An Anthology of French and Francophone Singers from A To Z: "Singin' in French." ed. by Michaël Abecassis and Marcelline Block (review)

This book is a biographical encyclopedia of over two hundred singers, presented in alphabetical order, from France and other French-speaking countries. The entries were written by several contributors from around the globe. Each entry is accompanied by a caricature of the singer by artists Jenny Batlay and Igor Bratusek. One is impressed by both the geographical and historical range of the articles. The singers presented include well-known singers from the past, like Maurice Chevalier and Édith Piaf, as well as lesser-known contemporary performers. It is revealing of France's well-deserved reputation as a terre d'accueil that so many "French" singers came from, or were children of, parents who came from other lands as diverse as northern and sub-Saharan Africa, Armenia, and Russia. Sadly, two of the artists, Johnny Hallyday and France Gall, have passed away since the printing of the book. Because this work embraces so many different people, it might be expedient to point out some common trends. First, many of these singers wrote their own songs as well as writing for other performers. They also evolved their composing and performing styles over the years to keep up with new popular trends. Several had a difficult time attracting the public's interest at first, and only gained celebrity after years of dogged persistence. It is also noteworthy how many of them also had successful careers as actors in films, both in France and in Hollywood. These include Maurice Chevalier, Charles Aznavour, Juliette Greco, and Yves Montand. Most of these singers were greatly influenced by current movements in British and American music. Many of their hits were adaptations of American or English songs. Some French singers even adopted Anglo-sounding stage names. The popularity of the Beatles in the 1960s, with their"Yeah, yeah, yeah!"refrain led to the "yé-yé" movement in France. Of course, some French songs became equally popular in the United States when translated into English, for example, Claude François's 1967 "Comme d'habitude," which was adapted by Paul Anka into the famous "My Way." Another recurring feature of these singers is their espousal of social causes, including liberal pleas for human rights and opposition to war, as well as humanitarian efforts to aid the poor and suffering in areas of famine and persecution. Jacques Brel's chansons engagées are one striking example. Jean-Jacques Goldman also reminded the French public of its collaboration with the Nazis during the Vichy period, while Charles Aznavour did not let people forget about the Armenian genocide. In addition to performing benefit concerts, these singers also weave their political message into the lyrics of their songs. It is comforting to note how many of these artists gained enormous recognition and fortune, often playing to packed houses at the Olympia and other venues. It is also a credit to the French State that several were recipients of official accolades on behalf of the nation, such as the Légion d'honneur.