Charles Aznavour

Biography

Charles Aznavour, OC (May 22, 1924 - October 1, 2018), was a distinguished Armenian-French artist celebrated for his remarkable contributions as a singer, songwriter, actor, activist, and diplomat. Renowned as one of France’s quintessential musical icons, Aznavour’s influence spanned the globe, making him one of the most recognized singers worldwide. His distinctive stature and unique tenor voice, characterized by a clear and ringing upper range complemented by deep, gravelly tones, left a lasting impact on the music industry.

Over his illustrious career, Aznavour starred in over 60 films and composed around 1,000 songs in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, and German. His record sales surpassed an astonishing 100 million copies, solidifying his status as a musical legend. In 1998, he earned the title of Entertainer of the Century from CNN and Time Online, receiving nearly 18% of the vote, triumphing over icons like Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.

Aznavour’s performances resonated with a diverse audience, having sung for dignitaries such as presidents and popes, and his humanitarian efforts included establishing the charity Aznavour for Armenia alongside his close associate Levon Sayan. In 2006, he embarked on a farewell tour that spanned several years. Additionally, in 2009, he was appointed as Armenia's ambassador to Switzerland and served as the country's permanent delegate to the United Nations in Geneva.