Johnny Hallyday French actor, singer and composer Date of Birth: 15.06.1943 Country: France

Content:

1. Biography of Johnny Hallyday
2. Early Life
3. Early Career
4. Rise to Fame
5. In March 1960, his first record is released.
6. In January 1961, he forms his first band, the "Golden Strings."
7. In October 1962, his second performance at Olympia.
8. In December 1965, Sylvie becomes pregnant.
9. A dark period for Johnny.
10. In May 1968, France is paralyzed, but Johnny is in Saint-Tropez.
11. In June 1969, he shoots the film "L'Expert."
12. In November 1970, he shoots the film "Point de chute."
13. Sensitive disagreement with Sylvie.
14. In July 1973, they go on tour together.
15. The end of 1980, Johnny is alone.
16. In April 1981, he travels to the Seychelles with Babette Etienne.
17. On December 1, 1981, he marries Babette in Beverly Hills.
18. From January to March 1980, he goes on tour in France.
19. This is the disco era, and Johnny fully immerses himself in it.
20. The end of January: rumors of Johnny's kidnapping.
21. The end of 1984, he is in France.
22. In March 1985, he goes on a tour in France.
23. In September 1990, he celebrates his 30th Olympia.

Biography of Johnny Hallyday

French actor, singer, and composer Johnny Hallyday (real name Jean-Philippe Smet) was born in Paris. He spent his childhood in the 9th district of Paris. From a young age, Jean-Philippe was fascinated by America, westerns, and rock 'n' roll.

Early Life

On the morning of June 15, 1943, Yvette Cler gave birth to a baby boy named Jean-Philippe at the Villa Marie Louise clinic. His father, Leon Smet, who was often absent, finally left the family in September 1944, completing the necessary formalities for Jean-Philippe to carry the surname Smet. In war-torn Paris, where Nazis ruled the streets, life seemed to be against this newborn child...

In January 1944, Helen Mar, his father's older sister, saved young Jean-Philippe. She instilled in him, as she did with her own children Dester and Menen, a passion for show business.

Early Career

In the spring of 1949, Jean-Philippe meets Lee Ketcham, who joins the Mar family much to their delight. Lee, who came from the United States, had the manners of a true cowboy. He would play the role of Jean-Philippe's adoptive father, brother, and trusted companion.

In 1952, after his cousin Menen left the family ship to live life with an American singer, Dester and Lee form a duo called "Hallidays" (with an "i") and achieve triumph in Europe with their spectacular performance. Jean-Philippe then returns to Paris for a while with his aunt, where he takes guitar, singing, and dancing lessons.

In 1954, he is selected as an extra in the film "Diabolique" directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and starring Michel Serrault and Michel Galabru.

In June 1956, a memorable date for Jean-Philippe as he takes his first steps on stage. At 13 years old, he almost died of fear before facing the audience. Remembering his family's motto, "Rather die than stop," he nervously sings four famous songs: "Le petit cheval blanc" by Georges Brassens, "Les cavaliers du ciel," "Davy Crockett," and "L'abeille et le papillon" by Henri Salvador.

Living in a small apartment, the Hallyday family decides to settle down in Paris in 1957. At the end of 1957, their neighborhood sees the release of Elvis Presley's second film, "Loving You," which marks the appearance of this new rock king who caused a sensation overseas. It was a lightning strike, a revelation, a meeting with destiny...

Rise to Fame

In 1958/1959, Jean-Philippe meets Christian Blondieau, also known as Long Chris, an old friend who introduces him to Henri Leprou, the founder of the "Golf Drouot" youth club, which became the only rock bastion in those years. Long Chris also introduces him to "Schmoll" Claude Moine (later known as Eddy Mitchell), who was already known for his records during the boom. In this year, all the cabarets in Paris refuse to invite him, not even allowing him to finish a song. They boo him, insult him, and no one wants to listen to him. It was at "Astor," a tavern on Boulevard Montmartre, that he began to rebel in the crowd, and hope takes over. He needed a name, and that's when Johnny Hallyday (initially spelled Halliday, with an "i") was born. On December 30, he sang, surprised, and attracted attention on the radio show "Paris Cocktail." Two songwriter-poets, Gilles and Jean, offered him the opportunity to collaborate.

In February 1960, after negotiations and auditions at Vogue, he records his first 45 rpm record. Four songs: "T'aimer follement," "Oh oh baby," "Laisse les filles," and "J'étais fou." Before seeing the disc, Johnny sees the advertising and notices an error in the spelling of his name. They replaced the "i" with a "y." From now on, Hallyday is spelled with two "y's."

In March 1960, his first record is released.

In April 1960, on the Europe 1 program, music editor and host Lucien Moris breaks his record and announces on air: "You will hear Johnny Hallyday for the first and last time in your life." He was terribly wrong.

On April 17, Eddie Cochran, one of Johnny's favorite singers, dies in a car accident.

