Born: 19 December 1915, France
Died: 10 October 1963
Country most active: France
Also known as: Édith Giovanna Gassion
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Édith Piaf (born Édith Giovanna Gassion) was a renowned French singer known for her performances in cabaret and modern chanson. She is considered France’s greatest popular singer and a 20th-century icon.
Piaf’s music often drew from her life, focusing on themes of love, loss, and sorrow through chanson réaliste and torch ballads. Her famous songs include “La Vie en rose” (1946), “Non, je ne regrette rien” (1960), “Hymne à l’amour” (1949), “Milord” (1959), “La Foule” (1957), “L’Accordéoniste” (1940), and “Padam, padam…” (1951).
At just fourteen, Piaf started her musical journey touring with her father. Her popularity soared during the German occupation of France, culminating in the release of her signature song, “La Vie en rose,” in 1945. She became France’s leading entertainer in the late 1940s, touring extensively in Europe, the United States, and South America. Her fame even brought her to The Ed Sullivan Show stage eight times.
Piaf continued to perform until shortly before her death at age 47 in 1963, with her final song, “L’Homme de Berlin,” recorded with her husband that April.