Léger briefly taught Gainsbourg, before he turned to music. He became Vian’s protégé — they met while Gainsbourg was working as a piano-player in a bar. Under Vian’s influence, he stirred together Baudelairean poetry and oblique jazz in the vein of chanson. Gréco invited the young Gainsbourg to write for her — several hits resulted. Brel, originally met while both were touring a popular stage-show, suggested he sing his compositions more himself, rather than writing for others.