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Jean-Louis Murat : the unconventional French singer-songwriter
Born Jean-Louis Bergheaud on January 28, 1952, in Chamalières in the Puy-de-Dôme region of France, the singer-songwriter began his musical career in the early 1980s. However, the critics were not impressed. It wasn’t until 1987 and the release of his hit song “Si je devais manquer de toi” that the singer achieved his first success. This was followed by a duet with Mylène Farmer, “Regrets”, which topped the charts in 1991.
A prolific artist, Murat released around thirty albums, including Dolorès in 1996, Le Moujik et sa femme in 2002, and A bird on a poire in 2004. A singular figure in the French music scene, he was known for his frankness. “I wouldn’t say that I sought failure, but being endorsed by a people who swear only by Johnny Hallyday or Patrick Bruel would have seriously annoyed me,” he confided to Les Inrockuptibles in 2019.
The early years
After studying literature at university, Murat moved to Paris in the late 1970s to pursue a career in music. He formed a band called The Belphegors and recorded an album, but it was never released. In 1981, he signed with the label RCA and released his first solo album, Passions privées. The album received mixed reviews and did not sell well.
The breakthrough
It wasn’t until the release of “Si je devais manquer de toi” in 1987 that Murat achieved his first hit. The song, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, struck a chord with the French public and established Murat as a serious artist. His next album, Cheyenne Autumn, was also well-received, and Murat began to develop a loyal fan base.
The duet with Mylène Farmer
In 1991, Murat collaborated with pop star Mylène Farmer on the duet “Regrets”. The song, which Murat wrote and Farmer produced, was an instant hit and spent several weeks at the top of the charts. The success of the song brought Murat to a wider audience and cemented his reputation as one of France’s most talented singer-songwriters.
The later years
In the years that followed, Murat continued to release albums and tour. He experimented with different styles and genres, from folk to rock to electronic music. He also collaborated with other artists, including the French rock band Noir Désir. Despite his success, Murat remained an outsider in the French music scene, unafraid to speak his mind and challenge the status quo.
The legacy
Today, Jean-Louis Murat is remembered as one of France’s most original and influential singer-songwriters. His music, with its poetic lyrics and haunting melodies, continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Murat’s uncompromising approach to his art and his refusal to conform to the norms of the music industry have made him a cult figure among fans and a respected voice among critics.