Isabelle Aubret
Early Life
Isabelle Aubret was born on 27 July 1938 in Lille, France. Her birth name was Thérèse Coquerelle. Her parents were working-class people, her father was a miner and her mother was a seamstress. She grew up in a family of seven children in a mining town in northern France. She started singing at a young age and showed a natural talent for music.
Career
Aubret started her singing career in the late 1950s. She first gained recognition in 1961 when she won the Eurovision Song Contest representing France with the song "Un premier amour" (A First Love). This victory catapulted her to fame in France and across Europe.
Throughout the 1960s, Aubret released several successful albums and singles. She worked with some of the most renowned French songwriters of the time, including Jean Ferrat and Jacques Brel. She became known for her distinctive voice and her ability to convey deep emotion through her performances.
In 1968, Aubret represented France again in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "La source" (The Source). She finished in third place, but the song became one of her most popular hits.
In the 1970s, Aubret continued to release albums and perform in concerts. She also began to branch out into acting, appearing in several French films and television shows.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Aubret's career slowed down, but she continued to perform and release new music. She also became involved in various charitable causes, particularly those related to children and the environment.
In the 2000s, Aubret made a comeback with several successful albums and concert tours. She continues to perform and record music to this day.
Personal Life
Aubret has been married twice. Her first marriage was to her manager, Claude Lubszynski, in 1965. They divorced in 1976. She later married her long-time partner, Jean-Louis Bianco, in 1987. She has no children.
Aubret is known for her strong political beliefs. She is a committed socialist and has been involved in various political causes throughout her career. She is also a passionate environmentalist and has worked on several campaigns to protect the environment.
Legacy
Aubret is considered one of the great divas of French chanson. Her distinctive voice and emotional performances have made her a beloved figure in French music. She has been awarded several prestigious awards for her contributions to music, including the Legion of Honour, France's highest civilian award.