Universal Music Celebrates 100 Years Of Charles Aznavour
Compilations, new music videos, and a feature film are all coming this year.
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 Charles’s hits songs in English – 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 will see the release of a new album Unfinished album in English 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.
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 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.
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 and Grand Corps Malade. 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.
