Michel Polnareff

Michel Polnareff (born July 3, 1944) is a French singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the 1960s and remained popular in France until the 1990s. His popular songs include "La Poupée qui fait non" and "Love Me, Please Love Me", which combine elements of pop and rock. He has been identified by his eccentric personality, theatrical flair and stage performances, as well as being commonly referenced in discussions of French popular music.

Early life and education

Michel Polnareff was born in Nérac, Lot-et-Garonne, on July 3, 1944. His mother, Simonne Lane, worked as a Breton dancer, and his father, Leib Polnareff (also known as Léo Poll), was a Ukrainian Jewish composer and pianist who performed with artists such as Édith Piaf. Polnareff attended the private Cours Hattemer school and studied piano from a young age, later learning guitar. After completing his mandatory military service in France, Polnareff held brief positions in banking and insurance. He later took up street performing, busking on the steps of Sacré Cœur in Paris.

Career

In 1966, producer Lucien Morisse signed Polnareff to Disc AZ. His first track, "La Poupée qui fait non", featured session guitarist Jimmy Page and achieved commercial success in France. Among his early French-language recordings were “La Poupée qui fait non” and "Love Me, Please Love Me", both released in 1966, which helped establish his popularity in France.