Must Know
French chanson singer, poet and composer, among the leading figures of the Parisian music scene of her day and an international cultural icon. Born Monique Andrée Serf in Paris, she and her family went into hiding during the German occupation of France in World War II, an event which deeply affected her works. She lived in an artists’ commune in Brussels before returning to Paris where she collaborated with composers Georges Brassens and Jacques Brel, whose songs she performed in clubs in the Latin Quarter. Barbara subsequently appeared in several films. Her hit L’Aigle noir sold one million copies in 12 hours. Her songs continue to influence many modern musicians.
