La Bohème or the nostalgia of the past
I am taking you on a musical promenade with Charles Aznavour, nicknamed in America “the French Frank Sinatra.” He will perform on September 13 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
Charles Aznavour was born May 22, 1924 to a family of artists. His father Micha Aznavourian, Armenian born in Georgia, is the son of a cook for the governor of Armenia. His mother, Knar Baghdasaryan, comes from a family of Armenian merchants in Turkey.
It is when his parents were in Paris waiting for a visa to the United States that little Charles was born in France. Micha, a former baritone, opened a small Armenian restaurant in Paris, where he sang every night. With his wife who was an actress, they raised their two children, Charles and Aida, in an atmosphere of music and theater in the middle of the many artists who frequented the small restaurant in the rue de la Huchette. At the age of nine, the young Aznavour fell in love with music and comedy.
Duet Pierre Roche and Charles Aznavour. Photo by JDD.fr
In 1942, after changing from his real name “Varinag Aznavourian,” Charles met a very talented self-taught pianist, Pierre Roche, with whom he sang at the beginning of his career and composed songs for duets. Then, the Armenian immigrant chose the stage name “Charles Aznavour,” and decided to continue singing solo, while Pierre Roche accompanied him on piano. His career really began in 1946 when the duo was spotted by the singer, Édith Piaf. She then asked them to accompany her on a tour of France and the United States in 1947 and 1948.
But it is precisely in 1956 that, following a concert in Casablanca, Charles became a star. During his first appearance at the Olympia, he wrote “Sur ma vie”, which became his first success.
During the 60’s, Charles Aznavour was a major artist of the French song. It never ceased to produce one hit after another. He recorded “Je m’voyais déjà” in 1960, “La Mamma” in 1963, “Hier encore” in 1964 and “La Bohème” in 1966 (taken from his musical comedy Mr. Carnaval).
This song is without a doubt one of the most famous songs by the artist and no doubt the “Frenchies” attending the concert on September 13 will hum this song. And you, will you be part of it?
About the Author
Isabelle Karamooz, Founder of FQM is originally from Versailles, France. She always wanted to see the world, which she did starting at 17 when she had the fortunate opportunity to study abroad in Rhonda, Spain. She traveled the world from Hong Kong to Taiwan, from Ireland to Austria, to Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Monaco, and discovered the entire countries of Italy and Morocco. She really feels like a citizen of the world. She finally settled several years in Los Angeles where she worked at the French Consulate of Los Angeles. Passionate about the Arts and History, she earned a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of California Berkeley and studied for a Master program in education at the University of Southern California, then she went on to teach French to aspiring UNLV and CSN students in Nevada. She is the founder and Editor in chief of French Quarter Magazine, in which she writes, interviews people in a wide range of circumstances, pitches story ideas to writers and journalists, takes photos, and is currently writing her first translated work, which spans the life of Coco Chanel and is filled with adventure, intrigue, history and love.
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