21 Greatest French Singers You Must Hear Now (2023)

French singers have captivated audiences worldwide for many years with their distinctive attraction and magnificence; it’s no secret that France is known for its wealthy tradition – and music is not any exception.

Fortunate for us, many French singers have made stunning melodies that folks of all ages and backgrounds love.

The music business has undoubtedly benefited from unimaginable French expertise, from the legendary Edith Piaf to the fashionable Vanessa Paradis and to many extra well-known singers of France.

The distinctive model of French singers displays the nation’s cultural range and wealthy historical past; amidst this, they’ve a lot to supply. 

This text supplies a more in-depth take a look at among the most well-known French singers, their tales, and their contributions.

21 Greatest French Singers You Must Hear Now

Listed here are some large names within the French music scene.

1. Edith Piaf

Edith Piaf, the “Little Sparrow,” soared to fame as some of the celebrated French singers of the twentieth century. 

Regardless of a tumultuous upbringing in a Parisian brothel and a difficult begin on the streets, Edith’s extraordinary voice captured the hearts of followers worldwide.

Her music, characterised by the French chanson style, tells tales of affection, loss, and sorrow, resonating with audiences of all ages. 

Iconic French songs like “La Vie en rose,” “Non, je ne regrette rien,” and “Hymne à l’amour” proceed to captivate listeners to at the present time. Past her music, Edith additionally graced the silver display and mentored different beloved singers akin to Yves Montand.

Nevertheless, Edith’s life was not with out hardship. Her passionate however tragic love affair with boxer Marcel Cerdan resulted in heartbreak along with his premature loss of life in a airplane crash. 

She additionally struggled with well being issues and drug habit all through her profession, in the end passing away at solely 47 years outdated.

Regardless of her struggles, Edith Piaf is likely one of the most well-known French folks, and her legacy endures as one of many biggest French cultural icons of all time. 

She even gained awards in A Star Is Born together with her tune “La Vie en rose” in 2018 – her music is a timeless treasure for all who respect the facility of tune.

2. Johnny Hallyday

Jean-Philippe Smet, born in Paris in 1943, was the enduring French singer and actor Johnny Hallyday. Hallyday was additionally one other legendary French music artist and actor who introduced rock and roll to France.

His ardour for music started with guitar classes from his American cousin, Lee Halliday. Quickly after, he adopted Lee’s final identify for his stage persona and embraced rock and roll, impressed by the likes of Elvis Presley.

He shortly grew to become a sensation amongst younger followers within the late Fifties with energetic performances and hits’ like “Laisse les Filles” and “Souvenirs, Souvenirs.” 

All through his six-decade profession, Johnny recorded over 1,000 songs and offered over 110 million information worldwide.

He collaborated with well-known singers akin to Charles Aznavour, Eddy Mitchell, and Sylvie Vartan, his first spouse, and carried out at iconic venues akin to L’Olympia, Parc des Princes, and Stade de France. 

He obtained many awards in his profession, together with the Prix Jean Gabin, was made a Chevalier, and obtained a star on the Mascow Stroll of Fame.

His final live performance was in July 2017 as a part of his “Rocker Tour.” He handed away in December 2017 at 74 after battling lung most cancers, and a whole lot of hundreds attended his funeral. 

Johnny stays extensively considered the French Elvis Presley and a logo of French tradition.

3. Charles Aznavour

Charles Aznavour was a French music legend who captivated audiences along with his pop and chanson music. 

Born in Paris in 1924 to Armenian dad and mom who had escaped the genocide, Charles started his profession as a toddler actor and singer, however his expertise as a songwriter made him a worldwide icon.

From like to loss of life, battle to homosexuality, Aznavour’s music touched on numerous themes – with over 1,200 compositions. A few of his most well-known French hits embrace “La Bohème,” “She,” “Yesterday After I Was Younger,” and “What Makes a Man.”

However Aznavour was greater than only a musician; amongst many issues, he was a humanitarian activist and a diplomat for Armenia. 

