He could have been born in Georgia - his father lived there. Or in Turkey, in Istanbul, where the parents met and got married. His homeland could well be the Greek Thessaloniki, where the family found its first refuge, fleeing the Turkish genocide, and where his sister Aida was born. In the end, our hero could be born in the United States - emigrants from all over the world have always strived to this "promised land". Misha and Knar Aznavourian - a singer and dramatic actress - were no exception, they were going to America, but while waiting for an American visa, they settled in Paris. Yes, they stayed in this city. Here in May 1924 their son, Charles Aznavour, was born. Although he will become Aznavour much later.

Armenian-French singer

Paris

The parents decided to give their son Armenian name: Shahnur Vahinag, but the Parisian official filling out the metrics could not even pronounce these combinations of letters, unusual for the French ear. In order not to complicate the boy's life, they began to call him Charles.

At the age of five, he had already earned his first fee. That year Charles was bought a violin. But it soon became clear that he would never become a famous violinist. However, the boy spent hours hanging out on the street and, putting the case on the ground, diligently moved the bow along the strings. Surprisingly, passers-by generously paid for such a concert - coins fell into the case. Upon learning of this, the angry father found the "musician" at the crime scene. Grabbed both him and the violin under the arm,

and delivered home. Charles asked for forgiveness, but he could not hide his joy: an impressive handful of coins pulled his pocket. Aznavuryan Sr. at that time of his life worked at the Kavkaz restaurant with his father. But he had to leave from there - relations with his stepmother did not work out in any way.

Soon, in the Latin Quarter, he opened his own institution, under the same name "Caucasus". Misha Aznavuryan had a pleasant baritone voice, he himself sang Black Eyes or Curly Forelock. In addition, a big fan of Hungarian music, he hired an orchestra of 12 Hungarian gypsies. In general, it can be argued that Charles and Aida were brought up in a creative environment, surrounded by artists who willingly visited the restaurant. Things were going well, customers poured into the Caucasus. These were primarily Russians, yearning for their national dishes, Armenians, who adored Mishino's singing, as well as poor students, who grew in number every day, as a rumor spread throughout the Latin Quarter: if you don't have a penny." The hall was full, but the box office, as a rule, was empty. The Aznavourians suffered losses. Then the world economic crisis broke out, the restaurant had to be closed.

Charles Aznavour during the filming of The Truth About Charlie (2002). Photo: East News

Aznavuryan Sr. got a job as a manager of a small cafe. Across the street from him was a school organized by the actor Comédie Francaise for children employed in theatrical performances. “My father was a singer, and my sister and I were accepted there,” Charles recalled. - If rehearsals were scheduled in the morning, then the lessons began in the evening. And if in the evening it was necessary to play performances, then we went to school in the morning. Charles was 9 years old when he was accepted into the Theater

Little People." He participated in studio productions on the Champs Elysees, at the Madeleine Theatre. Thus began the career of Charles Aznavour - a singer, composer, actor. “A career is being made,” he will say in an interview. As if it was so easy for him to succeed, as if he had not been booed by the Parisian public for several years when he tried to sing his songs, and then went backstage in deathly silence, under the sound of their own heels. He shortened not only the surname, but also the nose. Edith Piaf advised to see a plastic surgeon. But that didn't work either. But Aznavour did not give up, year after year he proved to himself and others that he was capable of something. Everything changed with three concerts in the Pakra Music Hall, where the audience listened to Charles in silence, not a single chair creaked, and when he finished, there was a storm of applause. It was a victory, followed by a contract for performances at the Moulin Rouge and Olympia, tours abroad, a suit ordered from Thad Lapidus, and an American car to make enemies burst with envy, and on Navarren Street, where the family then lived everyone was amazed. Paris became not only the city in which Aznavour was born and raised, Paris glorified him.

Charles Aznavour. Photo: East News

Provence

Charles Aznavour does not like to advertise his personal life. He explains: “Not because I am hiding or hiding something. There's just not much to hide." He was married three times family happiness acquired only in the third marriage with the Swede Ursula Trysel - Ulla, as she is called in the family. They have three children Katya - a singer, performs with her father as a backing vocalist. Misha is a writer, actor and musician. Younger son Nicolas is a biologist. There is a grandson and a granddaughter. For my big family the maestro bought a house in the town of Mouriez, in Provence. Every year, he comes here for the summer. His sister, Misha and Nikolai with

wife. At some point, the whole family gathers in the house. Except Ulla. As a true Swede, she does not like warm countries. He prefers to rest in his homeland. “We have been living together for 50 years, but everyone has their own little life. It's not that much fun to live with someone who constantly writes, because I work all day. But in general, a good family is the main thing in life, ”says Aznavour.

