Friday, 26 February 2016

Claude François.


When I first came to live in France in 1972, there was only one really big name in French pop music; CLAUDE FRANÇOIS. He was to France what Elvis was to the rest of the world.

Known for his catchy tunes, his tasteless outfits, and his 'Claudettes'; Clo Clo danced his way across our TV screens like an omnipotent god of song. He could do no wrong.

His fame of course, like most French songsters, remained in France. If he is known elsewhere, it is as the writer of  'My way' (Comme d'habitude), and nowt else; but mention his name over here, and people still go into raptures.

His end came in 1978 (aged 39) whilst standing in the shower and trying to straighten an electric wall-mounted light fitting. Need I say more?

Here he is, leaping about with his 'Claudettes', singing one of his BIG HITS. I shall make no further comment!




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37 comments:

  1. Anonymous26 February 2016 at 04:50

    Not wishing to be indelicate, Cro, but 1972? How old are you NOW? Don't worry about it. I revere old people - slowly catching up even with my own parents, the gap between us narrowing as time does what time does (march on without a second thought).

    U

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cro Magnon26 February 2016 at 11:49

      I was very young when I moved here!

      Delete
    2. Coppa's girl26 February 2016 at 20:15

      Interesting conversation this morning with friends of a similar vintage to myself. None of us felt our age at all - none of us, in our minds, felt older than 25. It was just when we looked in the mirror that the sad truth revealed itself....! You are, as they say, as young as you feel.

      Delete
    3. Le Pré de la Forge26 February 2016 at 23:23

      Just act your shoe size....

      Delete
  2. Susan Heather26 February 2016 at 05:25

    Heard of "My Way" but not the Claudettes. Great costumes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  3. Maria26 February 2016 at 06:23

    He looks a little like Michael Fox. Greetings Maria x

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  4. Coppa's girl26 February 2016 at 06:50

    Somehow the Claudettes seem to have more of a presence than....er...what's his name again? Oh, yes, Claude François.
    No, never heard of him, but he looks a nicely "turned out" young man - one a girl could certainly take home to meet mother. He probably wasn't scruffy enough to make onto the International pop scene.

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  5. Sue G26 February 2016 at 07:33

    Very Eurovision...!

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  6. potty26 February 2016 at 08:43

    In deference to you Cro, I endured it for only a minute. I expect the publicity stills of him were with a cigarette.

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  7. The Weaver of Grass26 February 2016 at 09:00

    sad way to go and so young.

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  8. Frugal in Derbyshire 26 February 2016 at 09:13

    That's awful!

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  9. Patricia (La Chatte Gitane)26 February 2016 at 10:39

    He is/was very well known in Belgium too. And I remember the news that he electrocuted himself and I was only 10 at the time.
    He wasn't my cuppa tea though.

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    Replies
    1. Patricia (La Chatte Gitane)26 February 2016 at 10:39

      Well, no. I was 16.

      Delete
    2. Cro Magnon26 February 2016 at 11:56

      Probably in Canada and certain Caribbean islands too. Anywhere they spoke French.

      Delete
  10. Cro Magnon26 February 2016 at 11:51

    I've been having 'computer problems', and have had to switch laptops. Please excuse me if I don't reply to your comments.

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  11. Jo26 February 2016 at 12:14

    Er, I've never heard of him either; rather a pretty boy. 1972 was 45 years ago: I know; I was 19 and got married that year. Uh-oh, I hope your computer problems are small ones...

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  12. Mrs LH26 February 2016 at 12:42

    Ooh he looks like David Dickinson dad dancing, minus the tan!

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  13. Shawn26 February 2016 at 14:18

    I'm sure the Claudettes had a lot to do with his popularity. It's amazing how unsexy they are despite the scanty costumes.

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  14. Cro Magnon26 February 2016 at 14:31

    My friend Craig has now fixed the bloody laptop; everyone should have a Craig in their lives. Thanks.

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  15. Frances26 February 2016 at 14:50

    I'd never before heard or even heard of Claude Francois, and thank you for this time traveling treat. Tres amusant!

    Not so amusing was M Francois's early death.

    Glad Craig sorted out your laptop.

    Best wishes.

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    Replies
    1. Cro Magnon26 February 2016 at 15:30

      Very few French singers are known of outside France. They don't have international appeal.

      Delete
  16. Amy Saia26 February 2016 at 15:18

    No disrespect to Claude Francois, but this video reminds me of a Benny Hill skit. I do wonder if Mr. Hill fashioned himself off this gentleman quite a bit.

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    Replies
    1. Cro Magnon26 February 2016 at 15:31

      Benny Hill did have a hit song too; something to do with Ernie the Milkman.

      Delete
  17. Rachel Phillips26 February 2016 at 15:40

    I have never understood why French pop music was so bad. And French television.

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    Replies
    1. Cro Magnon26 February 2016 at 16:35

      Knowing that this example was a 'high point', explains all. Dreadful.

      Delete
  18. Sol26 February 2016 at 16:19

    how deliciously disco!

    Noel Edmunds wants his wig back though! lol

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  19. Bea26 February 2016 at 16:23

    What a guy was that Claude Francois! I've always thought Johnny Halliday was also a bit of an Elvis equivalent for the French, no?

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    Replies
    1. Cro Magnon26 February 2016 at 16:38

      Halliday once booked a huge venue in Las Vegas, and filled it with French fans. He then claimed that he'd had a sell-out concert in the USA; what he failed to mention was that all the tickets were sold in France.

      Delete
    2. Bea26 February 2016 at 19:01

      Ha! Nicely played, Johnny!

      Delete
  20. Graham Edwards26 February 2016 at 19:36

    Oh dear! (to all aspect of this post!).

    ReplyDelete
  21. John Going Gently26 February 2016 at 21:09

    Thats MY kinda music
    But i am Welsh

    ReplyDelete

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