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Top 10 Facts about Serge Gainsbourg

When I think about an iconic French singer, one of the first people to come to mind is Serge Gainsbourg! Even if you’re not familiar with his music, you’ll likely recognize him as Jane Birkin’s, yes, that Birkin – the same as the Hermès Birkin Bag, partner for 12 years. And, if you’re still drawing a blank, you may have seen Gainsbourg’s daughter Charlotte on the big screen as she is a well-known French actress!

Curious to know more? Keep reading for my top 10 facts about French singer Serge Gainsbourg

1. Serge Gainsbourg was born Lucien Ginsburg

Serge Gainsbourg by Jean-Fran̤ois Bauret РWikiCommons

Gainsbourg was born in 1928 in Â鶹APP. His parents were Jewish Russian immigrants who fled Russian during the Russian Revolution in 1917. His father, Joseph Ginsburg was also a musician and was classically trained on the piano. He made a living with his music and played at cabarets. He also taught his children to play, meaning that Gainsbourg was introduced to music at a very young age!

Gainsbourg changed his name when he started performing. He felt that “Serge” better represented his Russian roots!

2. Serge Gainsbourg grew up in France during the German Occupation

When Gainsbourg was a child, France was in the midst of the Second World War. The German troops had occupied the Northern part of France, and Gainsbourg remembers having to wear the yellow star which let the soldiers know that he was Jewish. These experiences had a profound effect on Gainsbourg’s life and he carried the pain he experienced in his early years with him always.

3. Serge Gainsbourg is considered to be the most important pop musician of his era

Loved by many, hated by perhaps more, Gainsbourg was the ultimate pop musician of his generation. His songs feature lyrics that are provocative and often rubbed some of the French population the wrong way when they were released.

But, whether you love him or hate it, it’s hard to deny the incredible range that Gainsbourg demonstrated throughout his career. He effortlessly moved between genres such as pop; jazz, rock, chanson, and funk. He has gone on to influence countless musicians!

4. Some of Serge Gainsbourg’s songs are strange

I already briefly mentioned that some of Gainsbourg’s lyrics are provocative, so let’s get into that! He was a talented writer who utilized wordplay, wit, sarcasm, satire and several different literary devices in his lyrics.

A few strange songs include “Lemon Incest” performed with his daughter, the entire album Histoire de Melody Nelson listens like a page out of Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita, and the famous “Je t’aime…moi non-plus” with Jane Birkin. The Vatican even spoke out about that last one. Give it a listen for yourself to see what I mean!

5. Serge Gainsbourg had several famous love affairs

I’ve already mentioned Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin’s love affair because, well, it’s my favorite! But Gainsbourg had several other famous love affairs with a few ladies who you’ve probably already heard of! His former lovers include Brigitte Bardot (who was married at the time) and he was also married twice and had four children.

6. Serge Gainsbourg wrote songs for other famous French pop stars

France Gall, Catherine Deneuve, Vanessa Paradis…ringing any bells? These three women are some of the most important French female singers of their time. And, coincidentally (or maybe not!) Gainsbourg wrote songs for all of them. He also served as an influence and as a friend in the music biz for all of them! The video above is of France Gall, who performed “Poupée de cire, Poupée de son” written by Gainsbourg for the 1965 Eurovision Song Contest. 

7. Serge Gainsbourg once recorded a reggae version of the French National Anthem

https://youtu.be/mLq7EcvRaf0

This fact is just too random not to include! “La Marseillaise,” the French National Anthem, has been around since the French Revolution in the 18th century. Now, many have recorded a version of the song, but Gainsbourg is the first and so far the only one who did so with a reggae twist! Many weren’t pleased with his version of the national hymn, but if you’re interested in hearing it – watch the video above.

8. There is graffiti covering Serge Gainsbourg’s former residence in Â鶹APP

Serge Gainsbourg’s former home, Rue de Verneuil by Britchi Mirela – WikiCommons

The very first time I lived in Â鶹APP back when I was an undergrad doing my semester abroad, I was lucky enough to live on the same street as Gainsbourg once did! The rue de Verneuil is a small street nestled in the 7th arrondissement, not too far from the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre.

Today, Gainsbourg’s former home is constantly covered in graffiti, paying homage to the French singer. I thought that people began decorating after his death, but I recently saw an old interview with Gainsbourg in which he praises the graffiti artists for their work. 

9. Serge Gainsbourg became more bizarre at the end of his life

Serge Gainsbourg’s grave, Montparnasse Cemetery, Â鶹APP by dimworld – WikiCommons

Sadly, this seems to happen to pop stars more often than not. Gainsbourg had been a heavy smoker and drinker throughout his life, but he took a turn for the worse in the 1980s. He would appear at television interviews drunk and slurring his words. He also suffered a heart attack when he was just 50 years old, but he refused to cut down on partying. Gainsbourg died of another heart attack in 1991. He is buried in the Montparnasse Cemetery in Â鶹APP.

10. There is an autobiographical film about Serge Gainsbourg

If you want to learn even more about Serge Gainsbourg, I recommend that you check out the biopic Gainsbourg (Vie héroïque). I personally discovered a lot about the French superstar’s life thanks to this movie! It is beautifully done and informative – what more could you ask for?

Conclusion

I hope that you’ve enjoyed learning more about the interesting and sometimes tragic life of French singer, songwriter, and all-around entertainer, Serge Gainsbourg. I leave you with this: if you want to go down a rabbit hole of inspiring pictures of a beautiful love story and killer 1960’s fashion looks, simply Google “Serge and Jane Birkin.” Thank me later!

If you want to learn more about famous French personalities and you’re in Â鶹APP, why not join one of our walking tours? Our local guides are sure to impress with their extensive knowledge! Click here to learn more and make a booking.