The house is not God knows what mansions, but there is enough space for everyone. Includes 3 Chihuahuas and 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. There is a large garden planted with olive trees. In the office of the great chansonnier, a lot reminds of his roots - ancient Armenian musical instrument, inherited from his father, family photos, even brandy on the bar - Armenian.

Charles Aznavour. Photo: East News

Yerevan

He likes to repeat: “France is my country. Armenia is my faith.” However, Aznavour discovered his historical homeland rather late. He first came to Armenia only in 1963. Then he met his grandmother - the mother of his father, who lived in a small apartment in Yerevan. According to the singer destructive earthquake In 1988, what happened in Spitak turned his life upside down. “I realized what our people, our roots need. The Armenian diaspora, living outside its homeland, has done a lot and continues to do for Armenia.” Charles Aznavour organized a relief fund, and then the Aznavour and Armenia Association, of which he is still president. A year after the disaster, the singer came to Armenia to

support those affected by natural disasters. Millions of copies of the disc with his song "For you, Armenia" were instantly sold out. All proceeds went to the relief fund. In 2008, Charles Aznavour accepted the citizenship of Armenia. As a token of gratitude and love for his great compatriot, in 2010, the House-Museum of the artist was opened in Yerevan. The five-storey building is located on the uppermost tier of the Yerevan Cascade, from where a magnificent view of the entire city and Mount Ararat opens. About 1.3 million euros were spent on the construction from the state budget of Armenia. However, the singer chose and paid for the furnishings of the house himself. It took some time to resolve the issue of transporting here the personal belongings of the chansonnier, which are of museum value. In addition to exposure, dedicated to creativity and the life of Aznavour, the house includes a concert hall under open sky, designed for 120-150 spectators, as well as the residence of Charles Aznavour. Here he can receive his guests, relax. His CDs, books, albums, awards, including orders received by the singer in different years at various prestigious music festivals, are also stored here. There are photographs and posters almost everywhere.

Charles Aznavour takes part in the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 (2015). Photo: East News

Moscow

“I feel, of course, an Armenian, because I grew up in an Armenian family, but in the same way I feel Russian, because I lived in the Russian-speaking world as a child and I am always ready to say “Spasibo bolshoe!” to fate for this,” says Charles Aznavour. He has repeatedly visited Russia with performances and always at his concerts -

full house. It is unlikely that in any other country in the world Maestro Aznavour has such devoted fans as in ours. An example of this is the story that took place in April this year. It began in the Moscow metro, when a journalist accidentally drew attention to an ordinary Moscow grandmother. She stood at the newsstand and did not take her eyes off the poster of the concert of Charles Aznavour. We got talking. Grandmother Lida admitted that she was a longtime fan of the singer, she even sang a few verses while the journalist filmed her on mobile phone. The recording has gone viral. The touching story about grandmother Lida was retold to Aznavour and he invited her to his concert. After the concert, I met her backstage, gave her a huge bouquet of roses.

Charles Aznavour at a press conference in Moscow (2014). Photo: East News

Lausanne

Charles Aznavour has been a Swiss citizen for many years, since 1976 he has been living in Lausanne. Says he would never have left France if he hadn't been "pushed out". The singer was accused of fraud. “All the newspapers wrote about it. Nobody wanted to do business with me. Then, when the charges were dropped, not a single newspaper, not a single journalist apologized to me.” But, as they say, there is no evil without good. Switzerland has low taxes, unlike France. "Stop singing for the IRS," Aznavour said after being forced to pay more than 70 percent of his earnings. Now he has a beautiful villa, located above the lake near Lausanne. He returns there after world tours. There his wife Ulla is waiting for him.

Charles Aznavour with the Ambassador of Armenia arrived to light a flame on the tomb of the unknown soldier under triumphal arch April 24, 2010 during a ceremony marking the 95th anniversary of the Ottoman-era massacres of Armenians. Photo: East News

French singer Charles Aznavour.

Charles Aznavour (real name - Shanur Varinag Aznavourian) was born on May 22, 1924 in Paris into an Armenian family. His parents moved from Turkey to France in 1915 after the events connected with the Armenian genocide.

With early childhood Aznavour spoke to the public - in a restaurant of Caucasian cuisine, which was opened by his parents. He read poetry, sang and played the violin, and at the age of nine he was accepted into the troupe of one of the Parisian theaters. During the Second World War, he took part in the resistance movement, and in 1947 he began his career as a singer (chansonnier).

