Serge Gainsbourg was a French singer-songwriter, actor and filmmaker who rose to fame in the 1960s with his provocative and often controversial music.
Gainsbourg’s music often pushes the boundaries of social norms, challenging traditional ideas about love, sex, and politics.
His songs “Je time…moi non-plus” caused scandal upon release due to their suggestive lyrics and breathy vocals, but they also topped the charts in several countries.
Gainsbourg’s influence on French music and culture is undeniable and he remains revered.
contour
- Full name: Lucian Ginsburg
- Nickname: Gainsbarre
- Date of birth: April 2, 1928
- Age as of 2024: 96 (deceased)
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Paris, France
- Nationality: French
- Occupation: Singer-songwriter, actor, film producer
- Height: 5 feet 10 1⁄2 inches (1.79 m)
- Parents: Joseph and Olga Ginsburg
- Siblings: Lillian Ginsburg (twin sister)
- Spouses: Elizabeth Levitsky (married 1951, divorced 1957), Beatrice Pancrazy (married 1964, divorced 1966)
- Children: Natasha Gainsbourg, Paul Gainsbourg, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Lucien Gainsbourg
- Relationship status: Deceased
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: Russian Jew
- Net worth: $50 million
early life and education
Serge Gainsbourg (96, deceased) was born on April 2, 1928 in Paris, France. His parents, Joseph and Olga Ginsburg, were Russian Jewish immigrants who fled to Paris after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.
Gainsbourg grew up in a household where music was everywhere, as his father was a classically trained pianist. He learned to play the piano at a young age and began composing songs as a teenager.
World War II and the Nazi occupation of France disrupted Gainsbourg’s early education. His family was forced to wear yellow stars and faced discrimination because of their Jewish heritage.
These experiences profoundly affected Gainsbourg and shaped his worldview. After the war, he entered the National School of Fine Arts to study painting. However, he soon gave up his artistic pursuits to focus on music.
personal life
Gainsbourg was married twice and had several high-profile relationships. His first marriage was in 1951 to secretary and model Elisabeth Levitzky. The couple divorced in 1957.
In 1964, he married Béatrice Pancrazzi, with whom he had two children: Natacha and Paul. They divorced in 1966. Gainsbourg’s most lasting relationship was with the British actress and singer Jane Birkin.
They met on the set of the film “Slogan” in 1968 and began a passionate and tumultuous relationship that lasted 12 years. They had a daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg, who became a successful actress and singer in her own right. Gainsbourg also had a son, Lucien, with his last partner, Bambu.
Profession
Gainsbourg’s career began in the 1950s, when he performed in Paris cabarets. Initially, he struggled to find success, but his fortunes changed in the 1960s, releasing several hit songs, including “Lilacs” and “Javanese.” Gainsbourg’s music is often characterized by wit, sophistication and provocation.
He wasn’t afraid to tackle controversial topics, and his songs often dealt with themes of love, sex and death. In addition to his music career, Gainsbourg has appeared in several films and directed several of his own films. He was a versatile artist who left his mark on French culture.
Awards
- 1979: The film “Je t’aime moi non plus” won the César Award for Best Original Score
- 1996: Inducted into the Victoires de la Musique Hall of Fame
net worth
Gainsbourg’s net worth at the time of his death was $50 million. He is a successful musician and actor who earns a decent amount of money. His music continues to generate royalties, and his legacy may be worth a fortune.
die
Serge Gainsbourg died of heart disease on March 2, 1991 at the age of 62. He is buried in Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris.
dispute
Gainsbourg’s career was marked by controversy. His provocative lyrics and often outrageous behavior often got him into trouble with authorities and the public. Some of his most controversial moments include:
The song “Je t’aime…moi non-plus” was banned by the BBC and condemned by the Vatican for its suggestive lyrics and breathy sound.
His reggae version of France’s national anthem “La Marseillaise” sparked outrage from conservative groups.
In 1984, he made lewd comments about Whitney Houston during a drunken appearance on French television.
His song “Lemon Incest”, which features his then 12-year-old daughter Charlotte, was accused of promoting pedophilia.
social media
film chronology
- 1959: Les Lupus on the Hill
- 1960: Leisure
- 1967: Horizon
- 1968: slogan
- 1969: Mr. Liberty
- 1971: Marijuana
- 1976: i love you
- 1980: “Shape and Image”
- 1981: “Dr. Jekyll and the Woman”
- 1983: Equator
discography
- 1958: Sing a song!
- 1959: 2nd
- 1961: Serge Gainsbourg
- 1962: 4th
- 1963: Gainsbourg Confidential
- 1964: Gainsbourg Percussion
- 1967: Anna
books
- 1980: Yevgeny Sokolov
