Édith Piaf

Edith Piaf (December 19, 1915 - October 11, 1963), singer.

Born Edith Giovanna Gassion in Paris, she was a street singer from the age of 15 who would become France's most beloved singer.

In 1935, Edith was discovered by a nightclub owner whose club was frequented by the upper and lower classes alike. He convinced Edith to sing despite her extreme nervousness, and gave her the nickname that would stay with her for the rest of her life: La Mome Piaf (The Little Sparrow). From this she took her stage name. In 1940 Jean Cocteau wrote the enormously successful "Le Bel Indifferent" for her to star in.

The product of a mother who worked as a cafe singer and father who was a well-known acrobat, her childhood and adult life was filled with tragedy. Edith Piaf’s music reflected her life, her specialty was the poignant ballad, and soon all of Paris was talking about the waif with the heartbreaking voice. She began to make friends with famous people, such as the actor Maurice Chevalier and the poet Jacques Borgeat.

She wrote her signature song, La Vie en Rose in the middle of the German Occupation in World War II. While the Germans occupied Paris, she was in great demand and very successful. Today, her association with the French Resistance is well known and many owe their lives to her as a result. After the war, Edith toured Europe, the United States, and South America, becoming an internationally known figure.

Edith Piaf helped launch the career of Charles Aznavour, taking him on tour with her in France and to the United Statesa.

In early 1963, Edith recorded her last song, L’homme de Berlin.

She died on October 11, 1963 and is buried in the Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris.

There is a museum dedicated to Piaf, the Musée Edith Piaf at 5, rue Crespin du Gast , 75011 Paris.