème, Hier encore and She, live on through archival releases and new interpretations.
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Latest
Charles’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Overview
- Born
- May 22, 1924 · Paris, France
- Died
- October 1, 2018 · Mouriès, France
- Roots
- French-Armenian
- Work
- Singer, songwriter and actor
- Early hit
- Sur ma vie · 1955
Mini bio
How it started.
Born in Paris to Armenian immigrant parents, Charles grew up around performance. He made his stage debut in 1933 as a dancer at the Théâtre du Petit Monde, then developed a singing partnership with pianist Pierre Roche.
Finding his voice.
His songs found listeners before his solo performances did. A publishing contract with Raoul Breton led to work for singers including Gilbert Bécaud, Juliette Gréco and Édith Piaf. Sur ma vie became an early hit in 1955. By 1963, he was performing at Carnegie Hall.
Songs with a point of view.
La Bohème and Hier encore became lasting parts of his repertoire. In 1972, Comme ils disent approached homosexuality with seriousness and empathy. She reached number one in Britain in 1974 and stayed there for four weeks.
Beyond the stage.
He played the pianist Charlie in François Truffaut’s Shoot the Piano Player. After Armenia’s 1988 earthquake, he helped organize relief through Aznavour for Armenia. He died in 2018; the foundation he co-founded with his son Nicolas continues his humanitarian and cultural work.
Creditschronological, newest first
Music
- 2025Les plus belles chansonsPosthumous compilation artist
- 1974SheSinger and composer; English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
- 1965La BohèmeSinger and composer; lyrics by Jacques Plante
- 1964Hier encoreSinger-songwriter
Film
- 1960Shoot the Piano PlayerCharlie Koller / Edouard Saroyan
Awards
Quotes
Very soon, because I couldn’t find the right writers for me.Charles Aznavour, Billboard interview, October 12, 1996
Asked when he began writing his own lyrics, he explained that he and Pierre Roche needed material for their duo.
Trivia
- He sold newspapers to help pay for music and theatre classes.
- He learned languages before touring so audiences could understand his lyrics.
- He co-founded the Aznavour Foundation with his son Nicolas in 2016.
Find Charles
Explore his recordings and follow the official channels keeping his music in view.
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