# Charles Aznavour

> Armenian-French singer and diplomat (1924-2018)

**Wikidata**: [Q1785](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1785)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Aznavour)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-aznavour

## Summary
Charles Aznavour was an Armenian-French singer, songwriter, actor, and diplomat whose career spanned from 1933 to 2018. Known as a prominent chansonnier, he worked across genres including chanson, jazz, pop music, and ballad, and held citizenship in both France and Armenia. He received numerous accolades, including the title of National Hero of Armenia and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

## Biography
- **Born:** May 22, 1924
- **Nationality:** Armenian, French
- **Education:** Not provided in source material
- **Known for:** Singing, acting, songwriting, poetry, and diplomacy
- **Employer(s):** EMI, Mercury Records, Barclay, Reprise Records, Philips Records, Odeon, RGE
- **Field(s):** Music (chanson, jazz, pop, ballad, world music), Film (acting, directing, screenwriting), Diplomacy

## Contributions
Charles Aznavour built a prolific career in the music industry, recording for major international labels including EMI, Mercury Records, Barclay, Reprise Records, Philips Records, Odeon, and RGE. His musical contributions spanned multiple genres, notably chanson, jazz, middle of the road, pop music, ballad, and world music, establishing him as a significant figure in popular music. In addition to his musical output, he contributed to the film industry as a film actor, screenwriter, and film director. His diplomatic efforts were recognized with the title of National Hero of Armenia, and he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his work as a lyricist and composer.

## FAQs
**What were Charles Aznavour's primary occupations?**
Charles Aznavour worked as a singer, actor, lyricist, composer, poet, screenwriter, film director, chansonnier, recording artist, and diplomat.

**Which record labels did Charles Aznavour work with?**
He was associated with a diverse range of international record labels, including EMI, Mercury Records, Barclay, Reprise Records, Philips Records, Odeon, and RGE.

**What awards and honors did Charles Aznavour receive?**
He received numerous prestigious awards, including the title of National Hero of Armenia, the Commander of the Legion of Honour, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Honorary César, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

**What genres of music did Charles Aznavour perform?**
His musical repertoire encompassed chanson, jazz, middle of the road, pop music, ballad, and world music.

**What was Charles Aznavour's citizenship status?**
He held citizenship in both France and Armenia.

## Why They Matter
Charles Aznavour matters for his enduring influence on both French and global music culture, particularly within the chanson tradition. His recognition as a National Hero of Armenia and a recipient of the Legion of Honour underscores his significant cultural and diplomatic impact in both his countries of citizenship. His induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and receipt of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame highlight his international acclaim and lasting legacy as a songwriter and performer. Spanning a career from 1933 to 2018, his work across music, film, and diplomacy left a multifaceted mark on the arts.

## Notable For
- Career spanning from 1933 to 2018
- Holding the title of National Hero of Armenia
- Being a Commander, Officer, and Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
- Receiving the Honorary César
- Being awarded the Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots
- Receiving the Raoul Wallenberg Award
- Being an honorary citizen of Yerevan
- Receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
- Being a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres
- Receiving an honorary doctorate from the Université de Montréal
- Winning the Bernard Lecache Prize
- Aliases: Shahnour Vaghenag Aznavourian, Shahnour Vaghinag Aznavourian

## Body

### Identity and Background
Charles Aznavour, born on May 22, 1924, and passing away on October 1, 2018, was a multifaceted artist known by the aliases Shahnour Vaghenag Aznavourian and Shahnour Vaghinag Aznavourian. He held citizenship in both France and Armenia, maintaining a strong cultural connection to both nations. His official website is maintained by the Aznavour Foundation (aznavourfoundation.org).

### Musical Career and Genres
Aznavour's primary occupation was that of a singer and recording artist, but he was also deeply involved in the creation of music as a lyricist, composer, and chansonnier. His work period began in 1933 and continued until 2018. His musical style was diverse, covering genres such as chanson, jazz, middle of the road, pop music, ballad, and world music. This versatility allowed him to reach a wide audience across different musical tastes.

### Record Labels and Affiliations
Throughout his career, Aznavour was affiliated with numerous prominent record labels, reflecting his global reach. These included:
- **EMI**: A defunct British music recording and publishing company.
- **Mercury Records**: An American record label founded in 1945.
- **Barclay**: A French record label.
- **Reprise Records**: An American record label founded by Frank Sinatra.
- **Philips Records**: A Dutch international record label.
- **Odeon**: A German multinational record label.
- **RGE**: A Brazilian record label headquartered in São Paulo.

### Film and Literary Work
In addition to his musical career, Aznavour contributed significantly to the arts as a film actor, screenwriter, and film director. He was also recognized as a poet, contributing to the literary style characterized by the strong expressiveness of words. His involvement in film placed him within the industry alongside other notable figures of the era.

### Diplomacy and Recognition
Aznavour served as a diplomat, acting as a person appointed by a state to conduct diplomacy with another state or international organization. His contributions to culture and humanity were recognized with numerous awards:
- **Armenian Honors**: He was named a National Hero of Armenia and received the Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots. He was also named an honorary citizen of Yerevan.
- **French Honors**: He held the ranks of Commander, Officer, and Knight of the Legion of Honour, as well as being a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.
- **International Honors**: He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and received the Honorary César. Other awards included the Raoul Wallenberg Award, the Bernard Lecache Prize, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and an honorary doctorate from the Université de Montréal.

