The single, 1961 release of Et maintenant became one of the highest-selling French records in history, eventually transitioning into the English-language standard What Now My Love. Born François Gilbert Léopold Silly in 1927, the Toulon native utilized his formal training at the Conservatory of Nice to build a career as a versatile singer, actor, and composer.
Early Career and The Olympia
Bécaud began songwriting in 1948 after collaborating with Maurice Vidalin. His transition to a solo singing career in 1953 followed an introduction to Édith Piaf while working as an accompanist for Jacques Pills. His affinity for the Paris Olympia theater, managed by Bruno Coquatrix, defined his stage presence. He debuted there in 1954 and performed to a capacity-straining crowd of 6,000 in 1955, earning the moniker Monsieur 100,000 Volts for his high-energy delivery.
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Bécaud's influence spanned decades through the international adaptation of his catalog. Tracks such as Je t'appartients gained widespread recognition after being recorded by the Everly Brothers as Let It Be Me. In the 1980s, he maintained his creative output by collaborating with Neil Diamond on several compositions, including Love on the Rocks and September Morn, both of which appeared on The Jazz Singer soundtrack. His work also reached Broadway with the musical Roza, written with Julian More.
Compositional Depth
Beyond pop music, Bécaud explored large-scale compositions, most notably his 1962 two-act opera, L'Opéra d'Aran. The work, conducted by Georges Prêtre, premiered at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. Despite his prolific output, he faced exhaustion, leading to a professional hiatus in 1973. He eventually returned to perform, remaining active in the studio and on stage through the 1990s before his death in 2001.
Recognition and Legacy
Bécaud received multiple honors for his contributions to the arts, including the Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres in 1983 and the Legion of Honour in both 1974 and 1985. His song catalog, comprising approximately 450 titles, remains managed by BMG Music Publishing. He died at age 74 on his houseboat in Boulogne-Billancourt and is buried at the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.
Fast facts
- Born: 1927, Toulon
- Died: 2001, Boulogne-Billancourt
- Notable work: Nathalie
- Notable work: L'important c'est la rose
- Notable work: Mes mains
- Education: Conservatory of Nice
- Burial place: Père Lachaise Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Gilbert Bécaud's primary contribution to music?
He was a prolific singer-songwriter and composer whose French-language hits, such as Et maintenant and Nathalie, were successfully adapted by international artists including Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.
Why was he called Monsieur 100,000 Volts?
The nickname referred to his exceptionally energetic performance style, particularly during his frequent appearances at the Paris Olympia.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 1973
- Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Notable work: Roza
- Notable work: L'important c'est la rose
- Notable work: What Now My Love
- Notable work: Nathalie
- Educated at Conservatory of Nice
- Worked as composer, pianist and singer
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