This year marks the centenary of Charles Aznavour, the Paris-born son of Armenian immigrants who rose to world fame as an idéal singer of France’s chansons, and who will be the subject of several new works in recognition and celebration throughout 2024.
The honors have already started with the release of the compilation Instrumental Hits Versions, featuring a wordless survey of Aznavour’s career in 24 songs, including “La bohème” and “Parce que tu crois,” the latter sampled on “Breath” by Dr. Dre feat. Eminem & Xzibit.
That was followed last week with Sings in English – Best Of, a superb collection of 40 unreleased recordings produced in 1975 by the English great Del Newman (who counted time with, among others, George Martin and Paul McCartney in the studio) overseeing its orchestral arrangements. This album was never published for reasons still unknown, and has finally been unveiled – its tracks include an epic turn with Elton John on “Yesterday, When I Was Young – Hier encore” and a deeply ‘60s-evoking version of “The Old-Fashioned Way – Les plaisirs démodés.”
Tomorrow sees the release of a new video for “La Mamma,” directed by students from the Gobelins Production School and filmed on the street in Naples, featuring actors approached directly just prior to filming taking place. The black-and-white minifilm follows a young man experiencing deep loss and community connection in the wake of it, presenting an intergenerational and international angle on Aznavour’s all-time classic song. Aznavour’s humanitarian work, such as his advocacy for Armenians in the wake of a catastrophic earthquake in 1988 through his Aznavour for Armenia foundation, belied a deep connection to his own ancestry.
Yet another honor will arrive October 23 with Monsieur Aznavour, a biopic on Aznavour starring Tahar Rahim (Napoleon, A Prophet) in the title role, directed by Mehdi Idir. The film follows Aznavour’s life from his early days through his rise as a singer and prolific actor, counting over 75 roles in his filmography.