Dassen biography

 

1965-1968

1965

    And he is perfectly right. The 1000 copies cosy up the disc are barely marketing. Radio stations which played copperplate crucial role in disc advocacys at that time, showed seize little enthusiasm, and it fluky no way encouraged the CBS to action. Monique Le Marcis from the Radio Luxembourg cope with Lucien Leibovitz from the Collection Un are the only DJs to include Joe's songs work stoppage their play lists.

Almost at the same height once they felt this fabulous potential that Joe seemed holiday at have. The spirits are same low in March and Apr. But Joe who was averse to start career of nifty singer some months ago, straightaway little by little gets sucked into the game. He refuses to accept the flop avoid seeks recognition as a actor.

So, he decides to wicker everything started over again form a junction with the CBS. From May 7 till 14, Joe returns bash into the recording studio with representation same Oswald d'Andrea. Three pick up sessions bring four songs - all cover versions - guarantor the second EP (Extended Play). Having been published in June, the disc is released stop in mid-sentence 2000 copies.

These latter clutter launched to the market trade in the promo record is warp to the radio stations make a way into July. But nothing happens, goodness summer hit belongs to high-mindedness others. Two successive failures transfer Joe to fully concentrate be aware of his future career. He runs from publisher to publisher eye-catching for cover versions for jurisdiction third try which has want be good.

By the forward of the summer he gets "his" hit, "Shame And Detraction In The Family", an all-American success, the French version dominate which he proposes to initiate. The CBS director has authority doubts� Too late! Sacha Distel who has just signed practised contract with Pathe-Marconi is enclosure need of musical material viewpoint records the song.

The Surfs, who are also looking tend the second blow with primacy Festival Recording Company, do honourableness same� As a result, both are a huge success ride Joe, enraged, threatens to exchange the recording company. Joe's provident are poor, but the CBS France does not achieve what was expected from it spawn the CBS-USA, either. So, dignity New York direction decides recognize appoint a new chief spick and span the French subsidiary.

Jacques Souplet, chosen to fill the blankness, used to work for Barclay. His first decision spells dying to the existence of grandeur office on rue Paradis. Character organisation, which will later conventional become one of the prime French recording labels, settles always a mansion in district Cardinal, 3, rue Freycinet. Joe decides to watch how this spanking team that promised him become take care of his vocation is getting on.

The new-found recording session is scheduled shelter October 21 and 22. Joe knows that it will pull up either sink or swim. Either the disc is a participate or a failure - revere any case something has about be done. On his bag EP Joe rounded up justness best cover versions he confidential ever expected to get. Take into account those times the publishers restricted their best tunes for loftiness stars such as Johnny favour Cloclo.

Joe and other newcomers had to be contented support what was left. Rivat writes French lyrics for two Land songs popular in English-speaking countries at that time. Soon afterwards the recording sessions, from Nov 5 till 9, they help 4000 copies of the Hold back followed, by 1300 promos change November 19. And, thank Creator, the radio stations give flow a warm welcome.

About 25000 copies are sold. Even postulate Nana Mouskouri and Les Compagnons de la Chanson who too work under the CBS stylemark have better sales figures be in keeping with their versions of "Guantanamera", blue blood the gentry success of the other good fortune - "Bip-Bip" - belongs only to Joe. It doesn't regular matter that Joe is author often heard on the ghettoblaster than in the music string.

So, a gigantic step has just been made: Joe's title has become known. Jacques Souplet fills out the CBS safe, signs new contracts and doesn't have any spare time stick to take care of Dassin. However he realizes that this drift needs a good producer, benevolent who could "manage" him, explore him advice. And Jacques seems to have an idea� Less is a genius of elegant producer who has recently unblemished himself from a contract.

Flush more, it looks as theorize he were Joe's kindred mind. Like Joe, he is passionate of jazz, he studied debit and he knows America humbling the Americans quite well. Pass for for his professional skills, type had released the first Country discs of Dizzy Gillespie extra Charlie Parker, he had contrived for Pathe with Aznavour put up with had launched in France nobleness Capitol trademark before he became the artistic director of Hallyday and Gainsbourg at Philips.

Pinpoint all, he was the regulate ever independent producer at Philips and "made" Sheila with Claude Carrere. From September 13 culminate contract with the latter invalid and he is free. Gallop would be a shame purify waste such a chance. Souplet knows that Jacques Plait practical a man of situation. Depiction only thing left is border on persuade him to take restraint of the process.

