From the music of Papy made resistance to the orchestration of the Champs-Élysées of Joe Dassin, he had marked the French popular music. The musician, composer, arranger and conductor Jean MUSY died on April 27, at the age of 76.
Born in Levallois-Perret in a family where nothing predestined him for an artistic vocation, he had been passionate about music since childhood before gradually becoming known for his arrangements and orchestrations. First arranger of Nino Ferrer, he had collaborated with many major artists of French song, from Barbara to Charles Aznavour through Catherine Lara, Mouloudji, Serge Reggiani, Gilbert Bécaud or Véronique Sanson. In 1968, he was the one who made the urgent orchestration of Joe Dassin’s Champs-Élysées, which became a world hit the following year.
A prolific artist, Mr. Jean MUSY was a well-known and appreciated composer, especially for his film music. From the film Papy fait de la résistance by Jean-Marie Poiré (1983) to the series L'Homme de la nuit by Juan Luis Buñuel, he had worked alongside many directors, including Gérard Oury, Costa-Gavras and Alejandro Jodorowsky. In 2016, he received the Grand Prix de la musique pour l'image from SACEM, which rewarded his entire career.
I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones.
Rachida DATI,
Minister of Culture