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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZTRENET, Charles(b 1913, Narbonne, France; d 18 February 2001) Singer, songwriter. Published first poems at age 15; intended to be a painter, met Johnny Hess and teamed as vocal duet Charles et Johnny, successful until both were drafted. He worked solo after WWII, internationally popular. His poems made natural lyrics; he wrote over 500 songs, words and music for most of them, of which the best-known is probably 'La Mer' '38 ('Beyond The Sea' '47), the English words by Jack Lawrence; there was a lovely instrumental arrangment by Percy Faith '49 and a Top 10 USA hit single by Bobby Darin '60. Among many more hits: 'Boum!' won a Grand Prix du Disque '38 ('When our hearts go boom!'); also 'Vous Qui Passez Sans Me Voir' '36 (co-written with Hess; 'Why Do You Pass Me By' '36 with words by Desmond Carter, 'Passing By' '47 with words by Lawrence); 'L'Ame des Poètes' ('At Last! At Last!' '51, sung by Tony Martin, English words by Florence Miles; more literally 'The Poets' Dream' '59 by Mal Peters); 'Que Reste-il de Nos Amours' '46 ('I Wish You Love' '55, words by Albert A. Beach aka Lee Wilson, sung by Keely Smith and Felicia Saunders; USA top 30 hit '64 by Gloria Lynne). There were many Trenet compilations from EMI France; also Boum! on ASV UK. |