Michel Jonasz, French singer-songwriter and actor

Michel Jonasz, born on 21 January 1947 in Drancy, France, is a highly esteemed and multifaceted French artist renowned for his significant contributions as a composer-songwriter, singer, and actor. He has carved out a unique niche in the French music scene, celebrated for his distinctive blend of jazz, blues, and French chanson, often referred to as a "chansonnier" due to his lyrical depth and storytelling.

Among his most cherished compositions are the iconic "La boîte de jazz," which profoundly embodies his strong jazz influences and remains one of his signature tunes; "Joueurs de blues," showcasing his deep and authentic connection to the blues genre; and the evocative "Les vacances au bord de la mer," a widely popular and enduring French chanson that resonates with listeners.

The son of Hungarian immigrant parents, Michel Jonasz demonstrated an early and profound inclination towards the arts. At the pivotal age of 15, he made the decision to leave formal education to fully immerse himself in his artistic pursuits, exploring various creative avenues. His wide-ranging interests initially spanned painting, theatre, and particularly music, where he began to hone his skills primarily as a pianist.

His formative years in music included significant collaborations with other notable artists. He worked with Vigon, a prominent French soul and rhythm & blues singer known for his energetic stage presence, and also with the group The Lemons. These early experiences in soul and R&B laid a crucial groundwork for his developing musical style. In 1966, he took a significant step by co-founding the band King Set with his close friend, the talented guitarist Alain Goldstein.

King Set quickly garnered attention, achieving notable radio success that began to introduce Jonasz's unique vocal delivery and innate talent for rhythm to a wider audience. Two particular tracks from this period were instrumental in raising his profile: "Apesanteur" (meaning "Weightlessness"), an original composition released in 1967, which highlighted his burgeoning songwriting prowess; and the popular "Jezebel" in 1968, further solidifying his emerging presence.

Michel Jonasz's journey into a solo career commenced gradually. He released his first single, known as a "45t" (a vinyl single designed to be played at 45 revolutions per minute, typical for popular music releases of the era), at the end of 1968. Interestingly, this initial solo effort was released under the moniker "Michel Kingset," a nod to his previous band affiliation. His subsequent solo single, released in 1970, marked a definitive transition as it appeared under his widely recognized birth name, Michel Jonasz.

However, it was not until 1974 that Michel Jonasz truly captured the attention of a broad French audience. This year marked a significant breakthrough, as he achieved widespread recognition with two simultaneous hit songs, commonly referred to as "tubes" in French music parlance (denoting immensely popular and frequently played tracks). These immensely successful tracks, "Dites-Moi" and "Super Nana," firmly established him as a major figure in French music, paving the way for a prolific and enduring career that has seen him become a beloved icon.

Frequently Asked Questions about Michel Jonasz

When and where was Michel Jonasz born?
Michel Jonasz was born on 21 January 1947 in Drancy, France.
What is Michel Jonasz best known for?
He is widely recognized as a versatile French artist: a composer-songwriter, singer, and actor. He is particularly celebrated for his unique blend of jazz, blues, and French chanson.
What are some of Michel Jonasz's most famous songs?
Among his most well-known compositions are "La boîte de jazz," "Joueurs de blues," and "Les vacances au bord de la mer."
When did Michel Jonasz achieve his musical breakthrough?
Michel Jonasz found a large audience and achieved significant breakthrough success in 1974 with his hit songs "Dites-Moi" and "Super Nana."
What was Michel Jonasz's first musical instrument?
He began his artistic career as a pianist.