- Before his own breakthrough as a singer in 1953, he composed several songs for Dalida, Marlene Dietrich and Édith Piaf.
- His song "Et maintenant" (1961) became one of the most successful singles in French music history. The English version "What Now My Love?" was a hit by Shirley Bassey, Frank Sinatra, Sonny & Cher, Judy Garland, Elvis Presley and Andy Williams.
- Spoke six languages fluently.
- Was a chain smoker.
- Interred in the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France.
- He had a top 10 hit single in Australia in 1975, with "A Little Love And Understanding".
- In 1959, he became the artistic godfather of the vocal group Les Djinns conducted by Paul Bonneau.
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