|
|
| Page tools |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
A new book, “Joe Dassin, le triomphe et le tourment” or Joe Dassin, the triumph and the torment, looks back on the life of the legendary singer and songwriter.
Published on the occasion of the 25-year anniversary of his death, the book uses personal testimonies of those that were close to him to give an insight into the life of this singing wandering Jew.
The grandson of a Russian Jew who emigrated to the US, Dassin grew up in France after his father, a prominent film director, was blacklisted in the McCarthy years and forced to move to France.
From an early age Dassin was passionate about music and launched into a career in the US, singing French chanson classics on the local bar circuit.
During his stay, Dassin befriended a number celebrities on the music scene including Robert Zimmerman, who would later make his name as Bob Dylan.
Upon his return to France he released a couple of songs that did not immediately bring success. But in 1966 he won over French hearts with chart toppers like “The Daltons”, “Siffler sur la colline”, “Le petit pain au chocolat”, “L’Amerique” and “Champs Elysees”.
His husky, deep voice, his exotic American origins and his natural elegance made a great impression on the French music scene.
Close to Jewish origins
The 1970s were a difficult time for Dassin as he was faced with divorce, the loss of his first child and a diminished interest from his fans.
The singer made a come-back in 1975, with “L’Ete Indien” and “Et si tu n’existais pas”. But even though he was at the peak of his career, the artist was worn out and exhausted.
“My father also felt deeply Jewish. He celebrated the main holidays but not Shabbat. If he had had the time and the chance I think he would have been more observant,” Joe’s son Julien told the monthly “Tribune Juive” news magazine.
He also had a strong link with Israel and was outraged over the Six-Day War, to the point that he was getting ready to join the army. The only thing that stopped him was the fact that the war ended sooner than expected.
Joe’s mother, a Hungarian Jew, was a musician. Like a real Jewish mama, she devoted her life to the organisation and promotion of his career.
Joe Dassin died of a heart attack in Tahiti in 1980 at the age of 42. His family decided to bury him in Jewish cemetery in Hollywood, although his wife did not want a religious service.
Twenty-five years after his death, Joe Dassin remains one of the most popular figures in the history of French music. His songs, which sold millions worldwide during his lifetime, are still frequently played on French radio today.
“Joe Dassin, le triomphe et le tourment” by Alain-Guy Aknin and Philippe Crocq is published at Rocher publishers.
|