France is in mourning, with the news of the death of the iconic singer Johnny Hallyday. He died from lung cancer at the age of 74. And while Hallyday never participated in Eurovision, he was a highly influential performer to many Eurovision performers from Francophone countries.

Eurovision stars paid tribute to “the French Elvis” and shared stories of his influence on their careers.

Natasha St-Pier (France 2001)

Natasha shared a clip from a 2003 concert. Johnny had given her a break and put he on the bill in the early stages of her career in France. “I had just arrived in France, in the very beginning of my career and Johnny invited me to sing at his concert, which is big for a young beginner, because in front of the Parc des Princes there are a lot of people. And for ten days there are a LOT of people.”

Amir (France 2016)

Amir paid tribute to Johnny with a performance of his song “Que je t’aime” at a concert last night in Bordeaux.

Lara Fabian (Luxembourg 1988)

Lara made an emotional tribute to Johnny on a Facebook video. She said, “There are people who pass through our lives and who transform our destinies. Johnny, we will miss you so much. This is who you are: a creator of destinies, a creator of joy, of happiness and infinite love. I can not imagine that today you will be up there among the stars.  At the same time, for me this is where you come from. Thank you. Thank you for all that you’ve done in this life. All that I wish for you to meet you in the one after. See you soon somewhere.

Posted by Lara Fabian on Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Céline Dion (Switzerland 1988)

The French-Canadian diva paid her respects with messages in both French and English.

Anggun (France 2012)

The Indonesian-French singer talked about Johnny’s kindness on tour with her. She wrote, “I was the opening act for his tour in 2005, he was very kind to me, refused to be addressed as “vous”, rose from table when he saw me coming, apologized to me when a concert had to be cancelled because of bad weather. I will keep his memory for a long time. Legends are eternal. Heartfelt thoughts… #RIPJohnnyHallyday”

Amaury Vassili (France 2011)

Like many stars, Amaury shared stories of his experiences with Johnny. He wrote, “I had the great chance to meet the immense Johnny Hallyday and I’m so sad this morning. He is a symbol that will always stay in our hearts and our ears.” In another tweet, he shared, “Johnny Hallyday told me about his blues idols with an immeasurable passion when his last album came out. Today he must be playing his dream jam session.”

Amandine Bourgeois (France 2013)

Amandine Bourgeois, who opened for Johnny at his 2012 concert at the Royal Albert Hall, celebrated his rock ‘n’ roll attitude. In 2014, she covered his song “Ma guele” on her album Au masculin.

Johnny Hallyday ?

Posted by Amandine Bourgeois on Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Patricia Kaas (France 2009)

Patricia shared a number of photos, including a floral tribute to Johnny.

??? Mes fleurs pour toi Johnny …

A post shared by Patricia Kaas (@patriciakaasoff) on

 

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steven
steven
6 years ago

Je n oublierais jamais cette magnifique interpretation de Lara et Johnny dans REQUIEM POUR UN FOU!!!!!!Un grand artiste Français nous a quitté j ai versé quelques larmes c est vrai !!Pour moi grand fan de l ‘ eurovision je sais qu ‘il aurait pu représenter la France et nous faire gagner!!!Magnifique interpretation d AMIR également!!!!!!!!RIP Johnny!Je ne compte plus les tubes de ce grand artiste!!!!!

Étoile
Étoile
6 years ago

Il faisait parti des icônes de la musique française, nous sommes tristes qu’il soit parti. Merci! /He was one of our iconic stars of the French music, we’re sad he’s gone. Thank You!

Alexis
Alexis
6 years ago

Very huge loss for french music and France in general

doluvic
doluvic
6 years ago

Thank you for France and french readers to make this article, we are sad….