Charles Aznavour

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Charles Aznavour was a French-Armenian singer, songwriter, actor, and public figure who lived a long and storied life that spanned more than eight decades. Born on May 22, 1924, in Paris, France, Charles Aznavour was the only child of Armenian immigrants. His parents, Mikael and Knarik, met while working as laborers in Paris after fleeing Turkey during the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Growing up in a poor but loving family, Charles was raised on traditional Armenian music and storytelling, which would later shape his own musical style. He began singing at the age of eight and soon became known for his powerful voice and emotional delivery. In the late 1940s, Aznavour began performing in Parisian cabarets, where he developed a reputation as a charismatic and talented young singer. He eventually formed a partnership with lyricist Pierre Barouh, which would yield some of his most famous songs, including "La Bohème" and "She." Throughout the 1950s and '60s, Aznavour became an international sensation, performing in over 80 countries and selling millions of records worldwide. He also began to appear on screen, starring in films such as "Voyage à deux" and "Non, la guerre n'est pas fichue." Aznavour's music often dealt with themes of love, loss, and social justice, reflecting his own experiences growing up as an outsider in France. His iconic song "La Bohème," which he wrote about a young couple living on the margins of society, became an anthem for generations of young people around the world. In addition to his music and acting career, Aznavour was also a devoted humanitarian and diplomat. He served as Armenia's ambassador to Switzerland from 2009 until his death in 2018. Throughout his long and storied life, Charles Aznavour remained true to himself and his art, using his platform to advocate for human rights and social justice. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists around the world.