Jacques Dutronc

Singer/songwriter Jacques Dutronc gained popularity in his native France with his provocative songs that matched the rebellious spirit of the '60s so well. Though he was absent from the musical scene for nearly a decade, pursuing a film career, he successfully returned to music in the early '80s and still remains one of the most popular performers in the French-speaking world.

Dutronc started as a guitarist in the small rock group El Toro et les Cyclones, who recorded two singles. In 1965, he was asked by the manager of Françoise Hardy to write a few songs for her, so Dutronc composed "Le Temps de l'Amour" and "Va Pas Prendre un Tambour." Having proven himself a successful songwriter, Dutronc decided to pursue a solo career. It started in 1966 with such hits as "Et Moi et Moi, et Moi," "On Nous Cache Tout, On Nous Dit Rien," "Les Play-Boys," and others. His 1968 song "Paris S'Eveille" became an instant classic of French pop music. In 1973, Dutronc successfully ventured into film acting, which would eventually bring him a Best Actor Cesar (a French equivalent to Oscar) for the leading role in Van Gogh.

His musical career resumed in 1980 with the release of the album Guerre et Pets, the result of his collaboration with Serge Gainsbourg. It was followed by 1984 hit single "M***e in France." The 1987 album CQF Dutronc boasted the work of Earl Slick (David Bowie's guitarist), Jean-Jacques Burnel (Stranglers), and Etienne Daho, among others. After the successful 1992 tour, Dutronc released a live album and a collection of his old hits. His 1995 studio album Brèves Rencontres was produced and arranged by Erdal Kizilcay.