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Serge Gainsbourg

Serge Gainsbourg (April 2, 1928 – March 2, 1991) was a multi-talented artist known for his work as a poet, singer-songwriter, painter, actor and director. Born in Paris to Jewish Russian parents, Gainsbourg initially aspired to be a painter but found success as a piano player in bars. He reluctantly took on singing roles and went on to become a renowned composer and producer.

Gainsbourg drew inspiration from Boris Vian and sought to break free from traditional French chanson music by exploring other genres like British and American pop. He also wrote soundtracks for over 40 movies and directed four films himself. Notably, his song "Je t'aime... moi non plus" featuring simulated sounds of female orgasm caused controversy and censorship upon its release.

His songs were often interpreted by British torch singer Petula Clark, while Dionne Warwick's version of "Mamadou" became the first English-language adaptation of one of Gainsbourg's songs. His concept album "Histoire de Melody Nelson," produced by Jean-Claude Vannier, has had a lasting influence on artists such as Air, David Holmes, and Beck.

In 1978, Gainsbourg collaborated with Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, and Rita Marley to create a reggae version of the French national anthem "La Marseillaise." This rendition sparked

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