At first, both the audience and the critics were extremely unfriendly towards the young performer. Creativity Aznavour received recognition only 10 years later, largely due to the support of Edith Piaf, who at that time was at the height of her fame. According to Aznavour himself, he learned from her everything that can be learned about the art of chansonnier.

Chansonnier

He performed his songs not only in French, but also in English, Spanish and Italian. In 1964, Aznavour organized the first world tour, which included Turkey, Lebanon, Greece and the USSR, and has been constantly touring ever since. I have repeatedly visited Russia (the last time was in April 2018).

It is generally accepted that the singer made a real revolution in the French music scene. Aznavour turned all his songs into mini-performances, while he could perform the same song several times in a row in different ways, changing intonations, gestures and general mood. In addition, he popularized the duo genre. Aznavour performed with more than 50 celebrities, including Mireille Mathieu and Liza Minnelli.

Charles Aznavour has more than 1.3 thousand songs on his account. They were performed by Ray Charles, Liza Minnelli, Fred Astaire and many other famous artists.

In 1998, he was recognized as the best pop singer of the 20th century by Time magazine and CNN. In France, he was called the "Napoleon of chanson". The total number of albums sold exceeded 1.8 million.

Theater and cinema

In 1965, Aznavour staged his first musical "Monsieur Carnival" on the Parisian stage, in which one of his most famous songs, "La Boheme", was performed. This was followed by an operetta and a musical dedicated to French artist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec (2000).

Since 1955, Charles Aznavour has successfully acted in films with such directors as Rene Clair, Francois Truffaut, Claude Lelouch. In 1960, he received a prize at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in André Caillat's Tomorrow is My Turn. The most famous films with his participation: "Shoot the pianist", "The Devil and the Ten Commandments", "The Tin Drum", "The Hatter's Ghosts", "Edith and Marcel". In total, he played more than 70 roles.

In some films, Aznavour acted as a screenwriter.

Author of books

Charles Aznavour was also recognized as a writer. His first literary experience was his travel diary in Spain, then in 1991 he published a collection of song lyrics and short prose called "A Word for a Poster", in 2003 a book of memoirs "Time of the Frontiers" was published, and in October 2005 a collection of short stories was published. "Pictures of my life". Subsequently, seven more books were published, including an autobiographical novel.

Other activities

In 1991, Aznavour acquired the rights to publish many popular French songs, including recordings by Edith Piaf. Since then, he has successfully invested in show business.
Aznavour actively participated in charity events for various regions of the world, but considered the assistance to Armenia as the main project. He started doing this work after the earthquake in Spitak in 1988. Then he founded the charitable association Aznavour for Armenia.

He was the Honorary Ambassador-at-Large of Armenia on issues humanitarian action, Permanent Delegate of Armenia to UNESCO. After he was granted citizenship of Armenia in December 2008, he was the permanent representative of this country to the UN Office and other organizations in Geneva and at the same time the Ambassador of Armenia to Switzerland.

Awards

Aznavour's activities are marked by many high awards. Among them are the French Orders of the Legion of Honor and "For Merit", as well as the film award "Cesar". In 2004, Armenia awarded him the title of National Hero.

In January 2009, the chansonnier was awarded a special award of the International Recording and Music Market for an "impressive professional career", in April 2012 - an award from the Tree of Life Charitable Foundation for the Revival of the National, Cultural and Spiritual Heritage (CIS).

Personal Information

For a long time he lived in Switzerland, also owned houses in France, Morocco and other countries.

He first married in 1946, his wife was Micheline Rugel. The family had a daughter Seda (1947) and a son Charles (1952). In 1955, Evelina Plesis became his wife, in this marriage a son, Patrick, was born (1956). Since 1967 he has been married to Swede Ulla Türsel. The family has a daughter Katya (1969), sons Misha (1972) and Nicolas (1977).

Charles Aznavour has long been recognized throughout the world as the best pop performer of the past century. Chansonnier performs his own works and also composes songs for other singers. In total, about a thousand song compositions created by Aznavour are known. Disks with his recordings are released all over the world in millions of copies. Charles Aznavour, whose songs are heard in many languages, continues to attract the attention of a large number of fans.

Sad Pierrot

All the artist's song work is permeated with an aura of light sadness. Almost all Aznavour's works are devoted to the theme of love and emotional experiences. Even at the beginning of his creative life, he noticed that people are always interested in lyrical works based on sadness and melancholy, touching the soul and making the heart tremble. Thanks to his musical tastes, which Aznavour has remained faithful to for more than sixty years, the image of a romantic and sad Pierrot has firmly entrenched in him.

