This week seems to have had some notable losses in the music world so far. We lost Ray Manczarek of the Doors earlier in the week, and now we have lost another legend with a musical career that spanned decades.
Very famous and popular French singer Georges Moustaki died yesterday in Nice, at the age of 79.
Moustaki was born in Egypt, but moved to France when he was still a teenager. He was born Giuseppe Mustacchi, but changed his name, taking "Georges" as his first name to honor legendary French singer Georges Brassens. He was a very gifted musician with a charming style about him, a distinctive voice, and a unique approach to music. His very bushy beard made him instantly identifiable, as well.
He wrote the lyrics of a song on a paper napkin for Edith Piaf in 1959. That became the huge international hit, "Milord".
Many of his songs addressed issues and concerns that were very important to him, and resonated with people who felt the same way.
His solo career, which took off in the 1960's, when he represented the free-spirit of the age, ended in 2009, when he quit for health reasons, as he suffered from an irreversible bronchial illness. During his prolific career, he collaborated with some very notable musicians, including Piaf, Yves Montant, Juliet Greco, and Pia Columba. For his own musical works, he sang in numerous languages.
Praise has been pouring in from many people, including fellow musicians, and even some government officials.
Moustaki will be buried in Paris's legendary Pere-Lachaise cemetery.
Rest in peace, Georges Moustaki.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2013/05/23/186323043/georges-moustaki-who-wrote-songs-for-edith-piaf-dies
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/23/georges-moustaki-singer-edith-piaf-dies
http://www.dw.de/georges-moustaki-french-singer-dies/a-16831985
Yes, sad losses indeed. I've been a fan of Moustaki's music going back to childhood. "Voyage" is perhaps my favorite, but he had so many beautiful songs. As for Ray Manzarek, although I was admittedly never as into the Doors as some of their sixties contemporaries (Beatles, Stones, Hendrix, etc), they had some brilliant stuff. I'm especially fond of Manzarek's harpsichord playing right after Jim Morrison's rant in "The Soft Parade". RIP to both of them.
ReplyDeleteTwo musical legends were lost this week, for sure...
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