He based a charity group to assist earthquake reduction efforts in Armenia in 1988 and later grew to become Armenia’s ambassador to Switzerland and its everlasting delegate to the United Nations.

Passing away at 94 in 2018, he had amassed quite a few awards, together with the Legion of Honour, the Raoul Wallenberg Award, and a star on the Hollywood Stroll of Fame. 

Aznavour’s music and compassion touched hundreds of thousands worldwide, cementing his legacy among the many most excellent French music artists recorded.

4. Françoise Hardy

For those who love French pop music, you most likely know Françoise Hardy, one of many style’s most iconic and influential French singers. 

Born in Paris in 1944, she taught herself guitar as a teen and shortly rose to fame together with her hit single “Tous les garçons et les filles” in 1962.

Her success led her to turn into a distinguished determine within the yé-yé motion, recording songs in a number of languages, together with English, German, and Italian – gaining worldwide fame.

However Hardy was greater than a reasonably face and a gifted singer; she was additionally a gifted songwriter who explored themes akin to love, loneliness, and loss of life with a poetic contact. 

Collaborating with among the finest composers and producers of her time, she left her mark on the music business and impressed trend designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne together with her distinctive model.

Although she confronted well being issues that compelled her to retire from singing in 2018, Hardy’s legacy lived on with over thirty studio albums, a number of movies, and books on astrology and music memoirs, and he or she married a fellow singer and French actor Jacques Dutronc. 

Her contributions to French tradition and music are timeless, making her a beloved determine throughout generations. 

5. Lomepal

Meet Lomepal, the French artist who can do all of it! From skating to singing, poetry to storytelling, Lomepal is a real artistic drive. 

Born Antoine Valentinelli in Paris in 1991, he found his love for phrases and music by his ardour for skateboarding. On the younger age of 20, he began rapping, and the remaining is historical past!

Lomepal’s music shortly grew to become a staple on the French music charts, along with his first album, Flip, attaining double platinum standing in 2017. 

He continued to captivate audiences along with his second album, Jeannine, launched in 2018. The album, devoted to his grandmother, who had schizophrenia, included hits like “Trop beau” and “1000°C” and was additionally licensed double platinum.

In 2019, Lomepal gave followers much more with the discharge of Amina, a deluxe model of Jeannine that includes new tracks and remixes. 

Whereas he introduced his retirement from music in 2020, Lomepal couldn’t steer clear of the studio for lengthy.

He delighted followers with a shock single, Auburn, in June 2021 and adopted it up along with his third album, Mauvais Ordre, launched in September 2021. 

The album is a deeper dive into Lomepal’s psyche, exploring themes akin to habit, despair, love, and loss of life. Don’t miss out on this multi-talented artist’s unimaginable musical journey! 

6. Soprano

Soprano is a well-known French singer and rapper, born Saïd M’Roumbaba in Marseille in 1979. He began rapping at 16 with the group Psy 4 de la Rime and launched his first solo album, “Puisqu’il faut vivre,” in 2007. 

Soprano is understood for his constructive messages and collaborations with artists like Akon, Black M, and Indila.

He additionally owns his personal label and mentors younger skills. His greatest successes have include the diamond-certified albums “Cosmopolitanie,” “L’Everest,” and “Phoenix,” which have produced hits akin to “Clown,” “Cosmo,” and “À la vie à l’amour.”

He’s a multifaceted artist who additionally acts, produces, and helps numerous causes. 

However above all, Soprano is a household man who dedicates his songs to his spouse, Alexia, and their three kids. His music is a testomony to his values, making him a real inspiration to many individuals worldwide. 

7. France Gall

France Gall, born Isabelle Gall in Paris in 1947, falls among the many well-known singers of France in addition to a star of the yé-yé pop motion. 

She gained the 1965 Eurovision Tune Contest with “Poupée de cire, poupée de son,” written by Serge Gainsbourg.

Gall had a profitable profession with a string of hits, together with some with suggestive lyrics, that she later regretted. 

