Editorial published on December 08, 2017
Jean-Philippe Smet, aka Johnny Hallyday, died on December 6, at the age of 74. His death comes the day after that of the French writer and academician Jean d’Ormesson.
Whether we like or not to his music, it is an icon of the French scene that is gone. He was nicknamed the “French Elvis” for popularizing blues and rock in France in the 60s and he was the “youth idol” of several generations.
His powerful voice, the longevity of his career (nearly 60 years, more than 40 albums and 110 million records sold) and the intense relationship that he created with his fans make him an exceptional character. He leaves the French musical world orphaned.
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Death of Johnny Hallyday: the “Giant” of the French Music - Herrmann (Suisse / Switzerland), Tribune de Genève
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Death of Johnny Hallyday: the “Giant” of the French Music - Bado (Canada), Le Droit
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Death of Johnny Hallyday: the “Giant” of the French Music - Rousso (France)
Johnny Hallyday and Jean d'Ormesson
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Death of Johnny Hallyday: the “Giant” of the French Music - Kichka (Israël / Israel)
"And why not be immortal as Jean d'Ormesson?"
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Death of Johnny Hallyday: the “Giant” of the French Music - Gros (France)
The lyrics of Johnny Hallyday's song "Le Pénitencier" (The Penitentiary)
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Death of Johnny Hallyday: the “Giant” of the French Music - Glez (Burkina Faso)
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Death of Johnny Hallyday: the “Giant” of the French Music - Kroll (Belgique / Belgium), Le Soir
"Is there a problem with my face?" "You are wonderful Johnny, I have all your albums." (Kroll: "A fan of Johnny said on TV that I should draw this cartoon, so here it is."
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Death of Johnny Hallyday: the “Giant” of the French Music - Stephff (Thaïlande / Thailand), The Nation
The lyrics of Johnny Hallyday's song "Ma gueule" (My Mug)
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Death of Johnny Hallyday: the “Giant” of the French Music - Jiho (France), Marianne
"The hardest thing is that we will have to stand for his doubles..." "I am the official Johnny" "I am Johnny" "I am the only Johnny"
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Death of Johnny Hallyday: the “Giant” of the French Music - Vadot (Belgique / Belgium), L’Écho
The French singers Eddy Mitchell and Jacques Dutronc. "I am sad that you are dead..." "You old chap..."