Edith Piaf

Édith Piaf  (born Édith Giovanna Gassion; 19 December 1915 – 10 October 1963) was a French singer, songwriter, cabaret performer and film actress who became widely regarded as France’s national chanteuse, as well as being one of France’s greatest international stars.  Her music was often autobiographical with her singing reflecting her life, and her specialty being chanson and torch ballads, particularly of love, loss and sorrow.  Among her well-known songs are “La Vie en rose” (1946), “Non, je ne regrette rien” (1960), “Hymne à l’amour” (1949), “Milord” (1959), “La Foule” (1957), “L’Accordéoniste” (1940), and “Padam . . . Padam . . .” (1951).  Since her death in 1963 and with the aid of several biographies and films including 2007’s Academy Award-winning La Vie en Rose, Piaf has acquired a legacy as one of the greatest performers of the 20th century, and her voice and music continue to be celebrated globally.  (More from Wikipedia)