Yves Montand: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Videos
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• Charles Aznavour
• Noël Coward
• Jacques Brel
• Maurice Chevalier
• Tino Rossi
• Jean Sablon
• Gilbert Bécaud

• Juliette Gréco

• Louis Gasté
• Joseph Kosma
• Louis Gasté
• H. Betti
• Marguerite Monnot
• Louis Gasté
• Prévert, Jacques

• Bob Castella & His Orchestra

Birth Name:

Ivo Livi

Born:

Oct 13, 1921 in Monsummano Alto, Florence, Italy

Died:

Nov 9, 1991 in Senlis, France

Genres:

Standards & Vocal Music, French Vocal Music, Traditional Pop Vocal Music

Decades Active:

1940's|1950's|1960's|1970's|1980's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Medium

Popularity

Medium

Ratings Guide

Known as Marilyn Monroe's costar in Let's Make Love and a political revolutionary, Yves Montand was also a French pop singer who may not have had the artistic angst of Leo Ferré nor the chops of Trenét or Aznavour, but he possesses one of the most beautiful high baritones in the history of recorded popular music. He's like France's Tom Jones without the cornball crap. He's like a smooth and slick Maurice Chevalier, full of theatrical poise and shimmering gloss in his tasteful delivery. As a rule, he made classic French pop out of dreck, redeeming mediocre material with his vast ability. His bands, which were mostly comprised of France's hottest studio cats, knew how to underline his trembling baritone and shift into a higher rhythmic gear to accommodate his irregular phrasing.

- Thom Jurek, All Music Guide