This year, on May 22, the famous chansonnier turned 90 years old. Charles Aznavour, whose biography began so long ago, celebrated his anniversary on the Berlin stage with a special program "The Legend Returns". A week before his birthday, Aznavour sang in Yerevan on the square that bears his name.

The most famous French Armenian

Shakhnur Azavuryan (real name chansonnier) is the son of Armenian emigrants who were forced to leave their homeland in 1915, fleeing the Armenian genocide. In the French manner, the boy was soon called Charles.

Aznavour's parents were artists, creative people, so it was not easy for the family to emigrate. My father opened a small restaurant "Kavkaz" and for several years tried to hold on as an entrepreneur, although he did not succeed very well. Aznavour's mother theater actress, was forced to become a seamstress.

The Aznavourian family lived hard, but in the house where peace and harmony always reigned, the atmosphere was filled with music, poetry, theater. It is not surprising that little Charles, already at the age of five, performed in front of the audience, playing the violin. A little older, he danced on stage and sang in the church choir.

Hard actor's bread

The acting debut took place when Aznavour was only thirteen years old - he had the responsible role of King Henry IV as a child. For many years, the artist vegetated on the sidelines in small tabloid theaters, sang in provincial cinema halls in between films.

And only at the age of 19, Aznavour Charles dared to perform on the big stage. Unfortunately, it was a complete failure. The audience did not accept a small, frail person who did not differ in special vocal abilities. He was booed by a ruthless audience, and critics advised him to choose another occupation. But Charles could no longer imagine his life without music, so he continued to study it anyway.

Meeting with the Muse

Charles Aznavour and Edith Piaf met in 1946. Their meeting determined the further creative fate of the artist. The singer was very affectionate towards the young man, helping and supporting him in every possible way. Aznavour became an indispensable assistant for her, acting as an entertainer, secretary, personal driver and good friend. Piaf's repertoire included Charles's song "Jezebel" (Isabelle), which enjoyed constant success with the public.

The great Edith was able to discern behind the artist's modest appearance his rich great talent and creative charisma. She inspired Aznavour and became for him a real teacher, a master, being able to convey to him her vision of the song and a special creative perception.

The chansonnier himself called their relationship "sweet slavery", which lasted about eight years. Thanks to this, Aznavour was formed as an independent and strong personality, becoming a full-fledged creator and performer of songs about loneliness and unrequited love.

Finally came success

Very soon, great fame came to the artist. In 1954, Aznavour won the hearts of American listeners with the song "My Life" (Sur ma vie). Subsequently, it was performed by a famous French singer for many years, making it his calling card. During this period, the surname Aznavourian lost a small particle, and from now on and forever the artist began to call himself Aznavour Charles. The number of songs written by himself reached three dozen, and he did not stop there.

Charles Aznavour, a singer and composer, also successfully mastered the profession of a film actor, playing for the first time in 1955. Fame and recognition brought him the role of a cabaret pianist in the film by French director Francois Truffaut "Shoot the pianist." In the future, Aznavour repeatedly starred in leading directors Jean Cocteau, Claude Chabrol, Volker Schlöndorff.

In 1983, Charles Aznavour, whose film biography was already quite rich, brilliantly played in Claude Lelouch's film Edith and Marcel. The role became special for the artist because it was a love story between Edith Piaf and Marcel Sedan.

In the early 60s, the artist had great success in New York, performing songs at the famous Carnegie Hall. The audience listened, forgetting about everything, his quiet and penetrating voice, singing about the passion and beauty of love. Now Charles Aznavour, whose photo appeared on the covers of numerous magazines and envelopes with records, began to be called the French blues singer. His work was compared with the famous American performer, romantic Frank Sinatra.

Aznavour Charles continued to create songs, many of which became hits: "Sa jeunesse" ("This youth"), "Apres l" amour" ("After love"), "Parce que" ("Because"), "Mourir d "aimer" ("To die of love").

Sweet burden of fame

1965 in Paris was marked by the successful premiere of the operetta Monsieur Carnaval ("Monsieur Carnaval"), written by Charles Aznavour. In the same year, the singer gave solo concerts for two consecutive months, performing together with the orchestra conducted by Paul Maria. And again, continued success. Fame and popularity have now always been where Aznavour appeared. Charles was grateful to his fate, always remaining at the same time a gentle, modest and reserved person.

