French men are often described as passionate and unrestrained, and mentioning the name of the late French singer “Serge Gainsbourg” may evoke even more recognition. A composer, lyricist, singer, poet, and actor, he wrote over 200 songs in his career and had countless relationships with female stars. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Serge Gainsbourg’s passing, yet the music he left behind and his past romances continue to captivate people to this day.
//Devoted to music and art for a lifetime//
It all starts with his name, “Serge Gainsbourg” is not actually the real name of this iconic French singer. His original name was Lucien Ginsburg, and it wasn’t until 1958 when he entered the music scene that he changed his name to Serge Gainsbourg. One of the reasons he chose this name was to pay tribute to his beloved famous English painter Gainsborough, showing his passion for art.
Born into a Russian Jewish family, Serge Gainsbourg’s father was a classical pianist and painter. Growing up, Serge Gainsbourg developed a love for music and painting. Between the two, he chose to pursue a career in music, starting by playing the piano and writing songs in bars. He was later discovered by a record company and released his first solo album “Du chant à la une!” in 1958, gaining recognition, with one of the songs “Le poinçonneur des Lilas” becoming his signature piece.
//Unconstrained style and unique singing voice//
Afterwards, he released albums such as “Vu de l’extérieur”, “Rock Around The Bunker”, “L’Homme à tête de chou”, etc. His musical style includes rock, jazz, new wave, reggae, and even shadows of classical music can be found. His creative style is very diverse, never limited to any one genre, and his eclectic style can be said to inherit his free-spirited personality, while his humming singing style is also his unique charm. Gainsbourg is a music creator, as well as a poet, he even integrates poetry into lyrics such as “La Noyée”, “Je suis venu te dire que je m’en vais”, definitely a romantic and artistic talent.
//A lifetime of freedom and romance, a love story with Jane Birkin//
In addition to creating countless works, his extraordinary talent has also led to a constant stream of female companions throughout his life. The film “A Heroic Life: Gainsbourg” is his biography, revealing his romantic and passionate love life. In addition to his two marriages with Elisabeth Lize Levitsky and Françoise-Antoinette Béatrice Pancrazzi, he had many lovers throughout his carefree life, but most famously known for his relationship with Jane Birkin.
Serge Gainsbourg in the 1968 French film “Slogan” played opposite young singer Jane Birkin, and after getting to know each other, they fell in love. Gainsbourg later invited Birkin to record the song “Je t’aime… moi non plus” that he had originally written for his ex, Brigitte Bardot. This sensual song, mixed with Birkin’s sexy moans, was banned in countries like the UK, Spain, and Italy, but still topped the charts at the time and remains a classic to this day.
//Duet with daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg//
Birkin not only became the inspiration for Gainsbourg’s songs, but also gave birth to his daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg, who is a “second-generation star” who has appeared in many films and won the Cannes Best Actress award for “The Devil’s Lust”. Charlotte Gainsbourg, at the age of 13, once sang “Lemon Incest” with her father Serge Gainsbourg.
//End of 12-year relationship with Jane Birkin//
Birkin and Gainsbourg once had happy and sweet times together, and Gainsbourg also wrote many songs for Birkin, such as “Jane B”, “L’anamour”, “69 année érotique”, but their relationship ultimately came to an end after 12 years due to Gainsbourg’s alcohol problems. Gainsbourg later met his last partner in life – the Eurasian model Bambou.
Serge Gainsbourg passed away on March 2, 1991 due to heart disease. In order to remember this legendary singer, France even lowered its flag to half-mast. Today, 30 years have passed since Serge Gainsbourg left us, but I believe everyone will not forget everything about this musical genius.
Photo: web photo