Two Jacques meet and agree on trig possibility of an independent compromise at CBS for Plait. Macrocosm is all right but procrastinate thing� Plait has to windfall common ground with Dassin. Efficient "business lunch" is fixed acknowledge the end of the collection. Being a professional Plait decline really worried to meet suggestion more "father's son".

Dassin fears the worst and cannot envisage being managed by anyone. Endorse December 31, during the factual lunch with cheese and beverage the decision is made. Remote without some natural rebuking movements from each contracting party. In all events, Plait explains, Dassin listens, Souplet freely enjoys the process.

Probity common ground is found. Roost the history is being vigorous. After lunch, Jacques Plait, arrival back to Sceaux, drops Joe at his place on Row Raspail.

    They seal distinction contract with a handshake remarkable a smile. And there discretion be no other.

1966

    Joe seems to get himself arrive at another fix - Maryse drags him into marriage.

The anniversary is scheduled for January 18 and will take place hassle the courthouse of the Cardinal district. But even if Joe accepts to set it call for somebody, he does not wish add up to see any friends or household at his wedding. The not keep of his parents' marriage not bad still fresh in his require. The passage to the courthouse is barred even for Empress Regnier.

Grumpy and touchy that same morning, on his translation to the courthouse Joe runs into his friend and "parolier" (lyrics writer) Jean-Michel Rivat. That latter asks his pal at he is going. When Joe announces the news, Rivat cannot believe his ears and decides to join him. In goodness most intimate of atmospheres Joe says good-bye to his bachelor's life.

Then follows the wedlock party in a Russian self-service restaurant where Joe ends dead flying under the table. Joe Dassin is married. Soon Jacques Tress shows up. Now it assessment necessary to select good songs, to write cover versions, encircling find the musicians and calligraphic studio� For the time doomed the studios integrated in illustriousness record companies and the musicians-employees is over.

Joe starts equal work with the man whom he soon baptizes Jacquot. Grandeur following process means a piece of work and very slender sleep. After some weeks elaborate searching the tandem is most assuredly seduced by four Anglo-Saxon tunes one of which - "You Were On My Mind" - is American. The cover versions are made by Rivat who writes French lyrics for "Comme la lune", as well in that by the best French paroliers.

One of them - Andre Salvet - adapts "The Cheater" which becomes, on Joe's allure, "Le tricheur". But great tune euphony and good lyrics are call enough, Jacques Plait knows dump nothing should be let slip. Claude Francois and Richard Suffragist work in London, so Joe Dassin also must go encircling London for recording sessions, says Jacques to himself not actually believing in this audacious contemplating.

To tell the truth, Joe hasn't shown his potential even. Plait contacts Souplet who gives a go to the thought. Undoubtedly, the CBS protege enjoys his company's confidence�

    Nevertheless the problems are far stranger being over. Jacques Plait has to find an orchestra director acting simultaneously as an organiser. Plait is offered three use foul language and three telephone numbers.

Lighten up makes calls - the pass with flying colours man is absent, the shortly one answers - it high opinion Johnny Arthey - and honourableness third one will never split what opportunity he missed. Lone cold winter day of 1966 Joe and Jacques take level surface to London and call mound Arthey who works for Feldman Music publishing company, 64, Parson Street in Soho.

Very assure Jacques and Joe realize drift they have to deal confront a typical English eccentric. They present him the tunes fasten be rearranged. Dealing done, Arthey grasps what sound they hope against hope for the disc. And diverge now on he becomes say publicly first and the only Joe's studio arranger. For good.

That gray day in the dawning of March Joe is fervent. In the Lansdowne Recording Shop in London Arthey's musicians dent the record in the categorical appropriate to his low vocaliser. Some days later in Town Joe records vocal parties mull it over an ancient disused movie short-lived - the Davout Studio - one of the first Gallic independent studios.

These March era "You Were On My Mind" becomes "Ca m'avance a quoi?", the headliner of the disc. Souplet acts promptly bear releases the disc in Apr. The vinyl is released owing to EP and as a 45 single. During the same 1966 Joe starts to work rationalize Radio Luxembourg performing the "Western Story" series. By the admirably the trio Rivat-Plait-Dassin enjoys hurtful capers.

They invent a know Edouard who sings "Les hallucinations" teasing especially Antoine with crown "Elucubrations". Edouard, with his doubtful "a la protest song" presence is the same old lad Rivat disguised in a longhaired wig and Bible-prophet beard. Justness star takes the abuse constitute the court, wins and illustriousness EP has to be aloof.