The popularity of the artist is constantly growing. This was facilitated by regular performances, tours, recording new albums. In 1973 in London, Charles Aznavour's song "She" ("She") received gold and platinum discs. The event was unheard of at that time, because never before had such high awards been awarded to the French.

In 1981, the new album "Charles Aznavour chante Dimey" became a kind of result of forty years creative activity famous singer and composer. The next album named after the author "Aznavour" saw the world in 1986.

In Russia, one of the most famous songs of the composer was "Une Vie D" Amour "(" Eternal Love "), written by the author for cult film"Tehran 43" (directors Alov and Naumov). At concerts, Charles Aznavour and Mireille Mathieu performed this song many times in a duet, and the audience always asked to repeat it for an encore.

Armenia - my love

The artist always remembers his Armenian roots and constantly maintains contact with his historical homeland.

In 1988, after the Armenian earthquake, Charles Aznavour was one of the first to come to the aid of his countrymen. He became the organizer of the disaster relief fund, which later grew into the Aznavour and Armenia Association. Constantly takes part in the construction of schools for Armenian children. Now the chansonnier is the ambassador of Armenia to Switzerland and represents his homeland at the UN headquarters.

Under the roof of the house

Aznavour has never been famous for scandals, his life is always hidden from prying eyes. The artist was married three times, although he never had the fame of a ladies' man. From his first marriage, Aznavour has an adult daughter, who is already 67 years old. With his current wife, Swedish Ulla Tyursel, the singer will soon celebrate his golden wedding.

By his own admission, it was love for a woman that allowed Aznavour to know the happiest and most dramatic moments. Marriage with Ulla completely changed his life. They had and raised three children - daughter Katya and two sons: Misha and Nicolas. Since 1977, Aznavour and his family settled in Switzerland.

90 years of creative life

For the present anniversary of the great chansonnier, a complete collection of his albums was released in France, recorded on 32 discs. It contains all the author's notes since 1948. Charles Aznavour is still full of strength and energy. He is writing a new album, which will be called "Nostalgia".

To many of his brilliant abilities, Charles Aznavour added the talent of a writer. He writes novels, continues to work on his biography, creates notes from his own thoughts, aphorisms and past stories.

According to the great chansonnier, the capricious muse has never left him alone. He is constantly creating, being in an eternal search. He draws strength for life in creativity, which has its roots in the Armenian land. It is from there that his language, songs, musicality. The singer, born in France, living in Switzerland, always remains a true patriot of Armenia.

The world-famous French chansonnier, Charles Aznavour, today, May 22, celebrates his birthday. Maestro is 91 years old.

They called him the best singer XX century and during his lifetime erected a monument. More than one generation grew up on the compositions of Charles Aznavour. Composer, poet, writer, actor - one of the most talented Armenians in the world, even at that age, continues to delight the audience with his unique voice and performances.

Aznavour was born on May 22, 1924 in Paris. The artist's parents emigrated to France from Western Armenia during the years of the genocide. The real name of Aznavour is Shakhnur Vaghinak Aznavuryan. Born into a family of ethnic Armenians, emigrants from Georgia who came to France in 1922. Father was born in Akhaltsikhe, Tiflis province Russian Empire(Aznavour's paternal grandfather was the governor's cook in Tiflis). Aznavour's mother came from an Armenian merchant family living in Turkey. Charles studied at a children's art school, and later at the TSF central school (Paris). From the age of 9 he sang and played on stage, already in 1936 he made his film debut.

Initially, Aznavour performed in a duet with composer Pierre Roche. Both were noticed by Edith Piaf, and in 1946 Aznavour and Roche took part in her tour of France and the United States. Since that time, Aznavour's professional career as a chansonnier begins. However, a decisive breakthrough to the musical Olympus occurred in 1956, after successful concerts in Casablanca and Paris, where he performed three times a day in the famous Olympia Hall for a long time. In the early 1960s, Aznavour gave concerts in New York's Carnegie Hall and Ambassador Hotel, and later released his first American album at Frank Sinatra's Reprise Records.

Aznavour wrote more than a thousand songs performed by himself, as well as by Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Liza Minnelli, Julio Iglesias and others. Aznavour performed in a duet with Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, L. Pavarotti, P. Domingo, P. Kaas, L. Minnelli, E. Segara and others. Aznavour is the author of music for the operettas Monsieur Carnaval (1965), Douchka (co-author, 1973) and “Lotrek” (2004). Among the world-famous songs of Aznavour are “La Boheme”, “Mother”, “Eternal Love”, “Unfashionable Joys”, “Youth”, “Yesterday Yet”, “Isabella ”, “She”, “As they say”, “Ave Maria”, “No, I haven’t forgotten anything”, “I already imagined”, “Because”, “Two guitars”, “Take me away”, “You must be able to” , "To die for love", etc. Recently, Charles Aznavour went on a farewell tour of the world.