### Legacy and Associations
Aznavour's legacy is marked by his extensive body of work and the high honors he received. He is associated with various cultural entities, including a square named after him in Yerevan (Charles Aznavour Square) and a connection to the fictional character Char Aznable from Mobile Suit Gundam. He was also linked to key figures in the music industry, such as Italian recording artist Luigi Tenco. His influence remains significant in the fields of music, film, and international relations.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Fichier des personnes décédées mirror
3. [Charles Aznavour est décédé à l'âge de 94 ans. RTL. 2018](https://www.rtl.fr/culture/musique/charles-aznavour-est-decede-a-l-age-de-94-ans-7795003841)
4. [Charles Aznavour vient de mourir à 94 ans, il avait choisi Mouriès pour y faire son petit paradis provençal. France 3 Provence-Alpes. 2018](https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/provence-alpes-cote-d-azur/bouches-du-rhone/mouries-petit-paradis-provencal-charles-aznavour-1521708.html)
5. BnF authorities
6. [Aznavour Granted Armenian Citizenship. The New York Times. 2008](https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/27/arts/27arts-AZNAVOURGRAN_BRF.html?partner=rss&emc=rss)
7. Biographical Dictionary of Georgia
8. Czech National Authority Database
9. Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia
10. Armenian Concise Encyclopedia
11. [Du monde à Montfort l'Amaury pour se recueillir sur la tombe de Charles Aznavour. France Bleu. 2018](https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/medias-people/du-monde-a-montfort-l-amaury-pour-se-recueillir-sur-la-tombe-de-charles-aznavour-1541236036)
12. [Une dernière fois, les fans ont chanté «Emmenez-moi» pour Charles Aznavour. Le Parisien. 2018](http://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/une-derniere-fois-les-fans-ont-chante-emmenez-moi-pour-charles-aznavour-06-10-2018-7912638.php)
13. [Source](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000610092)
14. [Source](http://www.ordre-national.gouv.qc.ca/membres/membre.asp?id=2558)
15. [CHARLES AZNAVOUR AND KIRK KERKORIAN NATIONAL HEROES OF ARMENIA. 2004](http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/politics/news/10622/)
16. [Source](http://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/usa/hollywood-une-etoile-pour-charles-aznavour-sur-la-promenade-de-la-celebrite_2337767.html)
17. [Récompenses attribuées par le Gouvernement de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles > En 2004. French Community](http://www.federation-wallonie-bruxelles.be/index.php?id=434)
18. [Charles Aznavour décoré Officier de l'Ordre de Léopold mercredi. 2004](http://www.dhnet.be/cine-tele/musique-festival/article/98674/aznavour-officier-belge.html)
19. [Charles Aznavour est décoré au grade de Commandeur de l'Ordre de la Couronne de Belgique à Bruxelles le 16 novembre 2015. Cette décoration a été décerné à Charl](http://www.purepeople.com/media/charles-aznavour-est-decore-au-grade_m1995630)
20. [Aznavour: "Il faudrait que je sois mourant pour annuler mon concert!". 2015](http://www.dhnet.be/medias/musique/aznavour-il-faudrait-que-je-sois-mourant-pour-annuler-mon-concert-564a06833570bccfaf1568cf)
21. [МИД России наградил Шарля Азнавура. Embassy of Russia, Yerevan. 2014](http://embassyru.am/topic.php?id=142)
22. [Source](https://www.fr.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_fr/20180430-decorations.html)
23. [Source](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000402014)
24. [En bref - Aznavour honoré par l'UdeM. 2009](https://www.ledevoir.com/culture/musique/246569/en-bref-aznavour-honore-par-l-udem)
25. [Aznavour reçoit un doctorat honorifique de l'université de Montréal. 2009](https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2009/04/20/594788-aznavour-recoit-un-doctorat-honorifique-de-l-universite-de-montreal.html)
26. [Source](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000199827)
27. [Le prix Bernard Lecache 87 à Aznavour. 1988](https://archives.webaram.com/presse/armenia/pdf/ARMENIA_1988_107_Janvier-Fevrier.pdf)
28. [Charles Aznavour, Chevalier des Arts et Lettres en 1994. Getty Images](https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/charles-aznavour-est-fait-chevalier-des-arts-et-lettres-en-news-photo/953415484)
29. Le dictionnaire biographique : Arméniens d'hier et d'aujourd'hui
30. International Standard Name Identifier
31. CiNii Research
32. MusicBrainz
33. SNAC
34. Internet Broadway Database
35. filmportal.de
36. Nederlandse Top 40
37. GeneaStar
38. Roglo
39. Salzburgwiki
40. Babelio
41. Proleksis Encyclopedia
42. Munzinger Personen
43. Who's Who in France
44. [Who's who in France](https://www.whoswho.fr/decede/biographie-charles-aznavour_10888)
45. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
46. Virtual International Authority File
47. IMDb
48. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
49. CONOR.SI
50. BBC Things