Mouloudji

Marcel Mouloudji – born in Paris, France on September 18, 1922 – was a singer, songwriter, actor, painter, and writer better known simply as Mouloudji. A versatile artist, he was best known as a singer but focused on acting early in his career. At the age of 11, he began appearing in several films and established himself as an actor before turning his attention to music in the early 1950s. Enthralled by this new way to express himself artistically, he first began performing in Paris clubs before making his way to the recording studio. Scoring hits with songs like “La Complainte des infidèles,” "Rue de Lappe," "Si tu t'imagines," and "Barbara," Mouloudji won the Grand Prix du Disque in 1953 for “Comme un p'tit coquelicot.” The following year, he won the same award for the song “Un jour tu verras.” Mouloudji recorded the anti-war song "Le Déserteur" in 1954, which was banned from the radio, causing a scandal in the press, and having a negative effect on his recording career. He continued to record albums and singles but by the 1970s, his records were no longer achieving chart success. In the 1980s, he turned his attention to painting and writing while still dabbling in music. Not completely forgotten by the public, Mouloudji continued to compose new material and began mounting a musical comeback in the early 1990s. His plans were cut short when he died on June 14, 1994. Since his death, his musical legacy continues to be reappraised with reissues and compilations including Mouloudji A 100 ans.