Édith Piaf - Récital 1961

Back and Immortal.  

After serious illness and a two-year retreat from the public eye, Édith Piaf returned in 1960 with a legendary comeback that would make her immortal for good. The album Récital 1961 captures these unique moments of French chanson and Piaf forever. It was recorded live at L‘Olympia in Paris on December 29, 1960 and first released on Columbia in January 1961. Piaf was accompanied by the Orchestre et Choeurs conducted by Jacques Lesage. Eight of the album‘s nine songs were composed by Charles Dumont. Piaf was born in Paris on December 19, 1915. Despite growing up in extremely precarious circumstances and leading a turbulent life herself, she became one of the most popular and successful French singers of her time. Discovered at the age of 19 by cabaret owner Louis Leplée, she quickly became known as »la Môme Piaf« (the little sparrow). Piaf‘s unique voice and soulful performances captivated audiences around the world. Although she was accused of collaborating with the Nazis during World War II, Piaf remained an icon of French culture. Today, Édith Piaf is celebrated worldwide and is considered one of the greatest and most influential singers of the 20th century.

Side B

1. La Ville Inconnue  
2. Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien  
3. La Belle Histoire D‘amour  
4. Les Blouses Blanches