Pierre Perret, a renowned French singer and composer, was born on July 9, 1934, in Castelsarrasin, Tarn-et-Garonne. He grew up in a café owned by his parents, where he developed a unique understanding of jargon and slang.
As a young man, Perret enrolled in the conservatoire de musique de Toulouse and a dramatic arts institute, but his military service issues prevented him from being admitted to the prestigious Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris. Undeterred, he formed his own band and performed at local events.
In 1957, Perret caught the attention of Eddie Barclay, who signed him to his record label. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Simone Mazaltarim, in Barclay's studio.
Perret's music career took off in the late 1950s, with tours of Parisian cabaret bars and performances throughout France and Africa as part of the American group, The Platters. However, a bout of pleurisy in 1958 forced him to take a two-year hiatus in a sanatorium.
Despite his struggles, Perret continued to write and record music, showcasing his mastery of the French language and slang. His songs often feature cheeky lyrics, such as "Le zizi" (The willy),which he wrote in a seemingly innocent child's tone. However, he has also written more serious political songs, like "La bête est revenue," "La petite kurde," "Vert de Colère," and "Lily."
In 1995, Perret collaborated with Sophie Darel on the French song "Maître Pierre" for the album "C'était les Années Bleues." He also served on the committee for the simplification of the administrative language (COSLA).
Throughout his career, Perret has demonstrated his unique ability to craft songs that are both humorous and thought-provoking. His contributions to French music and culture are undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
