If you are in Paris today, you will notice that TV and radio are innundated with Serge Gainsbourg. That's because today is his birthday, and I get to share it with him! He is one of the most prolific figures, not only musically, but culturally, and has marked generations in France and the rest of the world. His daughter Charlotte, while making her own mark, also apparently continues his legacy.
In this Vanity Fair article, we learn that his house at 5 bis Rue de Verneuil remains exactly as it was on the day of his death in 1991, thanks to Charlotte, who is now thinking of turning it into a Gainsbourg museum. I really hope she does. If you know Gainsbourg, you know what I mean. If you don't, you should! He is an integral part of French and Parisian culture as is good wine, Coco Chanel, or obnoxious waiters. But he is not just that. Gainsbourg was a revolutionary, a provocateur, a talent spanning all genres of music, and a self-destructive, somberly seductive character worth knowing.
A semi- successful movie about his life and demons was released in 2010; Gainsbourg Vie Heroique featuring an impressive cast of Parisian darlings. Of course nothing beats learning about Gainsbourg by listening to his music, but if you only have two hours, the movie works as Cliff's Notes would for the likes of Zola or Hugo. This way at least you won't look like an ignorant bumpkin at your next Frenchy house party.
And here is my very favorite song by this timeless virtuoso, with it's provocative lyrics, raw energy, sensual rythm, and always in Gainsbourg's style, oozing with sexuality.
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