Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

May 3, 1934 in Alexandria, Egypt

Death

:

May 23, 2013 in Nice, France

 

Georges Moustaki was a French singer-songwriter and composer who was born on May 3, 1934, in Alexandria, Egypt. His parents were Greek Jews who had migrated to Egypt. Moustaki's father was a cabinetmaker, and his mother was a seamstress. Moustaki was the youngest of three children, and he grew up in a multicultural environment, surrounded by Arabic, Greek, and French cultures. Moustaki's interest in music began at an early age. He learned to play the guitar when he was a teenager and started writing songs in his early twenties. In 1951, Moustaki moved to Paris to pursue a career in music. He started performing in cafes and clubs, and his talent was soon recognized by other musicians and producers. Moustaki's breakthrough came in 1958 when he wrote the song "Milord" for the French singer Edith Piaf. The song became a huge hit and established Moustaki as a talented songwriter. Over the next few years, Moustaki wrote songs for other famous French singers, including Yves Montand, Juliette Greco, and Barbara. In the 1960s, Moustaki started recording his own songs. His first album, "Les Muses," was released in 1969 and featured songs that he had written over the previous decade. The album was a critical success and established Moustaki as a singer-songwriter in his own right. Moustaki's music was characterized by his poetic lyrics and his use of the guitar as the primary instrument. His songs were often melancholic and introspective, reflecting his own experiences and emotions. Moustaki's music was also influenced by his Greek heritage, and he often incorporated Greek melodies and rhythms into his songs. Some of Moustaki's most famous songs include "Le Métèque," "Ma Liberté," and "Sarah." "Le Métèque" was released in 1969 and became an instant classic. The song tells the story of a foreigner who is trying to find his place in French society. The song's title, which means "the foreigner," became a nickname for Moustaki himself. "Ma Liberté" was released in 1970 and became another hit for Moustaki. The song is a celebration of freedom and individuality, and it has become an anthem for many people around the world. "Sarah" was released in 1971 and tells the story of a woman who is searching for love and meaning in her life. Moustaki continued to write and record music throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He released several albums, including "Danse" (1972), "Déclaration" (1978), and "C'est là" (1989). Moustaki's music continued to evolve, and he experimented with different styles and genres. In the 1990s, Moustaki's health began to decline, and he was forced to retire from performing. However, he continued to write music and remained active in the music industry. In 2008, Moustaki released his final album, "Solitaire," which featured new songs as well as re-recordings of some of his classic hits. Georges Moustaki passed away on May 23, 2013, at the age of 79. He left behind a legacy of beautiful music and poetic lyrics that continue to inspire and move people around the world. Moustaki's music has been covered by many artists, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless singer-songwriters.

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