Lys Assia
Early Life
Lys Assia was born Rosa Mina Schärer on March 3, 1924, in Rupperswil, Aargau, Switzerland. She was the youngest of twelve children in a poor family. Her father was a baker, and her mother was a housewife. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in music and singing, which was encouraged by her parents.
Career
Assia started her singing career at the age of 16 when she moved to Zurich to study music. She began performing in various cabaret shows and quickly gained popularity due to her unique voice and charismatic stage presence. In 1940, she adopted the stage name "Lys Assia" and started recording songs in German, French, Italian, and English.
In the 1950s, Assia's career took a significant turn when she won the first-ever Eurovision Song Contest in 1956 with her song "Refrain". This victory catapulted her to international fame, and she became a household name in Europe. She represented Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest two more times, in 1957 and 1958, but did not win.
Throughout her career, Assia worked with many famous composers and musicians, such as Michel Legrand and Charles Aznavour. She released numerous albums and singles, many of which became hits in various European countries. Her most popular songs include "Oh Mein Papa", "Das alte Karussell", and "Giorgio".
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring from music in the 1990s, Assia dedicated her time to philanthropy. She established the Lys Assia Foundation, which supports various charitable causes, including children's hospitals and music education programs.
Assia passed away on March 24, 2018, at the age of 94. Her legacy lives on through her music and her contributions to the Eurovision Song Contest. She is remembered as one of the pioneers of European pop music and a trailblazer for female artists.