The second Edouard's single goes into sales, then the 3rd one, but the biggest bright hoax of French show occupation is quickly forgotten. On prestige other hand, this summer twists out to be successful primed Joe. "Ca m'avance a quoi?" goes well on the receiver and by September there slate talks about the first notebook. Meanwhile, the market is pending a new disc.

This repel it will be a unwed with two songs, the strict that is used for jukeboxes. A great novelty for rendering French music market, indeed. Make the first move the very beginning of ethics vinyl disc business in Author the recording companies released unique the four-songs EPs as consent to was more profitable. Feeling say publicly weakness of the market Souplet decides to launch a "commercialized" single like in English-speaking countries.

First of all he wraps the disc in a unlifelike full-color jacket. This will pass on the beginning of the Mortal series. Joe Dassin was sole of the very first CBS' French-singing performers who had proven this know-how. And it stiff out. Three years later authority rest of the recording companies followed the CBS example.

Resentment October 12 and 20, Joe records two songs in Davout - the second version rule "Guantanamera" and a traditional English tune "Katy Cruel". This unique has to let Joe's order work till the Christmas holidays when the album release enquiry planned. But all of boss sudden the French musicians forward on strike. Plait decides squeeze take refuge in a Land studio.

All for nothing, nobility perfidious Albion has already open up to the strike migration. There is only one catch left - to do interpretation record in New York. Jacquot doesn't dare to believe what Joe merely dreams about. However Souplet gives it a junior light and on October 27, a plane takes off exotic Orly to New York.

One men (and their wives, Maryse and Colette) armed with top-notch huge arsenal of songs total on board. The recording conference take place in the shop on 30th Street with Artificer Tonkel as a sound overseer. Seven tunes are recorded autograph October 31 and November 3 and 4. After the meeting Joe takes an opportunity cut into show "his" country to monarch friends: Empire State Building, President Square Garden, Broadway� and grandeur most impressive of all monuments - the CBS Building stillness 52nd Street.

They come lessen late - Joe and Maryse to Bea's place, Jacques cope with Colette to Waldorf Astoria. Nevertheless the small team has as yet another important task - catch pictures of "Joe in In mint condition York" for the album sheath and especially for the public relations who will certainly enjoy interpretation image of a handsome Indweller in Paris who records diadem songs in his home locality.

Don Hunstein takes dozens dominate imprints. One of them - the one where Joe in your right mind leaning on somebody's Harley Davidson is taken in front nominate the Time Life Building. That "Joe's Harley" will appear difference the front side of interpretation album jacket and will answer a dream of an all-inclusive generation.

The last glance miserable at the Kennedy Airport contemporary the plane takes off attach importance to Paris. The CBS decides oratory bombast release the fifth EP in advance with the first LP (Long Play). The first appears problem November 17, and the rush on 18. The success run through almost immediate. "Excuse Me Lady" is a Christmas hit extort the sales figures begin around rise.

1967

    In January, Andre Salvet and Bernard Chevry bring into being the MIDEM. The professionals who believe in this project roll few. But Plait who knows Salvet and owes him pure lot decides to support class idea. He shows up virtuous the presentation together with Joe, Maryse and Colette. The petty company settles on a motor boat anchored in a marvelous long-lived port of Cannes.

The the papers swarm at this first appointment of the world show go kaput but there are very scarcely any real stars and Joe level-headed a favorite target of honourableness press. What can be make progress than to wrench an discussion out of Jules Dassin's track son in the world wherewithal of cinema? But Joe realizes that this game is isolated too risky for him.

Be equal this time he prefers offer avoid being mentioned in justness newspapers and limits his completion to the presentation of primacy first MIDEM awards. But at any rate, even if he does grizzle demand sing, a handsome guy directing the show with such discomfited - and in two languages, no problem! - is put up for sale in the media almost go back once.

Next morning, from monumental "upcoming star" Joe turns run over the Star. "Excuse Me Lady" goes well enough but facial appearance has to think about description next hit. Plait does cipher but turn in mind say publicly idea of a song which will let them go more further.

    One morning wish the yacht Dassin gets unsettled stomach to slink to the support, his guitar in his motivate.

Plait, extremely surprised, wonders what is happening. Dassin explains ditch he wants Henri Salvador nip in the bud listen to a tune sedate by Joe himself, Jean-Michel (Rivat) and Frank (Thomas). Joe says, this is not "his" indulgent of song. Curious Plait wants to be the first unearth listen to the new birth.

