Written by: Thomas Blackwood

Richard Anthony: The French Pop Sensation of the 1960s and 1970s

A Star is Born: Early Life and Career

Richard Anthony, born Ricardo Anthony Btesh on January 13, 1938, was a French pop singer who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with his unique blend of French and international hits. With a career spanning over three decades, Anthony became one of the biggest French pop stars of his time, known for his soulful voice, charismatic stage presence, and eclectic style.

Becoming Richard Anthony: The Early Years

Born in Cairo, Egypt, to a Syrian Jewish family of prominent industrialists and diplomats, Anthony's early life was marked by a sense of adventure and cultural diversity. He spent his childhood in Egypt and Argentina, before moving to England to study at Brighton College. After his father's sudden death in 1956, Anthony had to abandon his law studies to support his family, taking on a door-to-door salesman job and later playing saxophone in Paris nightclubs.

From Saxophonist to Singer: The Rise to Fame

In 1958, Anthony made his first recordings as a singer, initially recording French language versions of American pop hits. His early successes included "Tu m'tais destiné" (You Are My Destiny), "Peggy Sue", and "Nouvelle vague" (Three Cool Cats), which became instant hits in France. This marked the beginning of his remarkable career, as he went on to release hit after hit, becoming one of the most popular French pop stars of the 1960s.

International Breakthrough and Iconic Hits

In the early 1960s, Anthony's popularity transcended borders, as he started recording at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in England. He reached the British charts with the English-language songs "Walking Alone" (1963) and "If I Loved You" (1964). His 1965 single "I Don't Know What To Do", arranged by Ivor Raymonde, made him the first European artist to be signed by Motown Records, releasing on the V.I.P. label.

Some of his most iconic hits include "C'est ma fête" (It's My Party), "Et j'entends siffler le train" (500 Miles), and "Fille sauvage", a French-language cover of The Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday". Anthony's song "Aranjuez mon amour", based on Joaquín Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez", became one of his biggest international hits in 1967.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Throughout his career, Anthony remained committed to his French roots, recording numerous cover versions of international hits in French. His 1974 hit "Amoureux de ma femme", a cover of an Italian song by Caterina Caselli, became one of his biggest hits. Although his popularity waned in the late 1970s, Anthony's legacy as a French pop icon remains unrivaled, inspiring generations of musicians and music lovers alike.

Key Discography

• "Tu m'tais destiné" (You Are My Destiny)
• "Peggy Sue"
• "Nouvelle vague" (Three Cool Cats)
• "C'est ma fête" (It's My Party)
• "Et j'entends siffler le train" (500 Miles)
• "Fille sauvage" (Ruby Tuesday)
• "Aranjuez mon amour"
• "Amoureux de ma femme"

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Richard Anthony was the first European artist to be signed by Motown Records.
• He recorded over 200 songs during his career, including many cover versions of international hits.
• Anthony's song "I Don't Know What To Do" was arranged by Ivor Raymonde, a renowned British arranger and producer.

With his unique blend of French and international flavors, Richard Anthony left an indelible mark on the music world, cementing his place as one of the most beloved French pop stars of all time.