Francis Lai, The Aristocrat of Melody!
Whether referring to the man or to his music, the same words spring to the lips of Francis Lai’s friends and collaborators: simplicity, discretion, warmth. It is therefore universally acknowledged: Francis Lai resembles his music.
Best remembered for his Oscar-winning scores to « A Man and a Woman » & « Love Story », composer Francis Lai was born April 26, 1932, in Nice, France.
He started his career as accordionist of Edith Piaf, for whom Lai composed a number of songs as well. Francis made his film debut in 1966 with Claude Lelouch's movie « A Man and a Woman » that elevated Lai to international renown. He won an Academy Award for the 1970 Arthur Hiller blockbuster « Love Story ».The film's theme, "Where Do I Begin?," also became a Top 40 hit. Ambassador of a certain "French’ romanticism", Francis Lai died in Nice on November 7th, 2018 at the age of 86.
Francis Lai worked unpretentiously in the world of song (worked with Elton John, Mireille Mathieu, Edith Piaf, etc.) and cinema, always unaffected by trends and the media. Thierry Wolf (FGL Productions's chairman) produced which is taking care his masters since 40 years said about him "Francis is the Artistocrat of melody" and most humble man you could met".
Francis Lai's impressive track record of honours and awards is cause for reflection on the career of a melody writer with an exceptional instinct, whose talent has found worldwide acclaim, from the hills of Nice (France) to those of Hollywood.Now, in 2021, the cult album "Francis Lai Story" is now available online!
www.francislai.com
