Trivia

His romantic ballad La Mer was reworked by Bobby Darin into the million-selling smash Beyond The Sea.

Longtime friend of Charles Chaplin.

Published some 850 songs, in addition to books of poetry and several novels.

His most famous song, "La Mer", was introduced by Roland Gerbeau at the "Boeuf sur le Toit" (Paris, France) in 1945. More than 400 versions of the song have since been recorded.

French revue singer and composer of prolific output, nicknamed "Le Fou chantant" (The Singing Madman). He made his debut in 1935 as a member of 'Charles & Johnny' a popular cabaret duo. By 1938, he was engaged as a soloist at the ABC variety theatre in Paris and, eventually, took his place alongside Edith Piaf and Maurice Chevalier as France's most popular performing artist.

Was nicknamed "The Last Troubador" by Jean Cocteau.

He formed a successful vocal duet with Johnny Hess from 1933 to 1937.