The connection of the musician with Armenia has always been very strong. Aznavour often visits Armenia, takes part in so many issues regarding his historical homeland, helps her in every possible way. Since May 2009, Aznavour has been Armenia's ambassador to Switzerland and the country's permanent representative at the UN Headquarters. We were born as Armenians, and we will die as Armenians,” says the great chansonnier.

The father of five children, caring and loving husband Charles Aznavour is happy. “My secret is optimism, and the guarantee of my happiness is in my family,” says the singer.

Misha and Knar Aznavourian, unable to meet the needs of the family, doing only art (he is a baritone, she is an actress), open a restaurant on Yuchette Street. The Aznavourian family lives in an environment of music, theater and poetry. And it is quite natural that little Charles is attracted to this family profession. During the global crisis of the 30s, Misha closes his restaurant.

At the age of 9, Charles auditioned and entered the Theater of the Little People. Then the plays begin in which Charles plays roles for children: "Emile and the Detectives" in the studio on the Champs Elysees in 1933, "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Madeleine Theater in 1935, "The Child" by Victor Marguerite, at the end of 1935 he plays the role of Henry III as a child under Pierre Fresnay and Yvonne Prentham.

Meanwhile, Aida, his sister, is invited to join a variety show troupe. She involves Charles, who receives his first baptism of fire. Years pass, performances follow each other. Aida sings, dragging her brother in her footsteps. But Charles has an inappropriate appearance and a voice that is said to be "unpleasant".

Winter is coming, you have to survive: selling newspapers on the streets, shooting in episodes of films allow the Aznavourian family to survive. While his father is joining the banner, Charles receives a scholarship to the Central School of Radio. He skips classes to study in the aisles of theaters or music halls and spends time in movies. Aida discovers her brother at the Song Club. Charles meets Pierre Roche, a young pianist and composer. They form a duet under the name "Roche and Aznavour" and sing in the cabaret of France and Belgium. Charles becomes Pierre Roche's permanent poet. The first song sung by Georges Ulmer, "J" ai bu", receives the Grand Prix as the disc of the year. Aznavour then writes for Edith Piaf, Compagnons de la Chanson and Jacques Elian.

1946

Charles Aznavour is getting married.

1947

Seda is born, his first child. He again finds Edith Piaf, who leads him, accompanied by the Compagnons de la Chanson, for a big French tour. Departure of Edith Piaf in the USA. Roche and Aznavour join to perform at a concert in New York. The border has been crossed, and here is Quebec, where success is not long in coming. They are invited to the "Golden Pheasant", where they stay for 40 weeks at the rate of 11 performances per week, with an average of 600 spectators each. Under the influence of Edith Piaf, Charles separates from Roche. He returns to the publisher Raoul Breton, writes "Je hais les dimanches" for Juliette Greco and gives songs to Chevalier. In a few years, as one journalist wrote at the time, "France is completely Aznavur's." There is not a single concert that does not contain at least one song by Charles Aznavour. The media loves these songs, but finds the voice unresonant and his singer-songwriter style too commercial. Upon his return from a trip to North Africa, the management of the Moulin Rouge puts his name at the head of the poster for the first time. Bruno Cockatrix does not stand aside and offers him 3 weeks at the Olympia in the first part of the Sydney Bechet concerts. Then an appearance at the Alhambra, which made Charles the young "star" number 1 in France. What kind of hard labor was there before ... "They booed me, threw coins, beer bottles, but I survived, and now I'm here."

Best of the day

1954

Charles now has over 30 successful songs to his credit. He finally achieves a contract: 3 weeks of concerts at the Alhambra. This is a success, and professionals understand that Aznavour should now be reckoned with.

1955

This year begins a film career; he wins the Best Actor award for "Etoile de crystal".

1956

Charles writes, composes, sings, dances: "Sa jeunesse", "Parce que", "Au creux de mon epaule", "Sur ma vie", "Apres l" amour ", etc. Charles Aznavour is now a "star" This is the first and immediately triumphant summer tour, but it ends in a terrible car accident that immobilized him for several months, both of his arms were broken.

1957

He starred in two films: "Paris music-hall" and "La tete contre les murs" by Georges Franju, while continuing his career as a singer. Two performances at the Alhambra, then Charles is the main participant in the performances at the Olympia.

