Eddy Mitchell, born Claude Moine on July 3, 1942, is a French singer and actor who has been a household name in France for over five decades. Known for his unique blend of American rock 'n' roll and French charm, Mitchell has been a pioneer of French rock music, selling over 100 million records worldwide.
Mitchell began his career in the late 1950s as the lead singer of the French rock group Les Chaussettes Noires (The Black Socks). The group's instant success in 1961, selling two million records, catapulted Mitchell to fame. He later went solo in 1963, taking the name Eddy from American expatriate actor Eddie Constantine and adopting Mitchell as his last name for its American flair.
Heavily influenced by American rock 'n' roll, Mitchell has often recorded outside France, working with prominent British session musicians like Big Jim Sullivan, Jimmy Page, and Bobby Graham in London. In the United States, he collaborated with legendary session men such as Roger Hawkins, David Hood, Jimmy Johnson, and Booker T. Jones in Memphis and Nashville.
Mitchell's love for American cinema led him to host the popular TV show La Dernière Séance (The Last Picture Show) from 1981 to 1998 on FR3, later France 3. The show's format resembled an old-fashioned double-feature picture show, featuring two movies, cartoons, newsreels, and stage attractions. The title was inspired by one of Mitchell's album titles, which in turn was taken from the French title of the film The Last Picture Show.
In addition to his singing career, Mitchell has lent his voice to several animated films, including the French version of The Magic Roundabout (2005) as Dylan Flappy and RockaDoodle as Chanticleer.
Mitchell's extensive discography includes:
Eddy Mitchell's contributions to French rock music have been immense, inspiring generations of musicians and earning him a place in the French music hall of fame. With his unique blend of American rock 'n' roll and French charm, Mitchell has left an indelible mark on the music industry, solidifying his position as a French rock icon.
82 Years Old
French rock and roll icon known for energetic live performances and hit songs like "Que je t'aime" and "L'Idole", with a career spanning over 50 years.
79 Years Old
A French singer-songwriter and actor, known for his provocative and often controversial lyrics, as well as his iconic voice and charismatic stage presence.
Born in 1924
A legendary French-Armenian singer-songwriter and actor, known for his soulful, poetic ballads and iconic films, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and cinema.
98 Years Old
A French singer-songwriter, pianist, and actor who charmed audiences with romantic ballads and energetic stage performances, earning him the nickname "Monsieur 100,000 Volts."
