Richard Anthony, Egyptian-French singer-songwriter (d. 2015)

Richard Anthony, born Ricardo Anthony Btesh on January 13, 1938, in Cairo, Egypt, was a seminal figure in French pop music whose extraordinary career flourished significantly throughout the 1960s and 1970s. His unique background, rooted in an Egyptian birth and later relocation to France, added a compelling dimension to his persona within the evolving landscape of French popular music.

Anthony's early life was marked by a pivotal transition: his family, part of Egypt's Jewish community, made the significant move to France in 1951. This relocation profoundly shaped his identity and career trajectory, setting the stage for him to become one of France's most beloved vocalists.

He rose to prominence by masterfully adapting popular Anglo-American rock and pop hits into French, a practice that made him an accessible and adored voice for a generation. His distinctive musical style, which skillfully blended the energetic rhythms of rock 'n' roll with the melodic sensibilities of traditional French chanson, garnered him immense popularity and the affectionate moniker "Le Roi du Twist" (The King of Twist). Richard Anthony quickly established himself as one of the most prolific and commercially successful artists of his era, playing a crucial role in the burgeoning French Yé-yé movement.

His discography boasts an impressive array of chart-topping successes and enduring classics. Iconic tracks include "Nouvelle Vague" (a popular French adaptation of The Coasters' "Three Steps to Heaven"), "J'entends siffler le train" (based on Peter, Paul and Mary's "500 Miles"), "La Corde au cou," "Tchin Tchin," and the timeless "Aranjuez mon amour." These and many other hits solidified his status as a French music icon, leading to extraordinary worldwide record sales exceeding 50 million units.

Richard Anthony's impact extended far beyond mere commercial success. He effectively bridged the gap between emerging international pop trends and traditional French musical tastes, thereby influencing countless aspiring artists and significantly shaping the soundscape of an entire generation. His illustrious career, spanning several decades, cemented his legacy as one of France's most enduring and versatile pop singers until his passing on April 19, 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Anthony

• What was Richard Anthony's real name?

  Richard Anthony was born Ricardo Anthony Btesh in Cairo, Egypt. He adopted his renowned stage name early in his professional career.

• When was Richard Anthony most successful?

  He achieved his greatest commercial and critical success during the vibrant decades of the 1960s and 1970s, establishing himself as one of the best-selling French artists of that period.

• What kind of music did Richard Anthony sing?

  Richard Anthony was primarily a pop singer renowned for his French adaptations of popular American and British rock and pop songs, a distinctive style that positioned him as a key figure in the French Yé-yé movement.

• Where was Richard Anthony born?

  He was born in Cairo, Egypt, on January 13, 1938, before his family subsequently relocated to France.

• How many records did Richard Anthony sell?

  Richard Anthony sold an impressive figure of over 50 million records worldwide throughout his highly prolific career, making him one of France's all-time best-selling artists.