1959/1960

He acts in the film "Dragueurs", gives concerts abroad, returns to France, starred in "Tirez sur le pianiste", "Le passage du Rhin" and "Un taxi pour Tobrouk". He signs an exclusive contract with Barclay and establishes his own record label.

1963

New York - Charles presents his concert at Carnegie Hall. Critics are enthusiastic. Aznavour is about to start his "world tour" of the song.

1964

After Turkey, Lebanon, Greece, black Africa, he leaves to conquer the USSR. He just sold over a million "La mamma" CDs. He never saw his grandmother, who lived all the time in a small village near Yerevan.

1965

Charles presents his recital at the Olympia - 39 songs, accompanied by the large orchestra of Paul Mauriat. Within 12 weeks ... This is an achievement never before realized in Paris in such a great hall. Charles is number 1 of the French song. In the summer, he starred in "Paris au mois d" aout ". After a short stay in the United States, he returns to Paris in December to stage his first operetta, Monsieur Carnaval, with Georges Guetary and Jean Richard at the Chatelet. This performance is becoming a major success, a new hit comes out of it: "La boheme" Charles drives on the roads of the whole world, and this year he is seen in Canada, Martinique and Guadeloupe, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Angola and South America, where he triumphs and where one of the songs recorded in Spanish, "Avec", becomes number 1.

1971

Thrilled by the tragic story of Gabriel Russier, Charles writes a song for André Caillatte's film "Mourir d" aimer "and touchingly performs it. This song, from the side of music, is most favorable for recognizing it as a hit. Venice awards the Golden Lion Prize for the recording of" Mourir d " aimer" in Italian. Another great success with the Parisian public since the performance at the Olympia at the beginning of the year is again number 1 in the hit parade. On this album, one finds the quality and the interest that betrays the singer's talent: "A song is a work without insurance, the success of La mamma or La boheme does not come by itself," he admits. Charles shares a poster for Jean Larriaga's La part des lions with Michel Constantin and Raymond Pellegrin. He is embodied in a novelist depicting an armed raid.

Charles plays in "Les intrus" by Sergio Gobbi, for whom he wrote the dialogues. It is in this film that his daughter Katya takes her first steps in the cinema: "For three generations, my family has served the spectacle," says the singer. Another film by Sergio Gobbi, "Un beau monstre", brings together Virna Lisi, Helmut Verger and Charles Aznavour on the screen. However, another big event marks this, 1971, year: on May 17, Ulla, the wife of Charles, gives birth to a second child. This is a boy, he is named Misha.

1972-1973

In March, Charles makes a short Parisian performance. He gives four concerts at the "Olympia" in the course of 6 weeks, during which he performs new songs for 21 days, then old hits. Another amazing fact: he gives two concerts a day during the week: new songs at 18 o'clock, old ones at 21 o'clock. Just as at the beginning, he sings together with his old partner Pierre Roche, who has specially arrived from Canada, where he lives.

In "Comme ils disent" Charles dares to carefully consider a topic that is risky and delicate: perversion. During the winter, a skiing accident immobilizes Charles for several months and forces him to work from home. He takes advantage of this to write with Georges Harvarentz an operetta for Marcel Merkes and Paulette Merval: "Douchka". In October he leaves for a special premiere in the USA: an hour with Charles with an honorary guest: Liza Minnelli.

1974

He receives the Brummel Elegance Prize in England for the best dressed person in the pop category. "This Evening Aznavour: His Past and Present". This CD, a retrospective of a long career, was recorded live at the Olympia. There you can find "Sur ma vie", "Il faut savoir", "Au creux de mon epaule", etc. For "She" Charles receives a gold, then a platinum disc in London, an award never before given to a Frenchman. He is best ambassador French songs abroad.

1975

At the beginning of the year he leaves France for a series of concerts in Japan. With Georges Garvarentz, he writes "Ils sont tombes" in memory of the terrible genocide of which the Armenian people were victims. On November 10, in the presence of Queen Elizabeth, he will know the joy of being the "star" of "Royal Performance".

1976

After 3 years of absence, Charles Aznavour returns to Olympia for 4 weeks. With new songs. He performs a brilliant Parisian performance: "Voila que tu reviens", "Par gourmandise", "Mes emmerdes", "Merci madame la vie"... He mentions all the great themes of love that are dear to him. In songs full of tenderness, it is reminded of the passage of time. The album from the concerts at the Olympia is sufficient proof that Charles Aznavour remains one of the giants of the French music halls. He is all right on the other side of the Atlantic: Ray Charles sings "La mamma", Shirley Basie and Fred Astaire - "Les plaisirs demodes", Liza Minnelli constantly sings Aznavour's songs. He is also filming in Greece in the Douglas Hitchoks film "Skyriders".

