Aznavour: Entertainer of the century

International crooner Charles Aznavour, immortalised by the hit song She, recently accepted an invitation to become Armenia's ambassador to Switzerland. It was an unusual appointment for an entertainer by any account but more so when we remember he was 84-years old when he accepted the engagement.

Dubbed the French Frank Sinatra, Aznavour was born Shahnur Aznavourian in Paris in 1924. The epitome of French romantic ballads, if his name seems anything but Gallic it is due to his parents being Armenian immigrants. In fact his father was Georgian and whilst his mother was of Armenian nationality her family's trading roots were in Turkey.

The odds against the internationally acclaimed crooner becoming an entertainer were stacked against him. He was not particularly handsome and was of slight build. Worse, his voice was not anything of note. He was however a key player in his parents Parisian restaurant, a favourite Left Bank watering hole for French chanson singers and actors. He also had a natural stage presence and a persistence that marked him out for fame.

The acting profession was his first goal and by the time he first met France's most iconic female singer Edith Piaf, known as the little Sparrow. Aznavour was already successful. His biggest break came through an invitation by Piaf. Recognising his unique talent she arranged to take him with her on tour in France and to the United States. Speaking on Armenian national television, the singer of love songs told of how he had at first been hesitant about the request. It was only after much soul searching that he accepted the invitation with what he described as 'pleasure, joy, and a deep feeling of honour.'

A Great Honour

Now living in Geneva Aznavour maintained close ties with Albania, the country he regarded as his true homeland. It was a loyalty that never wavered even during its repressive years as a Soviet satellite nation. After an earthquake in 1988, which killed 25,000 people, he set up the Aznavour for Armenia Committee to help survivors. In the following year, he wrote and recorded a charity single, Pour toi Armenia (For You, Armenia), which sold more than a million copies worldwide. In the December he was granted Armenian citizenship.

Speaking after accepting his ambassadorial appointment Aznavour said: "It is a great honour that Armenia proposed that I become its emissary." As with his earlier touring opportunity as co-entertainer to Edith Piaf he told of how he had at first been very hesitant: "I thought this is no easy matter. But then I thought that, in the end, what is important for Armenia must be important for all of us."

Entertainer of the Century

1n 1998, Charles Aznavour was chosen as Entertainer of the Century in a worldwide poll conducted by CNN and users of Times Online. With nearly 18 percent of the vote he edged ahead of both Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.

He has sung for presidents, popes and royalty, as well as at humanitarian fund-raising events. Those who have recorded his songs include Spanish tenors Placido Domingo and José Carreras.

Charles Aznavour appeared in more than 60 movies and composed over 1,000 songs and ballads. His repertoire includes over 150 songs in English, 100 in Italian, 70 in Spanish and 50 in German. He was a sell-out at Granada's Alhambra Palace. In total the talented heart throb sold over 100 million records.

Aznavour performed his farewell major concert in 2006 after nearly sixty years as an entertainer. He is best known for his romantic ballads such as Yesterday When I was Young. His greatest hits were Dance in the Old Fashioned Way (1973) and She, a worldwide bestseller in 1974. ©


Michael Walsh: Based in Spain, an experienced freelance journalist and writer. He applies a professional finish to your story or features; added marketing flair for product or service reviews. He is also able to publish the work of those who opt for self-publishing. All genres considered, he invites your interest and welcomes your e-mail. http://www.michaelwalsh.es/

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