Édith Piaf

Édith Piaf (French; 19 December 1915 – 10 October 1963; born Édith Giovanna Gassion) was a French cabaret singer, songwriter and actress who became widely regarded as France's national chanteuse, as well as being one of France's greatest international stars.

Her music was often autobiographical with her singing reflecting her life, with her specialty being of chanson and torch ballads, particularly of love, loss and sorrow. Among her well known songs are "La Vie en rose" (1946), "Non, je ne regrette rien" (1960), "Hymne à l'amour" (1949), "Milord" (1959), "La Foule" (1957), "L'Accordéoniste (fr)" (1955), and "Padam ... Padam ..." (1951).

Since her premature death in 1963 and with the aid of several biographies and films including 2007's Academy Award winning La Vie en rose Piaf has cultivated a legacy as one of the greatest performers of the 20th century where her voice and music continues to be celebrated globally.