Avant Gainsbarre

Description

As provocative, nonconformist, and anti-heroic as he was, Serge Gainsbourg won the hearts of all French people, of all ages and from all walks of life. He is one of a kind. For many, Gainsbourg is an integral part of the national heritage, on par with wine, the Tour de France, gastronomy, and the Eiffel Tower. His influence on pop music is therefore immense. Many current French and international artists owe him a great deal, including Beck, Air, Nouvelle Vague, SonicYouth, Vive La Fête, and Goldfrapp. A genius composer and lyricist, he had a true gift for wordplay. It was in the late 1950s and early 1960s that the world discovered his brilliant songs such as "La Poinçonneur des Lilas", "L'Eau à la Bouche", and "Black Trombone".