Christophe (singer)

Christophe
Background information
Birth name	Daniel Bevilacqua
Born	13 October 1945 (1945-10-13) (age 66)
Origin	Juvisy-sur-Orge, France
Genres	Pop music
Occupations	Singer Songwriter
Years active	1965–today

Christophe is a French singer and songwriter. He was born Daniel Bevilacqua on 13 October 1945 in Juvisy-sur-Orge, Essonne to Italian parents.

During his career Christophe has collaborated with diverse artistically celebrated artists such as Jean Michel Jarre, Alan Vega, Murcof, Eumir Deodato, Isabelle Adjani, Erik Truffaz, Florian Zeller, Carmine Appice, Daniel Filipacchi, Brigitte Fontaine, Alain Bashung, Jac Berrocal and Elisa Point.

Career

Christophe's first hit was Aline, in 1965. He is famous for his eternal song "Oh!... Mon Amour" that he sang in French and Italian.

From a young age, he was fascinated by the "American way of life".

Christophe vanished from the French music scene towards the end of the 1960s. In 1971, he married his girlfriend Véronique and fathered his daughter Lucie. In 1971, Francis Dreyfus launched the Motors label ( Disques Motors) and became the producer of Christophe records. He came back in 1973 with "Les Paradis perdus" ("Lost Paradises"). In 1975, he recorded "Les Mots bleus" ("The Blue Words"), that was covered by Alain Bashung in 1992 and Thierry Amiel in 2003. The lyrics of this song were written by Jean Michel Jarre.

In 1978, he came back with "Le Beau Bizarre" ("The Beautiful Freak"). In 1983, Christophe released yet another hit single "Succès fou" (Crazy Success) selling over 60,000 records. In 1984, Christophe released "Clichés d'amour" in which he sang memorable 40's and 50's classics such as "Arrivederci Roma" and "Dernier baiser" a French version of the Mexican classic "Besame mucho" written by Consuelito Velazquez. In 1985, he wrote "Ne raccroche pas" ("Don't Hang Up!") a song which he hinted at Princess Stephanie of Monaco. The following year, he wrote the song "Boule de flipper" for Corynne Charby.

In 1988, he released "Chiqué chiqué".

In 1996, he had a major comeback with his album "Bevilacqua". An electronic experimentation that marked a new direction in his sound.

In 2001, he released another well achieved and critical acclaimed album named "Comm'si la terre penchait..." (As if the earth was Leaning). In February 2002, Christophe performed, in Clermont Ferrand, his first live concert in 27 years, followed by two appearances at the Olympia in March 2002.

In 2008, he released the album "Aimer ce que nous sommes" continuing his cinematographic experimental musical paths.

Personal life

In the 1970s, Christophe was plagued with alcoholism and drug abuse that took a toll on his life suffering from a nervous breakdown and depression, following his breakup with his girlfriend Aline, the inspiration for his hit song.

He is married to Veronique Kan.

References

Henry Chartier (2011). Christophe, le beau bizarre, éditions Grimal. ISBN 978-2-36203-021-5 Discography Studio Albums Christophe (1965, Disc'AZ) Les Paradis Perdus (1973, Motors) Les Mots Bleus (1974, Motors) Samouraï (1976, Motors) La Dolce Vita (1977, Motors) Le Beau Bizarre (1978, Motors) Pas Vu, Pas Pris (1980, Motors) Clichés D'Amour (1983, Motors) Bevilacqua (1996, Epic) Comm'Si La Terre Penchait... (2001, Mercury) Aimer ce que nous sommes (2008) Live Albums Olympia (1975, Motors) Live A L'Olympia (2002, Mercury) Compilations Mon Univers (1996, Motors) 1965–1988 Best Of (2002, Dreyfus) 1965–1988 Best Of (2006, Dreyfus) 1965–1988 External links Biography of Christophe 'L'un Dans l'Autre' recording of the song by Erik Truffaz featuring Christophe Listen to Christophe's discography Persondata Name Christophe Alternative names Short description Date of birth 13 October 1945 Place of birth Date of death Place of death