French singer Charles Aznavour performed a concert along with compatriot Micheal Vogan on Saturday in Beirut, according to the daily Annahar.
The concert was arranged by Bazz Production Co.
Aznavour has visited Lebanon several times, performing concerts at the Baalbeck and Jbail festivals.
Aznavour was born Varenagh Aznavourian, on May 22, 1924, in Paris as the son of Armenian immigrants who had fled to France. They settled down in Paris. His artist parents introduced him to the world of theatre. At the age of three, Charles made his stage debut reciting an Armenian poem in front of a 600-person audience. His uncle said: "He will be a great artist!" At the age of nine he announced that he wanted to be a chansonnier.
That same year he began playing and singing and soon toured through France and Belgium eight months a year. Growing up he took the stage name Aznavour, met Pierre Roche, with whom he formed a partnership. They went everywhere, performing their songs in the whole country.
Edith Piaf heard about him and this became the most important relationship of Aznavour's professional life. She took him with her on tour in France and to the United States.
Writing various successful songs for other singers, Aznavour finally triumphed singing in 1954 at the Olympia Music Hall.
He is a populist, never self-conscious. The variety of his songs is impressive, he has written over 1,000, made 100 records and played in 60 films and still doesn't stop.
He is often called the "Frank Sinatra of France" -Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
