Often dubbed ‘France’s Frank Sinatra’, the inimitable Charles Aznavour, has passed away at the age of 94.
Born in Shahnour Varinag Aznavourian in Paris to Armenian parents, the legendary singer sold more than 100 million records in 80 countries and worked to the very end of his illustrious career.
He had just returned home from a tour to Japan with shows having been planned in Europe later in the year. Retirement was not something that he had ever contemplated despite the rigorous physical demands of life on the road. In describing his incredible passion for performing, Charles once said, "I always go forwards. There is no backwards step with me. All I can do is live, and I live on stage. I am happy up there, and you can see that."
Both the singer's producer, Gerard Drouout Productions, and the French culture ministry confirmed his death, he died overnight at one of his homes in France.
French President Emmanuel Macron was one of the first to react to the news via Twitter, he was reportedly a huge fan of the star. In a tweet paying tribute, he said: "Proudly French, viscerally attached to his Armenian roots, known all over the world, Charles Aznavour accompanied three generations through their joys and pains. "His masterpieces, his tone, his unique brilliance will live far beyond him."
Charles' career spanned more than 70 years, he appeared in dozens of films and recorded over 1 200 songs including She - famously performed by Elvis Costello in Richard Curtis's Notting Hill - and Formidable.
In 2015 he released his 51st album, Encores, and just last year he received a star on Hollywood's Walk Of Fame.
His1974 hit She is perhaps one of his songs best known to South Africans. We pay tribute to this global superstar, Charles Aznavour - may he RIP.
Sources: Sky News/BBC/YouTube
