Gilbert Becaud French singer, composer, pianist and actor Date of Birth: 24.10.1927 Country: France

Biography of Gilbert Bécaud

Gilbert Bécaud, born François Gilbert Léopold Silly, was a French singer, composer, pianist, and actor. He was born on October 24, 1927, in Toulon, France. Bécaud learned to play the piano at a young age and later attended the conservatory in Nice. However, in 1942, he left his studies to join the French Resistance during World War II.

In 1948, after meeting Maurice Vidalin, Bécaud started composing songs. Inspired by Vidalin, he began writing for Marie Bizet, forming a talented trio that performed until 1950. During his tours with Jacques Pills, Bécaud met Édith Piaf, who encouraged him to start singing. In 1953, he performed his first songs, "Mes Mains" and "Les Croix."

Bécaud's popularity grew, and he became known for hits such as "La Corrida," "Le Jour où la Pluie Viendra," and "C'est Merveilleux L'amour." In 1956, he made his film debut in the fantasy film "Le Pays D'où Je Viens." His first English hit, a cover of Jane Morgan's "Le Jour où la Pluie Viendra" titled "The Days The Rains Came," was released in 1958. Two years later, his composition "Je t'appartiens" was adapted into the English version "Let It Be Me" and became a hit for the Everly Brothers.

Bécaud earned the nickname "Monsieur 100,000 Volts" for his energetic performances. He was known for his signature dark blue suits, white shirts, and his "lucky tie" with blue and white polka dots. When asked to reveal the secret of his talent, Bécaud responded with a poetic answer: "A flower does not understand botany."

In 1961, Bécaud created and recorded "Et Maintenant," one of the best-selling singles in French history. In its English version, "What Now My Love," the song became a hit for Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and others. Bécaud continued to compose pop hits, including "Crois-moi ça durera" and "Tu le Regretteras," after writing the opera "L'opéra d'Aran."

Marlene Dietrich recorded his song "Marie, Marie" and performed it in her shows. In 1968, the American Broadcasting Company featured Bécaud in a half-hour color program, where he performed "Mademoiselle Lise," "Nathalie," and "The Day The Rains Came." He also performed a duet with Inge Brück on the song "Sand and Sea." The show also included performances by João Gilberto, Lill Lindfors, and Hans Koller.

In the 1970s, Bécaud focused more on touring than recording. He performed at the Golden Orpheus Festival in Bulgaria in June 1971 and appeared in several films. In 1973, Bécaud announced a break due to severe fatigue, and a year later, he was honored as a Knight of the Legion of Honor in France.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Bécaud released various compilations and continued to tour occasionally. He passed away from cancer on December 18, 2001, at the age of 75 in his houseboat on the Seine River. His music publisher, BMG, released a comprehensive collection of his songs, featuring around 450 compositions.