Today is the birthday of Julien Clerc, singer, songwriter, and pianist. Famous for his powerful, emotional voice and his role in the French music scene since the late 1960s. The edit above and his portrait on the musical birthday calendars below, are made by me.
Julien Clerc, born as Paul Alain Leclerc on October 4, 1947, in Paris, grew up in an intellectually and culturally rich environment. When his parents divorced, he was raised partly by his father and partly by his mother. He began playing the piano and composing songs at a young age.
His career began in the late 1960s when he was studying at university in Paris. During that time, Julien Clerc befriended several young lyricists, including Étienne Roda-Gil, with whom he would collaborate for many years. His breakthrough came in 1968 with the song La Cavalerie, which became a hit in France. Shortly after, his first album, simply titled Julien Clerc, was released, marking the start of a successful career. His distinctive voice, melancholic style, and poetic lyrics resonated with many people. Clerc quickly became popular with the public and was known for his charismatic performances.
In 1969, Clerc played an important role in the French version of the American musical Hair. He portrayed the role of Claude and released several iconic songs during this period, including the French version of Let the Sunshine In. His role in this musical made him one of the most important rising stars of French music.
The 1970s and 1980s were highly successful years for Clerc. He released numerous albums and had a series of major hits that are still popular today, including: Ce n'est rien (1971), Si on chantait (1972), This Melody (1976), Femmes, je vous aime (1982), Ma préférence (1978), Jaloux de Tout (1978), Ça Commence Comme Un Rêve d’Enfant (1982) en Hélène (1987)
Julien Clerc is one of the greatest French chansonniers, and his career of over 50 years, with his unique voice, countless performances, records, and musical collaborations, has made him a cultural pillar in France and other French-speaking countries. His most successful albums after his debut include Julien (1973), N°7 (1975), Femmes, indiscrétion, blasphème (1982), Les Aventures à l'eau (1987), Utile (1995), Si j'étais elle (2000), Studio (2003), Où s'en vont les avions? (2008), À nos amours (2017), and his most recent work Terrien (2021). This album shows that he is still active in the music scene. It is an introspective album with sensitive and refined songs that reflect on life, nature, and the human experience. Mon refuge is one of the standout tracks on this album.
Clerc has had several relationships and is the father of five children. His first long-term relationship was with the French actress Miou-Miou, with whom he has a daughter, Jeanne Herry. Jeanne later became a successful film director. Julien Clerc was also married to Virginie Coupérie-Eiffel, an equestrian and descendant of Gustave Eiffel. From that marriage, he had three children. He is currently married to Hélène Grémillon, a writer, with whom he has a son.
In 2011, he was appointed Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur, one of the highest honors in France, recognizing his contribution to French culture.
Julien Clerc remains one of the greatest and most beloved artists in France. Since 2017, he has been touring the world with La Tournée des 50 ans – Deux pianos, celebrating his enduring 50-year success.
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