With a recording career spanning over seven decades, Charles Aznavour produced more than 1,200 songs and sold over 180 million units worldwide. Born in the 6th arrondissement of Paris in 1924, he rose from a childhood of modest means to become a globally recognized singer-songwriter, actor, and diplomat who performed extensively in multiple languages.
Early Life and Wartime Resistance
Born Shahnour Vaghinak Aznavourian to Armenian immigrants, he entered the performance world at age nine, eventually adopting the stage name Aznavour. During the German occupation of France in World War II, he and his sister Aida actively resisted the regime. Operating from their Paris flat, they provided shelter to Jews and other persecuted individuals, an act of defiance that earned them the Raoul Wallenberg Award in 2017.
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Aznavour developed his craft under the mentorship of Edith Piaf, who encouraged his pursuit of a singing career. His vocal style, characterized by a gravelly tenor, allowed him to bridge genres including chanson and pop. He recorded 91 studio albums and wrote or co-wrote over 1,000 songs. His ability to perform in French, English, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Armenian, and intermediate Southern Italian facilitated his success in major venues like Carnegie Hall.
Diplomatic and Humanitarian Service
In the later years of his life, Aznavour focused heavily on his Armenian heritage and humanitarian efforts. Following the 1988 earthquake in Armenia, he established the charity Aznavour for Armenia. He served as Armenia's permanent delegate to UNESCO starting in 1994 and held the position of ambassador of Armenia to Switzerland beginning in 2009. He maintained his role as a diplomat until his death in 2018.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 May 1924, 6th arrondissement of Paris
- Died: 1 October 2018, Mouriès
- Estimated total record sales: Over 180 million units
- Languages performed in: French, German, Italian, Spanish, English, Russian, Armenian
- Diplomatic roles: Ambassador of Armenia (2009–2018)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star: Awarded in 2017
- Burial site: Cemetery of Montfort-l'Amaury
Questions readers ask
Was Charles Aznavour Armenian or French?
He held citizenship in both France and Armenia, reflecting his Armenian parentage and his upbringing in Paris.
Did Charles Aznavour have any official recognition for his wartime actions?
Yes, he and his sister Aida received the Raoul Wallenberg Award in 2017 for sheltering Jews during the German occupation of France.
Achievements
- Commander of the Legion of Honour — 2003
- Officer of the Order of Canada — 2008
- Officer of the National Order of Quebec — 2009
- Officer of the Order of Leopold — 2004
- Commander of the Order of the Crown — 2015
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: popular music, chanson and jazz