On April 18, the dancer who Lina Reno was supposed to introduce on the show "Ecole des stars" falls ill. Eme Mortimer, the show's producer, calls Vogue's artistic director, who introduces Johnny to take the place of the sick dancer. Thus, on April 18, Johnny, terrified, is handed over to Lina Reno and Eme Mortimer as a young debutant.

After his appearance on the show, the sales of his record jump from 30,000 to 100,000 copies.

In May 1960, he records his second 45 rpm with "Souvenirs souvenirs," "Je cherche une fille," "Je suis mordu," and "Pourquoi cet amour."

Meanwhile, Jacques Wolfson, the artistic director of Vogue, finds an impresario: Georges Leroux.

In July 1960, he signs a contract with the "Vieux Colombier," where he truly learns the stage.

In September 1960, Leroux manages to secure an engagement for him, his third performance in the first part of Raymond Devos' show at the "Alhambra." After the first evening, Johnny attracts attention, and all the newspapers talk about him in harsh critical articles about his stage performances. However, he receives congratulations from Maurice Chevalier, and Raymond Devos takes him under his wing since the show was threatened with cancellation.

In January 1961, he forms his first band, the "Golden Strings."

In February 1961, he participates in the first rock festival at the Palais des Sports, where he comes on stage last when the pressure reached its peak. 5,000 people were waiting for him during the performance, and when he takes off his jacket and falls to his knees with a guitar on his back, the result is 700 broken chairs, five injured policemen, and 85 arrested.

After this outbreak, rock concerts were banned for many months. Johnny becomes a "phenomenon."

From February to July 1961, there is no longer any connection between Vogue and Johnny. They want to make him record as many records as possible, sacrificing quality. After an incredible story of leaving Vogue, he signs a contract with Barclay and enters the "stable" of Philips on July 19.

Not slowing down, he invites Johnny Stark to be his impresario. At Philips, the course changes, and professional recording is done in London.

In September 1961, his first performance at the Olympia. It was prepared by professional Charles Aznavour.

In January 1962, while coming to greet his friend Vince Taylor at the Olympia, he notices a charming blonde who is providing the curtain call. Her name is Sylvie Vartan.

In April 1962, he receives his first gold record for "Let's twist again."

In October 1962, his second performance at Olympia.

In January 1963, he records his biggest success of the 60s, "L'idole des jeunes."

In June 1963, on June 22, it is a night for the whole nation. A gathering organized by "Salut les copains" and "Europe 1," which was expected to attract 10,000 people, was attended by 200,000. In the electrified atmosphere, Johnny became the king of the celebration. Johnny and Sylvie's idyll continues.

In May 1964, he enlists in the army and is stationed in Trier, Germany.

In April 1965, on April 12, the most famous soldier in France marries Sylvie Vartan in Loconville. There are 3,000 fans and 250 journalists and photographers present. The 12-day leave allows them to get married and have a honeymoon in the Canary Islands.

In August 1965, on the 28th, he is demobilized. Released from military obligations, he resumes consecutive concerts, hitting the road again.

In November 1965, Johnny and Sylvie are presented to the Queen of England. They have a new performance at Olympia, and there are doubts about their ability to win an even wider audience.

In December 1965, Sylvie becomes pregnant.

In April 1966, the historical photograph for "Salut les copains," bringing together 47 beloved young French singers. During the first half of 1966, the tours continue at a frantic pace. Trips to Western European countries.

A dark period for Johnny.

In August 1966, on the 14th, he has a car accident while driving a Lamborghini, resulting in several injuries.

In September 1966, he shoots the film "Breakout." He experiences a slump, attempts suicide, and undergoes treatment. His duel with Antoine-Halliday, where Antoine wants to "lock up Johnny in a cage in Medrano," and Johnny responds with the hit "Cheveux longs et idées courtes."

In October 1966, the new Olympia, the first part featuring Jimmy Hendrix.

In December 1966, he shoots the film "Les Poupées" directed by Joël Le Moigné.

In the spring of 1968, he takes a trip with Sylvie to South America and the West Indies.

In May 1968, France is paralyzed, but Johnny is in Saint-Tropez.

In October 1968, after a summer tour in France, Johnny goes on tour in South Africa, where he breaks his leg.

At the end of 1968, he takes a forced break and goes on vacation with Sylvie in London.

In April 1969, the Palace of Sports: a show from the 21st century. Johnny celebrates ten years of his career with increasingly grandiose performances. To commemorate this occasion, the song "Que je t'aime" is written.

In June 1969, he shoots the film "L'Expert."

In February 1970, he has a car accident, breaking his nose, and Sylvie is injured and undergoes several months of surgery.

He meets Philippe Labro, who offers him the song "Jésus Christ." They will collaborate for eight years.

In April 1970, the song "Jésus Christ" is released on the Europe 1 program. Scandal! It is banned from the airwaves, but it reaches the top of the charts.

In November 1970, he shoots the film "Point de chute."

In January 1971, he embarks on a trip to the West Indies and Canada.

In June 1971, Johnny, Sylvie, and Lee Hallyday travel to the United States accompanied by François Reichenbach, who films the documentary "I Gave Everything, Johnny Hallyday."

