Discovered aged 16 at the beginning of the 1960s, France Gall won Eurovision for Luxembourg in 1965. That night, she sang Poupée de cire, poupée de son (Wax doll, rag doll) written by Serge Gainsbourg, who took her under her wing and made her a French Lolita, a little blonde doll with adorable songs. But when Gainsbourg played his alter ego Gainsbarre, nothing remains innocent. In 1966, France Gall sang Les Sucettes (Lollipops), Serge's new tune. The naive singer didn't pick up on the sexual undertones of the lyrics. She would come to understand the double meaning far later, feeling humiliated by her mentor.
Michel Berger breathed life back into France Gall's career
Her career could have died then. France could have ended up as yet another Lolita of the Yéyé era, an idol for the young for one summer. But her meeting with Michel Berger was to change everything. In 1973, she contacted the composer, who worked for Françoise Hardy and Véronique Sanson, and everything became obvious. The couple married in 1976, had two children, and created a beautiful series of successful songs together, entering the annals of French music. La déclaration d'amour (Declaration of love), Si Maman si (Yes Mama, yes), Babacar, Evidemment (Obviously), Il jouait du piano debout (He played piano standing up), Résiste… His muse, his best friend, his confidante… France Gall revealed herself under the pen of her Pygmalion, and for more than 20 years. She lost the love of her life in the summer of 1992. Michel's heart stopped beating on the tennis court, under the beating Ramatuelle sun.
"You or no one"
Not to be missed, the documentary France Gall & Michel Berger “Toi sinon personne” (You or no one) revisits their beautiful story. Musical love at first sight became true love at first sight. Narrated by historian Franck Ferrand, this poignant documentary looks at the unique and privileged bond the couple has woven with their audiences.