She additionally sang songs by different composers, akin to Michel Berger, whom she married in 1976. The couple collaborated on profitable albums and songs, together with “Ella, elle l’a,” her tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.

She confronted private tragedies with the deaths of Berger and her daughter, Pauline. She took a break from music however returned in 2004 with a brand new album, France, and created a musical based mostly on Berger’s songs, Résiste, which premiered in 2015. 

She handed away from most cancers in 2018 on the age of 70, however her music nonetheless lives on within the hearts of many followers worldwide.

8. Isabelle Geffroy

Isabelle Geffroy, often known as Zaz, is a French songwriter and singer who mixes a French selection of jazzy types, acoustic and soul. 

Born in 1980 in Excursions, France, Isabella began her musical profession in blues and jazz bands.

Isabelle rose to fame together with her first album Zaz, launched in 2010, which featured her debut single “Je veux.” 

The album offered over 5 million copies worldwide, together with 2 million exterior France. Zaz has been in comparison with Edith Piaf for her highly effective voice and emotional expression.

She has additionally been impressed by different singers akin to Ella Fitzgerald, Enrico Macias, and Bobby McFerrin. 

A few of her most well-known songs embrace “Éblouie par la nuit,” “Port Coton,” and “La fée,” written by Raphaël Haroche. 

Zaz gained a number of awards for her music, such because the European Border Breakers Award in 2011 and the Victoires de la Musique Award for Unique Tune of the 12 months in 2014.

9. Serge Gainsbourg

Meet Serge Gainsbourg, a French musician, singer-songwriter, actor, writer, and filmmaker born Lucien Ginsburg in Paris in 1928. 

Starting his musical profession as a pianist, Gainsbourg grew to become a composer and producer for different well-known artists akin to Petula Clark, Juliette Greco, and Dionne Warwick.

Nonetheless, Gainsbourg didn’t win many’s hearts however was nonetheless thought-about a formidable artist who additionally carried out his personal songs, dubbed provocative and scandalous, mixing genres akin to pop, rock, jazz, reggae, and electronica. 

He’s most well-known for his duets with French actresses Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin (Lou Doillon’s mom from her marriage to movie director Jacques Doillon), particularly for “Je t’aime… moi non plus”, a tune that prompted fairly a stir for its erotic lyrics and sounds.

Regardless of being banned in lots of international locations, the tune topped the charts in a number of European international locations. 

Gainsbourg additionally wrote songs celebrating popular culture icons akin to “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Harley Davidson,” and “Comedian Strip.” 

He gained a number of awards for his music, together with the Charles Cros – Grand Prix du Disque de l’Académie and the Victoires de la Musique award for finest male artist of the 12 months.

Total, Serge stays a formidable artist who left a mark on the music business along with his distinctive model and provocative lyrics.

10. Jacques Brel

Jacques Brel was an distinctive Belgian singer-songwriter born in Brussels in 1929 and commenced enjoying and mastering the piano at a younger age. 

After beginning out as a cabaret singer in Brussels and Paris, he rose to prominence as a composer and producer for himself and different performers. 

Brel’s songs are recognized for his or her poetic, emotional, and theatrical model, mixing chanson, pop, and people genres.

He’s well-known for his hits akin to “Ne me quitte pas,” “Quand on n’a que l’amour,” “Amsterdam,” and “La chanson des vieux amants,” which have been coated by many artists worldwide. 

Brel was additionally a profitable actor and filmmaker, showing in ten movies and directing two of them.

He obtained many prestigious awards for his music and movies, together with the Grand Prix du Disque de l’Académie Charles Cros in 1962 and the Prix Louis Delluc in 1973 for his movie “Le Far West.”

11. Vanessa Paradis

Vanessa Paradis is a gifted French singer, actress, and mannequin born in 1972. 

She first rose to fame on the age of 14 together with her hit single “Joe le taxi” (1987), which topped the charts in over ten international locations! 

She then launched her debut album, which offered over two million copies worldwide, establishing a strong presence within the French music business.

