Songs to his music were performed by those who were known and loved in all corners of the world. If fate had not brought him to future legends, our hero could become the most ordinary tramp.
The biography of this person is amazing. Having fallen in love with music, he entrusted her with his fate and did not lose. In his youth, having left his hometown, he returned there famous and gave his name to one of its streets.
Childhood
Francis-Albert Le was born in April 1932 in Nice. His father worked as a gardener and descended from Italian migrants. The French resort, where rich people from all over the world loved to relax, such as him, was considered as a great place to earn money. The father tried to instill a pragmatic attitude towards life to his son.
French city of Nice, where Francis Le was born and raised
From an early age, the boy liked music. When he began to attend rehearsals of local amateur orchestras, his parents only rejoiced. Bad habits were prevalent in the work environment, and only those who had a passion were able to avoid them. Having survived the war, the family hoped to improve their financial situation and give the heir an education. The freedom-loving teenager said that he sees himself as a professional musician. Adults indignant such fantasies.
Youth
Not finding support at home, the young rebel went on a journey. He had just turned 20, he played great on the accordion and knew gardening. The last stroller was useless. He reached Marseilles, where he began to earn his living by playing in taverns. The debutant quickly became acquainted with troubadours like him. Jazz compositions that sailors liked so much appeared in Le's repertoire.
Francis got his fans. They claimed that such a talent did not belong on the provincial scene. Trusting their opinion, our hero went to Paris in the company of his new friend, singer Clad Goati. In the capital, friends showed their creativity on the stages of Montmartre. Here they managed to visit the orchestra and presented to the audience their first author’s song. The work was highly appreciated, and henceforth the duet continued to work in the same spirit.
Montmartre. Artist Maurice Utrillo
Star dating
Once Francis Le was invited as an accompanist to the legendary chansonnier Edith Piaf. He could not resist, so as not to tell his colleague on the scene about his own composing experiments. The singer was delighted with the creations of the new friend and asked him to write something personally for her. Thus began the creative collaboration of Le and Piaf.
Francis Le at a rehearsal with Edith Piaf
Having become his own in the circles of Parisian bohemia, the young musician constantly received offers to take part in new unusual projects. In 1965, he undertook to write a score for the film "Man and Woman" by Claude Lelouch. The result exceeded all expectations - the tape received a number of awards, including the Golden Globe for musical accompaniment. From this triumph began the career of Le in the movie. Together with the director already familiar to him, the composer worked on the films "Life for Life", "Love is a Fun Thing."
Lucky
The first significant success intoxicated the young man. Now he was not an unnamed tramp, who sometimes entertained visitors to the tavern for a hearty dinner, but a recognized master. It was possible to arrange a personal life. In 1968, Francis Le led to the altar of Dagmar Putz. The composer's wife was far from the world of art, but contributed to his work, providing an inspiring homely atmosphere. The couple became the parents of two sons and a daughter.
Many filmmakers offered talented people cooperation. In 1970, he called from Hollywood. A stern voice asked: Is Francis ready to write music for the film Love Story, which is being shot by Arthur Hiller. Our hero was confused and replied that he was leaving for Nice and could not help. What was the surprise of the Le family when a script was sent to the composer's hometown asking them to think again before making a final decision. I had to agree. The award for this work was the Oscar.
Eccentric
Those who saw the author of the music on the set described him as an amazingly funny person. Carried away by composing songs, Francis forgot about the need to periodically visit the hairdresser. By the time the filming was over, his head was decorated with magnificent hair. At the same time, a diffused genius was always smiling and friendly.
Francis Le and Mireille Mathieu
Francis Le added to the French language dictionary with the neologism "Shabadaba." This strange refrain has become a sign of a love relationship in which a gentleman and a lady act on equal terms. In addition to the bully's desire to introduce lyrics made up on the fly, the companions noticed the composer's tendency to write simple compositions. Almost folk style did not prevent Le's works from becoming part of the repertoire of such stars as Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour and Mireille Mathieu.
