# Charles Trenet

> French singer-songwriter

**Wikidata**: [Q212549](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q212549)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Trenet)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-trenet

## Summary
Charles Trenet was a French singer-songwriter known for his contributions to the chanson genre, particularly during the mid-20th century. He was a prominent figure in French music, blending traditional French songwriting with modern styles, and his work remains influential in French popular culture.

## Biography
- Born: May 18, 1913, in Paris, France
- Nationality: French
- Education: Trained in classical music and songwriting
- Known for: Pioneering the chanson style and composing iconic French songs
- Employer(s): Record labels including Pathé, Columbia Graphophone Co. Ltd., and Capitol Records
- Field(s): Music, songwriting, performance

## Contributions
Charles Trenet composed and performed numerous songs that became classics of French music, including "La Mer," "La Java de Paris," and "Mon Amour." His work helped define the chanson genre and influenced generations of French singers. He also contributed to the French music industry through his recordings and performances, leaving a lasting impact on French popular culture.

## FAQs
**What genre of music was Charles Trenet known for?**
Charles Trenet was known for his contributions to the chanson genre, a lyric-driven style of French song that became a defining feature of French music.

**Which record labels was Charles Trenet associated with?**
Charles Trenet was associated with several record labels, including Pathé, Columbia Graphophone Co. Ltd., and Capitol Records, which helped distribute his music.

**What are some of Charles Trenet's most famous songs?**
Some of Charles Trenet's most famous songs include "La Mer," "La Java de Paris," and "Mon Amour," which remain iconic in French music.

## Why They Matter
Charles Trenet's work played a significant role in shaping the French chanson genre, which became a cornerstone of French popular music. His songs continue to be celebrated for their lyrical depth and musical style, influencing French singers and composers for decades. His contributions to the French music industry and his lasting impact on French popular culture make him a notable figure in music history.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the French chanson genre with iconic songs like "La Mer" and "La Java de Paris"
- Composing and performing timeless French music that remains influential in French popular culture
- Collaborating with major record labels to distribute his music and reach a wide audience
- Leaving a lasting legacy in French music through his songwriting and performances

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Charles Trenet was born on May 18, 1913, in Paris, France. He began his career in music by training in classical music and songwriting, which laid the foundation for his later work in the chanson genre. His early performances and compositions set the stage for his future success in French music.

### Musical Contributions
Charles Trenet composed and performed numerous songs that became classics of French music, including "La Mer," "La Java de Paris," and "Mon Amour." These songs helped define the chanson genre and influenced generations of French singers. His work blended traditional French songwriting with modern styles, creating a unique and enduring contribution to French music.

### Record Labels and Distribution
Charles Trenet was associated with several record labels, including Pathé, Columbia Graphophone Co. Ltd., and Capitol Records. These labels helped distribute his music and reach a wide audience, further solidifying his influence in the French music industry. His recordings and performances on these labels contributed to his lasting impact on French popular culture.

### Legacy and Influence
Charles Trenet's work played a significant role in shaping the French chanson genre, which became a cornerstone of French popular music. His songs continue to be celebrated for their lyrical depth and musical style, influencing French singers and composers for decades. His contributions to the French music industry and his lasting impact on French popular culture make him a notable figure in music history.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. MusicBrainz
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. Discogs
8. www.academiedesbeauxarts.fr
9. [Charles Louis Trenet. Internet Broadway Database](https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/70076)
10. SNAC
11. Find a Grave
12. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
13. Le Delarge
14. GeneaStar
15. Roglo
16. Who's Who in France
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. [L'Humanité. 2001](http://www.humanite.fr/node/405246)
19. [Le Monde. 2001](http://abonnes.lemonde.fr/archives/article/2001/02/20/ouverture-art_149334_1819218.html)
20. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
21. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
22. CONOR.SI
23. BBC Things
24. ISWC Network
25. [Source](https://vos-celebrites.fr/taille-celebrites.php?star=Charles-Trenet)
26. Genius API
27. National Library of Israel
28. The Movie Database
29. LIBRIS. 2018
30. ACE Repertory
31. Europeana
32. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
33. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno
34. performing-arts.ch
35. Associació músics per la cobla