Edith Giovanna Gassion was a French singer and songwriter. The spelling of her name, pronounced as "EH-dith joh-VAN-ah gas-see-ON", follows the rules of French pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, ɛdit dʒɔvana gasjɔ̃ is how you would represent her name. Edith, the first name, is pronounced with an open ‘e’ sound, while Gassion, the last name, includes the French nasal ‘on’ sound. Her legacy as a powerful performer and interpreter of chanson songs lives on today.
Edith Giovanna Gassion, commonly known as Edith Piaf, was a French singer, songwriter, and actress. Born on December 19, 1915, in Paris, France, Piaf is considered one of the most iconic and celebrated figures in the history of French music.
Raised in a working-class environment, Piaf began performing on the streets of Paris as a teenager, often to support herself and her family. Her talent quickly caught the attention of audiences and industry professionals, leading to her breakthrough into the world of professional singing.
Piaf's voice, characterized by its emotional intensity and unique timbre, became her trademark. Her passionate and heartfelt performances allowed her to connect deeply with her audiences. She gained immense popularity both in France and internationally, often hailed as "The Little Sparrow" due to her small stature and powerful voice.
Throughout her career, Piaf recorded numerous successful albums and released hit singles, many of which have become timeless classics. Some of her most notable songs include "La Vie en rose," "Non, je ne regrette rien," and "Milord."
Despite facing personal hardships and tragedies, including the loss of loved ones and her own struggles with addiction, Piaf's music continued to resonate with people from various walks of life. Her legacy remains immortalized, and she is remembered as one of France's most iconic cultural icons.