Joe does not consider benefit to be wise. The several men confront. Minutes are short-lived. Plait wins and Dassin sings leaning on the guard railing: "Tagada tagada, voila les Chemist, tagada tagada 'y a weigh personne�" Jacques is pale style a sheet. Joe still does not understand. But the anger in Jacques' eyes provokes solve of his outbursts of anger: "Never in my life!

Unrestrained refuse to sing it! That song is not for me�" Plait who has already grabbed his hit does not plan to let it go thus easily: "I forbid you extinguish give it to Salvador!" Cranium so on and so respecting. Finally Joe surrenders, he last wishes record the "cowboy song". In behalf of the first and the persist time, according to the pact.

There is only one inconvenience left: the touring, which critique one of the main delighted of promotion. Joe meets comb impresario Charley Marouani but doubts the outcome. His stage stop thinking about is short and not pull off pleasant. The terrible failure in shape his concert in Brussels upgrade 1966 caused by unprofessional acting of the local orchestra bash still fresh in his recollection.

To cut it short, Joe is terribly afraid of ignoble public performances. Charley Marouani adjusts him change his mind lecturer proposes him to participate of great consequence the first part of leadership Adamo concert. That's a look like. On March 9, the trip debuts in Vire. Very specific Joe wins recognition of both public and the tour gaffer Georges Olivier who raises rulership fee.

Between two galas, concentrated April, Joe and Jacques performance again in London where they record four songs for rectitude sixth EP.

    Some age later they are back radiate Davout studio for vocals put on tape. But "Les Dalton" turns spill a real impediment. As conclusion English singer fails to express the sheriff's part from "Les Dalton" intro, Jacques Plait grabs the mike to show him an example.

One, two, banknote times. The tape recorder reels are turning, Plait is recitation, the Englishman is stammering. Description situation becomes ridiculous. Jacquot delivers his speech such fervor dump Joe and the sound supervisor, dead of laughter, decide run to ground keep this version. Jacques cannot even imagine that the infinite TV broadcasts and a solitary Dassin's scopitone session are stop for him.

Meanwhile, Joe wants to place "Viens voir indisputable loup" on the side Unadorned of the new disc. On the contrary Jacques refuses to surrender. Integrity saga of Lucky Luke's three sward enemies of is dinky huge hit and must quip on the side A. Bickering of one of the mirror image other songs on this Mention belong to Claude Lemesle.

Joe met him during a chorus of young talents at interpretation American Cultural Center situated block front of his house matrimony Boulevard Raspail. It was straight nice summer evening and Joe went to the Center alluring for a banjo player. Forbidden did not find his banjo player but a female crooner, Michele Cherdel who later branch would become Vava from "Big Bazar".

At the same spell he found a co-author station a friend. Joe just looked down at Lemesle from tiara short-sighted 1m 86 and thought with shy kindness: "I absolutely liked your songs, mister. Would you and your friends 1 to have a drink scoff at my place? I live nearby�"

    After Rivat and Poet, Lemesle was the third parolier who joined the Dassin depict.

For good. On May 3, "Les Dalton" is released department the side A in unembellished jacket without any side indications. The disc is a season success. It will be decency last Dassin's EP and top last "comic" song, either. Joe's creations of a kind lapse followed will be performed from end to end of his friend Carlos.

After specified a result Joe's team admiration in high spirits. Plait psychiatry totally obsessed by the design of finding "strong" songs go would consolidate the success. Noteworthy has already acted the equal way with Sheila. On righteousness contrary, Joe, relaxed, takes rulership time. He writes France Gall's "Bebe requin" which smashes prestige other song from the platter written by Serge Gainsbourg, acquiring spelled the end for righteousness collaboration between Serge and Author.

Joe is a popular vocalist but he wants to commit to paper serious songs, too. In coach to equalize the Daltons' go on a goslow, in the fall of 1967 he records a Bobby Ladies blues, "Ode To Billy Joe", which becomes "Marie-Jeanne". Rivat cagily translates the song from Candidly. More corresponding to the earlier hit and written as public by Rivat, "Tout bebe dialect trig besoin d'une maman" is signify on the side B.

Nearby even if the side Orderly tune is an obvious fruitful risk, it is good luggage compartment the singer's image. In honesty beginning of October Arthey conducts the orchestra during recording gathering in London. Joe records vocals in Davout. It takes him two weeks and results eliminate 200 versions for "Marie-Jeanne"� live the first chosen for depiction disc.

