American or English have you ever heard this song?

[Julie4]

The singer is French, and he is a big star in my country.

However I discovered this song of him where he sings in English, I'm really shocked by this song of him that I discovered today, because he looks so Anglo-Saxon lol.

I specify that he is blind

https://youtu.be/libw-_aZL3o

[caring__1]

The world has become a melting pot. It can be very difficult to identify where a person lives or was born, just by looking at them.

It's not uncommon for groups from all over the world to sing in English, as it's been seen as the most universally commercial language. ABBA sang most of their songs in English from their very first one

https://www.youtube.com/embed/pO7ubf4h8sk

Here are some blind singers who didn't originally speak English:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/qt_OkgSOrkU

Jose Feliciano''s first song

https://www.youtube.com/embed/rJCJnlbca2M

I must admit I had never previously heard the song you shared. Thanks for sharing.

[Julie4]

I agree, what surprised me was the style of the song chosen by Gilbert Montagné, he sings mostly songs that are party songs.

With this song not only he sings in English, but also in a style that is not usual and finally it is this song that made him know his first success. That made a lot of news for me lol.

In any case, if the song could please you a little I am happy.

[caring__1]

It's interesting to hear how singers' styles change with time. Sometimes, their record company pushes for a change, other times the singers want to experiment with something different (crossing music styles), and other times, the change is a reaction to flak they get from their audience.

The Beatles changed significantly over their lifespan. There are too many to list here. Though Shania Twain began by only singing country, this was her first crossover song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNZH-emehxA

In case you've never heard Ricky Nelson's songs, his fans were up in arms when he changed his style. Here's his original style
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyZAJQgrXKk

Here's his reaction to his fans complaints
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60XTeHM9iLQ

[WindAtMyBack]

I don't recognize the song or singer.

In the US we got the vast majority of music from the US, Canada, and UK. There were a VERY small number of songs/bands from other European countries, but most didn't make it here. The record companies didn't market them in the US. There was also some music like Reggae from the Caribbean.

Off the top of my head I can only think of a few songs/bands from that era from European countries outside of the UK. Golden Earring was Dutch. Neva was German. Abba was Swedish. I'm probably forgetting some but it's not a long list.

[Sixgunsound]

AC/DC and Bee Gees are Australian.

[WindAtMyBack]

@Sixgunsound

I never listened to AC/DC and don't consider that my era anyway. I actually thought the Bee Gees were British. I just checked and they were originally British but moved to Australia at a young age. It seems like there are more Australian bands, but I can't think of them off the top of my head.

Yea, I probably missed some, but I don't think it's many. There are also UK bands that are not English - like Scottish or Irish. Donovan and Van Morrison come to mind.

[MTC29]

Never heard it before.

I checked and the top selling French artist is some guy named Johnny Hallyday (real name Jean-Philippe Léo Smet) ... who I also never heard of.

[Julie4]

Indeed Johnny Hallyday was a legend here in France , although he sold a lot of records , I'm not sure if he sold the most albums in the history of France , I think Charles Aznavour sold more. Anyway Hallyday was a great artist, I have shared one of his songs here on this site.

For Gilbert Montagné he certainly didn't sell the most albums but he is still an appreciated artist

[MTC29]

In America, French orchestral leader Paul Mauriat is possibly the best-known French artist. His version of L'amour est bleu (Love is Blue) was #1 for 5 weeks back in 1968 (when I was 8 years old). To put things in perspective, I'm a Formula 1 fan and a Scuderia Ferrari tifosi. When Spainard Fernando Alonso was driving for the team his (then wife), Raquel del Rosario, was said to be a star with the band El Sueño de Morfeo. I had never heard of her or the band.

[Julie4]

Haha good annecdote. Oh I guess the Americans know David Guetta or Daft Punk, they have received many awards in the US

[MTC29]

Your profile says that you are from the USA, but now that I know you are from France you now are MUCH more interesting. Frankly, I already know as many Americans as I'll ever need to know!

I'm following you.

[Julie4]

Haha, well cultural exchanges are always interesting I think.

I follow you too.

And in advance, forgive my bad English

[MTC29]

Your English is fine, better than many Americans your own age.

[Ill_made_Knight]

No, but this as a vocal style feels a lot like Tom Jones I think.

[MCheetah]

Never heard of him.

[20yearsolder]

Nope

[Julie4]

You are too young to know this song lol 🤣

[20yearsolder]

That's a first, someone telling me I'm young

[Julie4]

There is a first to everything lol

[MTC29]

Congrats, @20yearsolder I should have tried the same trick with my own username.

[20yearsolder]

I just got tired of scrolling trying to find my birth year. Makes you feel old doing that lol

[pizzalovershouse]

Nope never