Top 10 French Singers of All Time

Technically a Belgian, Brel is still considered by many to be the greatest chanson singer in the French-speaking world. His poetic lyrics and theatrical performances were revolutionary. Songs like “Ne me quitte pas” and “Amsterdam” show his mastery in telling stories full of emotion, passion and humanity.

With a career spanning more than 70 years, Aznavour was one of the most successful French artists ever. He sold more than 180 million records worldwide and wrote more than 1,200 songs. His romantic ballads such as “La Bohème” and “She” touched millions of hearts.

A provocateur, a genius, and one of the most influential figures in French pop music. Gainsbourg combined chanson with rock, reggae and jazz, creating a unique sound. His controversial songs such as “Je t'aime… moi non plus” (with Jane Birkin) and concept albums such as “Histoire de Melody Nelson” showed his artistic courage. His lyrics were literary, daring and often provocative, which made him a cult hero.

Brassens was a poet who played the guitar. His intelligent, often satirical lyrics about love, freedom and social conventions made him one of the most respected chansonniers. With songs like “Les Copains d'abord” and “Chanson pour l'Auvergnat” he combined simple melodies with profound poetry.

Hallyday brought rock 'n' roll to France and became the country's biggest rock icon. During a career spanning more than 50 years, he sold more than 110 million records. His energetic performances and hits such as “Que je t'aime” and “Allumer le feu” made him a national hero. At his death, all of France mourned this “idole des jeunes” who influenced generations.

The eternally cheerful “singing madman” brought a new, more modern style to French chanson in the 1930s. His cheerful, swinging songs such as “La Mer” (later world famous as “Beyond the Sea”) and “Y'a d'la joie” were revolutionary for their time.

Of Italian descent but thoroughly French in his soul, Montand was both a celebrated singer and actor. His charming personality and warm voice made him world famous. Songs such as “Les Feuilles mortes” (Autumn Leaves) and “À Paris” became international classics.

One of the most commercially successful French singers, with more than 100 million records sold. Sardou's powerful voice and provocative lyrics about politics, religion and society regularly caused controversy. Hits such as “Les Lacs du Connemara”, “En chantant” and “La Maladie d'amour” show his versatility. Despite criticism, he remained a crowd favorite for decades with his direct, unpolished style.

“Cloclo” was the king of French disco and pop in the sixties and seventies. His spectacular shows with dancers (Les Clodettes) were groundbreaking in France. International hits such as “Comme d'habitude” (later “My Way” by Frank Sinatra) and “Alexandrie Alexandra” proved his songwriting talent.

One of the most poetic and anarchic voices of French chanson. Ferré combined classical music with chanson and set poems by great poets such as Baudelaire and Verlaine to music. His own compositions such as “Avec le temps” and “C'est extra” are masterpieces full of emotion and philosophical depth. Ferré's refusal to conform to the commercial music industry and his radical political beliefs made him an icon for freethinkers.