Edith Piaf

Date of Birth: December 19, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: October 10, 1963

Biography

Edith Piaf, born Édith Giovanna Gassion, was an iconic French singer, songwriter, and actress, renowned for her powerful and emotive voice. She was born on December 19, 1915, in Belleville, Paris, France. Raised in poverty, Piaf’s early life was challenging, marked by abandonment and hardship. Her mother, a café singer, left her in the care of her grandmother, who ran a brothel, while her father, a street acrobat, was frequently absent. Piaf’s singing career began when she was discovered by nightclub owner Louis Leplée, who gave her the stage name “La Môme Piaf” (“The Little Sparrow”). Her career took off with her first recorded song, “La Vie en rose,” which became an international hit and remains one of her most famous songs. Piaf’s music often reflected her tumultuous personal life, filled with love, loss, and tragedy. She had numerous hits throughout her career, including “Non, je ne regrette rien,” “Hymne à l’amour,” and “Milord.” Despite her success, Piaf’s life was plagued by personal struggles, including health issues and addiction. She passed away on October 10, 1963, in Grasse, France, at the age of 47.

5 Interesting Facts about Edith Piaf

1. Edith Piaf was only 4’8″ tall, which contributed to her stage name “La Môme Piaf” or “The Little Sparrow.”

2. During World War II, Piaf helped several prisoners of war escape by providing them with forged documents and was known to sing for French soldiers.

3. Her song “La Vie en rose” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

4. Piaf was married twice, first to Jacques Pills in 1952 and later to Théo Sarapo in 1962.

5. She was buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, and her funeral procession drew thousands of mourners.