Born Bénédicte Grimault in Berry-Bouy near Bourges in 1966, Belle du Berry adopted this stage name inspired by her origins. After studying cinema, she sang in the groups PPI (Pervers Polymorphes Inadaptés) and Les Endimanchés, before taking part in the 1992 ballet choreographed by Philippe Decouflé for the opening ceremony of the Albertville Winter Olympics. A regular on the Paris scene, she met Australian musician David Lewis, with whom she formed the retro chanson and jazz group Paris Combo in 1995. The group enjoyed success with its second and subsequent albums, Living Room (1999). During a break from the group, Belle du Berry and David Lewis recorded the album Quizz (2009) as a duo, followed by concerts in small venues. The singer continues to compose for Philippe Decouflé's shows and to write for Lokua Kanza, among other theatrical and cinematic activities, after a role in the film Lautrec (1998). Stricken by cancer, Belle du Berry died at the Kremlin-Bicêtre hospital on August 11, 2020, aged 54.
