French singer and songwriter Charles Aznavour has died at the age of 94 after career lasting for more than 80 years. He died on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.
He was returning from a tour in Japan, having been forced to cancel concerts this summer due to a broken arm after a fall, a French news website quoted his spokeswoman as saying.
His death was confirmed by his spokesperson. Charles Aznavour wrote over 1300 songs and recorded over 1,400. He sung in eight languages and sold more than 180 million records.
Aznavour, who was born Shahnour Varinag Aznavourian in Paris to Armenian parent, as often described as France’s Frank Sinatra, reported London’s The Guardian website.
Aznavour remained very discreet about his private life. He was married three times and had six children with three of them from his last wife Ulla. He and Ulla remained married for over 50 years.
News agency AFP’s France correspondent, Katy Lee, tweeted, “Over an eight-decade career he broke a string of taboos, not least singing about homosexuality and questioning old tropes around masculinity. Sang in any number of languages and also acted brilliantly. Truly one of the greats.”
Tributes have been pouring in on Aznavour’s death.
Charles Aznavour as well. Jesus, the Grim Reaper’s hit October running.
— David M Barnett (@davidmbarnett) October 1, 2018
RIP, Charles Aznavour! Just in the last few weeks, we listened a lot to your music – a journey over so many decades. Thank you! #CharlesAznavour
— Marc Berthold (@marc_o_berlin) October 1, 2018
Charles Aznavour, sometimes called the French Sinatra, has died aged 94 after what Le Figaro described as “a bohemian life”. A backer of Armenian causes and a champion of the underdog, he was a prominent advocate of tolerance and inclusivity. RIP
— David Chazan (@davidchazan) October 1, 2018
Can’t believe Charles Aznavour is dead ????
— Ms. Mojo Risin’ (@perlafadl) October 1, 2018