LEO FERRÉ

Date and place of birth

24 August 1916, Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Date and place of death

14 July 1993 (76 years), Castellina-in-Chianti, Italy

Biography

A musician, originally from Monaco, a recognised master of French music, one of the great chansonniers. He left behind a legacy of more than 260 original songs and music for more than

130 classic texts of French poetry – verses by Baudelaire, Rimbaud and Aragon. Ferré recorded his first song in 1950 – it was the famous La Vie d'artiste. He later performed the equally famous hits Paris canaille, Jolie Môme and many others. Leo Ferré is labelled an anarchist, rebel and the most complex and ambiguous in the famous trio of authors, composers and performers BrassansBrel-Ferret, who became the symbol of an era in French song. Ferré spent most of his life outside Monaco, nevertheless, there is a concert hall in the principality which bears the name of the famous musician. He died in Italy but was buried in his homeland. For Ferré, Monaco was the place where he spent his childhood and where he spent his happiest years.