Vanessa additionally began a modeling and appearing profession, later profitable the Most Promising Actress – César Award for her function in Noce Blanche in 1990. 

Since then, Vanessa has continued to launch music and star in movies alongside a few of France’s greatest names. She’s been a Chanel mannequin (maybe essentially the most well-known French trend model) for over 30 years and has represented their perfumes and equipment.

Vanessa’s private life has additionally made headlines, as she was in a long-term relationship with actor Johnny Depp, they usually have two kids collectively. 

She later married director Samuel Benchetrit in 2018. Nonetheless, to at the present time, Vanessa stays a real French icon of tradition and leisure!

12. Julien Doré

Julien Doré is a French singer-songwriter, musician, producer, and actor who rose to fame after profitable the fifth season of Nouvelle Star, a preferred TV expertise present, in 2007. 

He’s additionally the great-great-grandson of Émile Waldteufel, a well-known composer.

Doré’s distinctive model blends pop, people, and rock influences with quirky lyrics and a charismatic stage presence. 

He performs numerous devices, together with the ukulele, which he used to impress the jury and the viewers throughout his audition for Nouvelle Star.

Since his debut album Ersatz, in 2008, Doré has launched 5 extra studio albums: Bichon (2011), Løve (2013), & (2016), Aimée (2020), and Tendre (2021). 

A few of his most profitable songs embrace Les Limites, Paris-Seychelles, Le Lac, Coco Câline, and Nous. He has additionally collaborated with numerous artists, together with Coeur de Pirate, Mika, Brigitte, and Clara Luciani.

Doré has obtained a number of awards and nominations for his music profession. In 2015, he gained the Victoire de l’artiste interprète masculin (Greatest Male Artist) on the Victoires de la musique , the French equal of the Grammys. 

He was additionally nominated for Greatest French Act on the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2008 and 2014.

Doré will not be solely a gifted musician but in addition an actor. He has appeared in a number of movies and TV reveals, akin to Pop Redemption (2013), Les Francis (2014), and La Confession (2017).

13. Carla Bruni

Meet Carla Bruni, the Italian-born French singer and former mannequin who stole the world’s coronary heart together with her music. 

After transferring to France at seven years outdated, Carla grew to become a trend icon earlier than shifting her focus to music. 

Her debut album, Quelqu’un m’a dit, was a shock hit and offered over two million copies worldwide.

By mixing chanson, people, and pop genres, Bruni’s music model is kind of versatile, and he or she sings in French, English, Italian, and Spanish.

Since then, Carla has launched 5 extra albums, together with Little French Songs and French Contact. Alongside her singing profession, she’s appeared in movies like Midnight in Paris (one of many many motion pictures set in Paris) and has been concerned in numerous humanitarian causes. 

She even created the Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Basis in 2009 to assist initiatives like training for ladies and animal welfare.

Bruni’s most notable hits embrace “Quelqu’un m’a dit,” “L’amoureuse,” and “The Winner Takes It All.” 

She’s collaborated with legendary artists like Harry Connick Jr., Willie Nelson, and Ennio Morricone. 

Bruni by no means gained any vital awards, however she’s actually made an impressive identify for herself on this planet of music and past! 

14. Joyce Jonathan

Joyce Jonathan is a French singer-songwriter born in Levallois-Perret in November 1989. 

She started enjoying the piano on the younger age of seven and composing her personal songs at age 11. 

Joyce additionally taught herself to play the guitar and was influenced by artists like Tracy Chapman and Jean-Jacques Goldman.

At age 16, she posted a few of her songs on MySpace and contacted Michael Goldman, co-founder of the label My Main Firm, changing into one of many first artists to be funded by web customers. 

In 2010, her debut album Sur mes gardes went gold in Could and platinum in October. It included hit singles Je ne sais pas, Pas besoin de toi, and a duet with Tété.

The feminine singer gained the NRJ Music Award for Francophone Breakthrough of the 12 months in 2011. 

And Jonathan has launched 4 extra albums since then: Caractère (2013), Une place pour moi (2016), On (2018), and Joie de vivre (2020). 

