Famous French Musicians

France has always been the center for art as well as music. This country has a wide variety in terms of music with different genres being appreciated at all levels. There are many areas in France where folk music is very much appreciated. Different eras saw different styles that emerged and were appreciated. There were also other influences from outside France. Over the years, France has seen many famous musicians who have excelled in this art. Here’s a look at some famous French musicians from different periods of time.

Famous French Musicians:

Vanessa Paradis:
Born on 22nd December 1972, Vanessa Paradis is a very famous French singer and actress. Her first chance to fame was when her talent was discovered in a television show in 1980. In five years, she soon recorded her first ever single titles ‘La Nagie des surprises-parties’. This single however was not a big hit. This song was also released in UK where it reached the number three slot. By the time she turned 19 Vanessa became fluent with English. Her other album titled Vanessa Paradis did manage to top the UK charts. The song, ‘Be my Baby’ was a great hit from this album. From there, she went on to bag awards for her acting skills and even endorsed brands such as Coco Chanel. There on, Vanessa had many more releases and awards to her credit.

Daft Punk:
Daft Punk consists of two members - Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. This duo is known for songs that belong to the French House scene. Their first successful single happened in 1995 when they recorded the song, ‘Da Funk’. Soon this group signed a contract with Virgin Records in 1996. Then followed their debut album titled ‘Homework.’ It has a wide variety of interesting mixes of techno and electro styles as well as acid house. Their earlier song, ‘Da Funk’ was also included in that. The most successful single from this album was ‘Around the World’. This song had a repetition of this line with some great background music score. From there on the duo, Daft Punk went on to release their second live album titled ‘Alive 2007.’ Daft Punk are also known for their different styles adopted in their videos which feature animation or various effects.

Gipsy Kings:
This group of French Musicians is best known for their Rumba Flamenca style. Gipsy Kings became popular with their first album. The tracks, ‘Djobi Djoba’ and ‘Un Amor’ were very much well-loved. This group also performed for the movie ‘Bedazzled’. They also won the Latin Grammy Award for the album ‘Love and Liberte’ in 1993. The songs composed by these French musicians have often been used for the beautiful dance styles like Salsa and Rumba.

Stephane Grappeli:
This famous jazz violinist was one of the first of the all-string jazz bands. Born in Paris (26 January, 1908 –1 December, 1997) he had very difficult beginnings in an orphanage because he lost his mother when he was only 4. His father had to leave him to fight in World War-I. He began his career in music with a violin. Post war period, he found opportunities with hundreds of other artists in terms of recordings. From there on, he recorded many albums. He was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

These were only a few of the many famous French musicians that brought fame to France. It only gives a glimpse to the kind of art that is seen out here!