Serge Gainsbourg

Serge Gainsbourg News
Credits: Far Out / Claude Truong-Ngoc
Full Name
Lucien Ginsburg
Born
April 2nd, 1928
Height
5ft 10in
Hometown
Paris, France
Net Worth
Estimated $20 million
Family
Serge Gainsbourg was born to Joseph Ginsburg and Olga Bessman, Jewish immigrants from the Russian Empire, in Paris, France. He had a twin sister, Liliane, and an older sister, Jacqueline. Gainsbourg was married twice and had four children, including actor and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg with Jane Birkin and singer Lulu Gainsbourg with Françoise-Antoinette Pancrazzi. His relationships and family life frequently influenced his music and artistic output.
Years Active
1957–1991
Top Tracks
'Je t'aime... moi non plus', 'La Javanaise', 'Bonnie and Clyde', 'Initials B.B.', 'Comic Strip'
Top Albums
'Histoire de Melody Nelson', 'Initials B.B.', 'L'Homme à tête de chou', 'Confidentiel', 'Aux armes et cætera'
Records Sold
More than 20 million
Number Ones
'Je t'aime... moi non plus'
Fun Facts
'Histoire de Melody Nelson' (1971) is widely regarded as one of the most influential concept albums ever made, inspiring artists including Air, Portishead, Beck and Pulp. ### Gainsbourg caused international controversy with 'Je t'aime... moi non plus', which was banned in several countries but became the first foreign-language song to reach number one on the UK Singles Chart. ### In 1984, he famously burned a 500-franc banknote on live French television as a protest against taxation, creating one of the most infamous moments in French broadcasting history.
Related Artists
Jane Birkin, Charlotte Gainsbourg, France Gall, Jacques Dutronc, Brigitte Bardot

Serge Gainsbourg was a French singer, songwriter, composer, actor, filmmaker and artist whose provocative lyrics, eclectic musical style and fearless experimentation made him one of the most influential figures in French popular music.

Beginning his career as a jazz-inspired chanson singer in the late 1950s, Gainsbourg continually reinvented himself, embracing pop, rock, reggae, funk and electronic music across a career spanning more than three decades. He is best known for songs including ‘Je t’aime… moi non plus’, ‘Bonnie and Clyde’, ‘Initials B.B.’ and ‘La Javanaise’, as well as for writing and producing hits for artists including France Gall, Jane Birkin and Vanessa Paradis. Revered for his wit, poetic songwriting and cultural impact, Gainsbourg remains one of France’s most celebrated and controversial artists.

Serge Gainsbourg News

More About Serge Gainsbourg

Serge Gainsbourg was a French singer, songwriter and composer celebrated for his groundbreaking music, provocative lyrics and lasting influence on French popular culture.
'Je t'aime... moi non plus' is Serge Gainsbourg's best-known song, although 'La Javanaise', 'Bonnie and Clyde', 'Initials B.B.' and 'Comic Strip' are also among his most celebrated recordings.
Serge Gainsbourg transformed French popular music by blending chanson with rock, reggae, funk and experimental pop, while his daring songwriting and innovative production influenced generations of musicians around the world.
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