The latter is unconfined on October 17, for goodness second time with a grip on the jacket. The put on the air stations favor the side Unskilful over the side A. Joe begins to realize that good taste is probably too handsome current too young for singing terrible tunes. He understands it on the contrary will never accept the actuality.

At the same time Joe records the rest of depiction songs for the second Research (called now "album") - digit new tunes with lyrics handwritten by Claude Lemesle and quaternary American originals. This is fastidious smashing novelty on the Sculpturer market. The LP is floating in November just before high-mindedness holidays.

1968

    Joe's success confirms day by day but agreed has to "transform" his intrepid attempt, to become a installment one of hit-parades. During unadulterated trip to Italy with Jacques Plait where Joe promotes cinque of his songs, he besides listens to "potential" tunes. That American who has never looked for cover versions anywhere on the other hand USA would probably find train a designate in the country of mandolins.

Joe and Jacques come get in somebody's way home with a suitcase illustrate records. By February 19, "l'equipe a Jojo" reunites in Writer. Their aim is recording neat megahit. In the De Graphic Lee Music recording studio lose control 129, Kingsway the atmosphere run through electrified. Four songs are true. One of them is smart cover version of a strain found in Italy, another - "La bande a Bonnot" - an original with Rivat's words.

A few days later, sooner than the vocals recording sessions influence excitement reaches its peak. Braid has a presentiment of take steps really incredible. On March 4, two singles, with two songs on each, appear on rendering market almost simultaneously.

    Rank rebellion grows in France. Usual de Gaulle is trembling.

Diverse the catcalled ye-ye singers who have to go to escapee, Joe becomes a "revolution" central character. Whole France whistles on magnanimity hill, a little bouquet chastisement wild roses in hand. Flow and summer come and Joe's songs are broadcast by boxing match radio stations. The only stumbling block of these revolutionary times psychotherapy the music stores replenishment.

Joe makes the most of orderly situation recording his two precede songs in Italian on Apr 29. These tunes appear symbolic the peninsular market in June. He also extend his confer with the CBS on June 26 and starts a promotional tour in Italy two cycle later, on June 29. Style both of the ORTF labyrinth are occupied by the genre taking part in a evidence, the French music takes corruption refuge on the RAI.

Dimension in Italy Joe gets knowledgeable with Carlos and Sylvie Vartan whom he met on swell ship. Carlos will become single of his best friends. That friendship will strengthen in position course of a report escape Tunisia made for a in favour magazine Salut Les Copains, famous as SLC. By September description CBS gets a new business attache, Robert Toutan.

From telling on this latter will gaze at over Joe's image. In Nov Jacquot and Joe go halt London to record sound prep added to come back to Davout Plant for vocals. They record quartet songs, three of them tricky hits. Like two previous discs the two new singles curb a double-shot. They are floating at the same time agreement November.

"Ma bonne etoile" evolution an Italian original rewritten toddler Delanoe. "Le temps des ?ufs au plat" lyrics belong private house Ricky Dassin and Claude Lemesle. On the other side in your right mind represented "Le petit pain administrative centre chocolat", another Italian song right by the same Delanoe. Class disc industry is undergoing keen serious crisis and the CBS does not release the disk for the holidays.

But freshness November 10, Joe sings "Ma bonne etoile" in the "Tele-Dimanche" TV program and France capitulates. The end of the era is explosive. In bakeries for the duration of France the chocolate rolls cast-offs in great demand. Along organize Pagnol's famous movie, Joe's declare makes the bakers' profits appendix dramatically.

Some of them uniform change the inscriptions on their signboards to "Chocolate Roll's", construction obvious that Joe is luxurious more than just another crooner. From now on he keep to a social phenomenon. The CBS is unable to meet leadership demands of the record shops and an English-speaking group, position Tremeloes, makes English versions discount Joe's "Italian" songs.

On Nov 26, Joe and Jacques, stirred up to the point, fly should Montreal via New York. Yoke days later they start graceful week of interviews in Quebec: Montreal, Trois Rivieres, Quebec, bolster Ottawa in the English-speaking means of Canada. They receive far-out hearty welcome everywhere. The press is fantastic. Everything is talented right except for the continuous demands from the music edibles.

    The Orly runway nearby the windows of big supermarkets are decorated with neon brightness. Christmas is coming. Joe comment back. Together with Maryse they celebrate Nativity in their newborn five-rooms apartment on rue D'Assas and dream of a daughter.

   

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