Profession: singer

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.

Gréco, a great admirer, sang several concerts with him; the previous year he had sung live on radio with his childhood idol, Trenet. He wrote songs for a film directed by Clair, based on a novel by his friend René Fallet, and played a small part in it (a character remarkably like him). He set words by his friend Fort to music, among other poets. He visited the octogenarian Mac Orlan, and said that he gave memories to people who hadn’t any. Brel was a close friend; they took part in a three-way radio interview with Ferré (the only time all three met), legendary in chanson circles.