Serge Gainsbourg

Date of Birth: April 2, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: March 2, 1991

Biography

Serge Gainsbourg, born Lucien Ginsburg, was a French singer, songwriter, poet, painter, actor, and director, renowned for his provocative and often scandalous works. He was born on April 2, 1928, in Paris, France, to Jewish parents of Russian descent. Gainsbourg’s career spanned over four decades, during which he explored various musical genres, from jazz and chanson to pop and reggae. Known for his distinctive deep voice and poetic lyrics, he became one of France’s most influential artists. Gainsbourg started his career as a painter before venturing into music. He released his first album “Du Chant à la Une!” in 1958, which marked the beginning of a prolific career. He is perhaps best known for his controversial 1969 duet with Jane Birkin, “Je t’aime… moi non plus,” which was banned in several countries for its explicit content. Gainsbourg continued to push boundaries with his music and public persona, often courting controversy with his provocative behavior and outspoken views. Aside from his musical career, Gainsbourg also made significant contributions to French cinema, both as an actor and a director. He directed several films, including “Je t’aime moi non plus” (1976) and “Charlotte for Ever” (1986), which starred his daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg. Gainsbourg’s personal life was as tumultuous as his career, marked by numerous relationships and struggles with alcohol and tobacco addiction. He died of a heart attack on March 2, 1991, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence musicians and artists worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Serge Gainsbourg

1. Serge Gainsbourg was born Lucien Ginsburg to Jewish parents who fled the Russian Revolution.

2. His song “Je t’aime… moi non plus” was banned in several countries due to its explicit content.

3. Gainsbourg initially pursued a career as a painter before turning to music.

4. He directed several films, including “Je t’aime moi non plus” and “Charlotte for Ever.”

5. Gainsbourg’s provocation reached a peak when he burned a 500-franc note on live television to protest heavy taxation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Serge Gainsbourg

1. “Ugliness is superior to beauty because it lasts longer.”

2. “To provoke is to progress.”

3. “I am the man with the cabbage head.”

4. “I have succeeded in everything except my life.”

5. “The secret of beauty is to look like yourself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Serge Gainsbourg’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.

Children

Serge Gainsbourg had two children. His daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg, born on July 21, 1971, is an acclaimed actress and singer. He also had a son, Lucien “Lulu” Gainsbourg, born on January 5, 1986, who is a musician.