Serge Gainsbourg

Biography

Serge Gainsbourg was born Lucien Ginsburg on April 2, 1928. His early life was marked by a passion for painting and music. Gainsbourg learned piano at home and later took guitar lessons from a French Romani teacher. He was influenced by Django Reinhardt and began performing in nightclubs and bars, often under pseudonyms like Julien Grix. His musical career gained momentum after changing his name to Serge Gainsbourg, inspired by Thomas Gainsborough, and performing at the Milord l'Arsouille club, where he was discovered by Francis Claude and Michèle Arnaud. This led to his first performances and recordings, including the notable song 'Le Poinçonneur des Lilas.' Gainsbourg's career spanned multiple genres, from jazz and chanson to rock and reggae, and he became renowned for provocative releases that often divided public opinion. His legacy includes over 550 songs, many of which have been covered by diverse artists. Gainsbourg's musical style was characterized by wordplay and provocative themes, and he collaborated with numerous artists, including Jane Birkin and Juliette Gréco. His impact on French pop is immense, and he remains one of the most influential musicians globally. Gainsbourg passed away on March 2, 1991, but his music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.

Fun Facts

• Gainsbourg was initially more passionate about painting than music.
• He was known for his provocative performances, including an infamous incident at a film festival in Val d'Isère.
• Gainsbourg wrote the lyrics for the French Eurovision entry 'White and Black Blues' in 1990.
• He often used pseudonyms early in his career, such as Julien Grix.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Boris Vian - Inspirational figure and influence on Gainsbourg's early work (None specific) [1950s]
• Django Reinhardt - Musical influence (None specific) [1940s-1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Michèle Arnaud - Early collaborator and performer of Gainsbourg's songs (Recordings of Gainsbourg's compositions) [1950s]
• Juliette Gréco - Collaboration on 'La Javanaise' (La Javanaise) [1950s]
• Jane Birkin - Long-term partner and collaborator on several albums (Je t'aime... moi non plus) [1960s-1990s]
• Vanessa Paradis - Lyrics for her album Variations sur le même t'aime (Variations sur le même t'aime) [1990]

Artists Influenced

• Various artists - Influence on numerous artists through his diverse musical styles (Over 1,000 covers of his songs) [1960s-present]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Bonnie And Clyde (Bubble Gum)
2. Je t'aime moi non plus (Comic Strip)
3. Je suis venu te dire que je m'en vais (Vu de l'extérieur)
4. La javanaise (N°4)
5. Je t'aime moi non plus (Bubble Gum)
6. La chanson de Prévert (L'étonnant Serge Gainsbourg (N°3))
7. Baudelaire (N°4)
8. Couleur café (Gainsbourg percussions)
9. Initials B.B. (Initials B.B.)
10. Je t'aime moi non plus (Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia