Charles Aznavour has died.
The French singer – who was often hailed as the country’s own Frank Sinatra because of his similar vocal style – has passed away at the age of 94, his spokesperson has confirmed.
Tributes to the chanson singer were headed by France’s president Emmanuel Macron.
He tweeted: "Charles Aznavour was profoundly French, deeply attached to his Armenian roots and known throughout the world. He has accompanied the joys and pain of three generations. His masterpieces, the tone of his voice, his unique radiance will long survive him."
He went on to reveal he had invited the singer to perform at the Francophonie Summit in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, later this month.
He added: "We share with the Armenian people the mourning of the French people."
And Renaud Muselier, president of the Provence region of south-east France where Charles called home, said: "French culture has lost one if its greatest. He has left us a priceless body of work rich with more than 1,200 songs. A generous and charismatic singer, he leaves an immense emptiness."
The ‘She’ singer – whose real name was Shahnour Varinag Aznavourian – began his music career in Paris cabarets during World War II and sold over 100 million records in 80 countries and had around 1,400 songs to his name.
He also had a successful acting career, appearing in the likes of ‘Tirez Sur le Pianiste’ (‘Shoot the Piano Player’), ‘Les Fantômes du Chapelier’ (‘The Hatter’s Ghost’), and the 1979 Oscar-winning film adaptation of Günter Grass’s ‘The Tin Drum’.
Despite his advancing years, Charles continued to perform live and after axing dates in Japan last summer due to a broken arm, he was due to return to the stage in Europe in November.
Just a few days ago, an interview with the singer was broadcast on French TV in which he said he "would die" if he could no longer work and vowed to live until he was 100.
He said: "Me, I cannot not live and I live on stage. I’m happy on stage and that’s obvious.
"My sister and I decided we’re going to pass 100 years. It’s on record. She doesn’t have the right to go back on it and neither do I."
Charles Aznavour dead at 94
