Alain Souchon (FR)

About

Also known as: Alain Kienast, Alian Souchon, Souchon Alain, Alain Kienast, Alian Souchon, Souchon Alain

Born Alain Kienast in Casablanca, this French singer songwriter changed his name and went on to become one of the most decorated figures in French chanson. His mother had Swiss roots, giving him dual nationality, and after his father died when he was just 15, he ended up working in London for a spell before returning to France and picking up the guitar, drawn in by British and American music. His first serious break came with the 1974 single 'J'ai 10 ans', and he built a steady following through the late 1970s, even composing the theme for François Truffaut's film L'amour en fuite. A natural collaborator, he teamed up early on with Laurent Voulzy, and the two wrote songs together while each kept a solo career going. He also proved himself as an actor, drawing strong notices for his role in the 1983 film L'été meurtrier. The song that really cemented his place in French pop history is 'Foule sentimentale' from 1993, a wry, melancholic look at consumer culture that landed on the million selling album C'est déjà ça and won Best Original Song at the Victoires de la Musique. He has racked up six Victoires de la Musique wins in total, making him one of the most honoured artists the ceremony has seen.