Her music model is a mixture of people and pop; she sings in French, Mandarin, Spanish, and English songs. She has collaborated with artists like Vianney, Ycare, Patrick Bruel, and Calogero.

Apart from music, Jonathan has acted in some movies and TV reveals, akin to L’École pour tous (2006) and Sous le même toit (2017). 

She additionally helps numerous humanitarian causes, like combating breast most cancers, selling cultural range, supporting ladies’ training, and defending animal rights. 

And eventually, In 2014, she participated within the fifth season of Danse avec les stars on TF1.

15. Christophe Mae

Christophe Maé is a gifted French musician born in 1975 in Carpentras. At age six, he started enjoying the violin and later realized guitar, harmonica, and drums.

 Well-known musicians, together with Bob Marley, Stevie Marvel, Tracy Chapman, and Ben Harper, impressed him.

In 2005, Maé performed the function of Monsieur within the musical Le Roi Soleil, a efficiency that gained him the NRJ Music Award for Revelation of the 12 months in ‘06. 

He showcased his first solo album, Mon Paradis, in 2007, which offered over 1.6 million copies and included fashionable songs like Parce qu’on sait jamais, On s’attache, and Ça fait mal.

Maé has launched 5 extra profitable albums since then, together with On hint la route and Je veux du bonheur, showcasing his various mix of pop, people, reggae, soul, and blues genres. 

He has additionally collaborated with famend artists akin to Youssou N’Dour, Patrick Bruel, Calogero, and Ceuzany.

Not solely his singing expertise runs by his veins – he has additionally acted in a number of movies and has been concerned with quite a few humanitarian causes, together with combating malaria, supporting training for youngsters, and selling environmental consciousness. 

Lastly, in 2012, he grew to become a UNICEF ambassador, cementing his dedication to creating the world a greater place. 

16. Indila

Indila is a French songwriter and achieved singer born in June 1984 in Paris with Algerian, Egyptian, Cambodian, and Indian roots. 

She’s a “little one of the world” who realized Hindi and Mandarin as a toddler and was influenced by Indian music and tradition.

Her music profession started early in 2009 when she collaborated with numerous French rappers and singers on vocals and songwriting. 

She launched her first solo single, Dernière danse (Final Dance), in 2013. It was a large hit in France and overseas, adopted by three extra singles: Tourner dans le vide (Spinning Round), SOS, and Run Run.

She launched her first album, titled “Mini World,” in 2014, an authorized diamond in France, and offered over one million copies worldwide. 

Her music model is a mixture of world, pop, people, and orchestral genres, and he or she’s gained a number of awards, together with two NRJ Music Awards, two MTV Europe Music Awards, and one Victoires de la Musique Award.

17. Joséphine Baker

Joséphine Baker was an American-born French singer, dancer, and actress who dazzled audiences together with her distinctive and energetic performances within the Nineteen Twenties and Nineteen Thirties. 

Baker was additionally a civil rights activist who fought in opposition to racism and adopted 12 kids of various nationalities to create her “rainbow tribe.”

Born Freda Josephine McDonald in Missouri, she grew up in poverty and began dancing at a younger age to assist her household.

She moved to New York Metropolis and joined the Harlem Renaissance earlier than transferring to Paris in 1925, the place she grew to become an in a single day sensation together with her “danse sauvage” and her iconic banana skirt.

Baker’s singing profession stretched far and extensive with fashionable hits akin to “J’ai deux amours” (I Have Two Loves) – in 1931 and “La vie en rose” (Life in Pink) – in 1950.

She starred in a number of movies, akin to Siren of the Tropics (1927) and Zouzou (1934), and have become a French citizen in 1937. 

Throughout World Conflict II, she labored as a spy for the French Resistance and entertained troops in Africa and the Center East.

Via all her efforts, she was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honour for her bravery. 

She continued to carry out till her loss of life in 1975 at age 68. But, her music will ceaselessly stay a decent basic to at the present time as she continues to be an inspiration for a lot of aspiring artists.