1977

This year is full of travel. The annual world tour in many countries brings an unconditional triumph. In July, Charles once again asserts his voice and talent with "Camarade", a great humane and sensitive song that will soon reach the top of the charts. The beginning of August, a bright date: the Aznavour family increased with the advent of Nicolas; he first sees the light in Paris and brings joy to the brothers and sisters. Charles ends the year as he started, that is, on a trip (Italy, Yugoslavia, Germany, Canada) and takes advantage of the trip to get to know Lira, his US-born granddaughter. Songs cross borders without difficulty: Bing Crosby records "Hier encore" shortly before his death.

1978

Another rich year for Aznavour: he is again the first line on the Olympia posters for a month. He finds his audience more and more enthusiastic, which he attracts with both unreleased and timeless songs. These new tunes are combined on the album "Je n" ai pas vu le temps passe". For example, "J" ai vu Paris", "La chanson du faubourg", "Dieu", "Avant la guerre" ... A trip to 21 day in the French provinces, the first in 12 years, passes through the largest cities, immediately after the end of the season in Olympia. Then the years follow each other, as well as success. He writes, he sings and acts. Eighty-one countries see it. He takes part in several films, among which is "Le tambour" by Volker Schlöndorff. His latest performance on Broadway is a triumph, even for journalistic audiences.

1980

Triumph at Olympia

1981

Charles Aznavour is recording an album entitled "Charles Aznavour chante Dimey". 40 years of career, over 600 recorded and over 1000 composed songs created during all these years. Aznavour appears on the stages of the whole world, from Bangkok to New York, where Seda, the eldest daughter, lives.

1985

Charles Aznavour signs an agreement with Régis Tallard and Jacques Revo. 358 songs are to be re-released.

1986

Charles Aznavour adds another leaf to his wreath by writing the screenplay "Yiddish connection" directed by Paul Bozena and starring André Dussolier and Hugo Tognazzi. New album, entitled "Aznavour", where are "Embrasse-moi", "Toi contre moi", "Les emigrants", "Deja". 180,000 copies sold of the first 9 reissued albums released in parallel.

1987

From May to July, a triumphal trip to the USA with Pia Zadora.

September - the release of the new album, "Je bois". After 7 years of absence, Charles Aznavour performs at the Palais des Congrès from September 29 to November 9, 1987. Travel throughout France. Release of a double live album recorded at the Palais des Congrès. When asked what projects he has, he says: "I have no projects, I fill my life" - and adds: "And I have the impression that everything is just beginning."

1988

Palace of Congresses: a week. Compilation "20 chansons d" or ". December 7, 1988: Earthquake in Armenia. The movement "Aznavour for Armenia" unites 89 artists around Charles: "Pour toi Armenie" becomes number 1 in the Top 50 in the first week and stays there for 13 weeks; over a million discs sold.

1989

Trip to Armenia. Three compilations re-recorded in London: "L" eveil", "L" elan", "L" envol. New album release: "Les plus grandes chansons".

1990

"Chinese", TV series, hour-long episodes on TF1... "Laura": a movie made with Mireille Dark.

1991

"Des mots a l" affiche", a book published by the publishing house "Cherche-Midi", written by Charles himself. "Ribot, le cheval du siecle": an Italian two-part film. "Il maestro", a film by Manon Ancel with Malcolm McDowell. "Les memoires des cendres": in Bulgaria with Dominique Sanda. "Aznavour 92": album, new songs made by Aznavour in collaboration with Georges Garvarentz and Jacques Revaux. "Les annees campagnes" by Philip Leriche. This year's tour for which he wrote the music. " Aznavour-Minelli": performance with Liza Minnelli at the Palais des Congrès in Paris from November 20 to December 15, before the world tour.

1992

Tour throughout France.

1993

Travel throughout South America. June: trip with Liza Minnelli in the US and Canada. Shooting of the film "Un alibi en or".

1994

Shooting of the film "Baldipata" with Anni Kordi. September: release of the new album "Toi et moi" containing 12 new songs. Parisian performance at the Palais des Congrès from October 19 to November 26, followed by a tour of France, Belgium and Switzerland until the end of March with a break for a one-time Christmas concert in Vienna with Plácido Domingo.