In September 1971, he returns to the Palace of Sports, the usual madness of Hallyday, and the show knows no bounds. Michel Polnareff accompanies Johnny as a friend. During 1971, he shoots the film "L'aventure, c'est l'aventure."

In December 1971, the music magazine "Extra" names Johnny the number one French singer.

Sensitive disagreement with Sylvie.

The beginning of 1972, he meets Michel Mallory, who writes a desperate song for him, "Sauvez-moi." Their collaboration will last for eight years.

In July 1972, he departs for "Cirque Johnny" in Chantilly for an extraordinary tour. A childhood dream of travels turns into a financial failure: a huge big top and 114 staff members. The first part is provided by Nanette Workman, whom he met the previous year, and the band "Ange." It was an era when "high" was almost daily. The fatal connection with Nanette Workman in the rudeness of the 70s is one of the reasons for the eventual divorce.

The outcome of "Cirque Johnny": three years without the possibility of staging a real big show and a ruined personal life.

In December 1972, his aunt Helen Mar passes away, and Johnny is shaken as she was like a mother to him.

The beginning of 1973, Michel Mallory and Johnny write the key song for all his shows, "Toute la musique que j'aime."

In June 1973, after a year of living without Sylvie, they reconcile, and they record the duet "J'ai un problème."

On June 15, 1973, Johnny celebrates his 30th anniversary on stage at the "Golf Drouot."

In July 1973, they go on tour together.

In April 1974, they take a motorcycle trip through the eastern United States.

On June 15, 1980, Johnny celebrates his 37th birthday at "Martins" with 1,500 guests, but he ignores Sylvie and David, and rumors of their divorce circulate.

On June 22, 1980, Johnny and Sylvie sing together at the Liberation Day celebration.

On July 20 and August 23, 1980, in Orange and Beziers, Johnny and Sylvie perform together on stage.

On November 5, 1980, after two attempts at reconciliation, Johnny and Sylvie divorce. Despite their separation, they remain forever connected in the hearts of the French people.

The end of 1980, Johnny is alone.

On January 13, 1981, AFP announces Johnny's death, and France is shocked. The news reaches the Minister of the Interior before being debunked.

In April 1981, he travels to the Seychelles with Babette Etienne.

In May 1981, he is in Thailand with a young German woman named Sabrina.

On December 1, 1981, he marries Babette in Beverly Hills.

On June 15, 1981, his birthday is celebrated on RTL with Patrick Sabatier.

In 1981, two albums are released that do not contain strong songs. Johnny now works with Pierre Billon, saying hello to Michel Mallory! Johnny sees the film "Mad Max," which gives him the idea for a show.

In May 1982, preparations for the show "1 + 1," a special about Johnny Hallyday. He meets Natalie Bay on this show and collaborates with her on a sketch. Johnny falls in love with her.

From January to March 1980, he goes on tour in France.

In May 1982, he goes on a helicopter trip through the Colorado canyon with journalists.

Johnny celebrates his 35th birthday with Sylvie, and they go on tour in Tokyo. They meet again in August to celebrate Sylvie's birthday on stage, but they live apart.

This is the disco era, and Johnny fully immerses himself in it.

In August 1982, he receives the Grand Prix SACEM for "Elle m'oublie."

In January 1983, an exhibition "Johnny Hallyday" opens in Bordeaux, curated by Jacques Chaban Delmas. When the exhibition closed its doors, it had more visitors than all the museums in the city in the past five years.

The end of January: rumors of Johnny's kidnapping.

In April 1983, he goes on vacation in Martinique.

In May 1983, he spends two weeks in Los Angeles with Sylvie and David.

In September 1983, a show in Toulon at the Foch airport, a real ovation.

In October 1983, he celebrates 20 years of his career with a performance at the Paris Pavilion with the show "L'ange aux yeux de laser." There are numerous special effects and massive lighting expenses.

Johnny makes 250,000 people dream from October 28 to November 25. On the last evening, Eddie Mitchell, Sylvie Vartan, Gilbert Montagné, and, as a surprise, his son David on drums join him on stage.

The beginning of 1984, he meets Coluche. From January to March 1984, he goes on a tour of France.

In May 1984, he attends Eddie Mitchell and Muriel's wedding by helicopter.

On June 15, 1984, Johnny celebrates his 40th birthday with a concert at Parc de Sceaux.

The end of 1984, he is in France.

In January 1985, he records an album in Los Angeles titled "Rock 'n' Roll Attitude."

In March 1985, he goes on a tour in France.

In April 1985, he goes on vacation in Australia.
In September 1985, he celebrates his 20th Olympia.
In December 1985, he records an album in Memphis.
In January 1986, he goes on a tour in France.

In February 1988, he performs at Bercy for the first time, a consecration.

In September 1990, he celebrates his 30th Olympia.

In 2000, he celebrates his 40th anniversary on stage with a concert at Parc des Princes.

In 2017, after a long and successful career, Johnny Hallyday passes away, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest French musical icons.

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