France Gall
Early Life and Career
France Gall was born on October 9, 1947, in Paris, France. Her father, Robert Gall, was a lyricist, and her mother, Cécile Berthier, was a singer. Gall's musical talent was evident from an early age, and she began her professional singing career at the age of 16 with the hit song "Ne sois pas si bête," which sold 200,000 copies.
In 1965, Gall won the Eurovision representing Luxembourg with the song "Poupée de cire, poupée de son," written by Serge Gainsbourg. This victory catapulted her to international fame, and she became one of the most popular female singers in France.
Musical Style and Influence
Gall's music is often associated with the yé-yé genre, a style of pop music that emerged in France in the early 1960s. Her songs, many of which were written by Gainsbourg, are known for their catchy melodies and clever lyrics. Gall's innocent image and youthful energy made her a perfect fit for the yé-yé style, and she became one of its most iconic figures.
Despite her association with yé-yé, Gall's music evolved over the course of her career. In the 1970s, she began working with French singer-songwriter Michel Berger, who became her husband. Berger wrote many of Gall's most successful songs, including "Ella, elle l'a" and "Babacar," which showcased a more mature and sophisticated musical style.
Personal Life
Gall married Berger in 1976, and they had two children together. Their daughter, Pauline, died of cystic fibrosis in 1997 at the age of 19. Berger died of a heart attack in 1992. After Berger's death, Gall largely withdrew from public life, although she did release a few albums and performed occasionally.
Gall was known for her philanthropy. She established the France Gall Foundation in 1997 to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research and to support families affected by the disease.
Death and Legacy
Gall died on January 7, 2018, at the age of 70. Her death was widely mourned in France and around the world. She is remembered as one of France's most beloved singers, and her music continues to be popular today.