18. Jean-Jacques Goldman

Jean-Jacques Goldman is a French singer-songwriter and music producer who has been one among France’s hottest and influential artists for the reason that Nineteen Eighties. 

He began his profession as a vocalist member of the progressive rock band Taï Phong earlier than launching his solo profession in 1981 with the hit tune “Il suffira d’un signe.”

He has launched 9 solo albums and 6 dwell albums, all licensed platinum or diamond, and has written and composed songs for a lot of different artists, akin to Johnny Hallyday (talked about above), Céline Dion, Patrick Fiori, and Garou.

He was additionally a part of the trio Fredericks Goldman Jones with Carole Fredericks and Michael Jones from 1990 to 1995. 

A few of his most well-known songs embrace Quand la musique est bonne (1982), Je te donne (1985), Là-bas (1987), Puisque tu pars (1988) and Envole-moi (1993). He retired from the music scene in 2004 however stays extremely revered and influential in France.

19. Claude François

Claude François was a French pop singer, dancer, and producer who rose to fame within the Sixties and Seventies along with his catchy songs and energetic stage reveals. He was additionally recognized by his nickname Cloclo. 

Born in Egypt to a French father and an Italian mom, he moved to France along with his household after the Suez Disaster in 1956.

He began his musical profession as a drummer earlier than changing into a singer and forming his personal label Flèche Productions. 

He had many hits, akin to Belles! Belles! Belles! (1962), Comme d’habitude (1967), Le lundi au soleil (1972), Le téléphone pleure (1974) and Alexandrie Alexandra (1978).

He additionally tailored many English-language songs into French, akin to My Approach (Comme d’habitude), December 1963 (Oh What A Night time) (Cette année-là), and I Go To Rio (Je vais à Rio). 

Sadly, he died tragically at age 39 when he was electrocuted by a defective gentle fixture in his lavatory. 

20. Melanie Ache

Melanie Ache is a French indie pop singer from Caen with a flexible and charming voice. 

She first gained consideration as a vocalist for the band Nouvelle Obscure, the place she gave a recent twist to basic songs from the ’80s, akin to This Is Not A Love Tune, Teenage Kicks, and Grasp And Servant. 

She additionally labored with different artists, akin to M83 and Villeneuve, showcasing her vary and expertise.

In 2009, she launched her first solo album, My Title, which featured authentic songs in each French and English that mirrored her influences of people, pop, and rock artists akin to Sonic Youth, The Smiths, Pixies, PJ Harvey, and Nick Drake. 

She adopted it with Bye Bye Manchester in 2012 and Parachute in 2016.

Her music has been praised by followers and critics alike for its honesty, emotion, and attraction. 

Melanie has additionally gained a number of awards for her work, such because the Prix Constantin in 2009 for My Title and the Prix Abilities W9 in 2013 for Bye Bye Manchester. 

21. Eddy Mitchell

Eddy Mitchell is a French actor and singer who has been a legend of rock and roll and nation music for over six many years. 

He began his profession in 1960 because the chief of Les Chaussettes Noires (The Black Socks), one of many first rock bands in France.

He took his stage identify from Eddie Constantine, an American actor who starred in French movies. 

He went solo in 1963 and launched dozens of albums that blended rock, rhythm, blues, nation, and pop. 

He additionally tailored many American songs into French, akin to Be Bop A Lula (Daniela), C’est La Vie (Pauvre Diable), and Sur La Route De Memphis (On The Street To Memphis).

He collaborated with many well-known artists, akin to Johnny Hallyday, Charles Aznavour, Serge Gainsbourg, and Chuck Berry. He additionally had a profitable appearing profession, showing in over 30 movies and TV reveals.

Lastly, Mitchell gained a number of awards for his music and his movies, such because the Victoire de la Musique for Greatest Male Artist in 1994 and 2004, the Grand Prix du Disque de l’Académie Charles Cros in 2010 and 2013, and the César Award for Greatest Supporting Actor in 1991.

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