Michel Fugain

French singer/songwriter Michel Fugain moved to Paris to become a songwriter in 1964, penning songs for artists such as Dalida and Hugues Auffray. In 1972, he formed the collective Big Bazar -- whose singles became instant hit hippie tunes -- before leaving in 1976 to create a new collective under his own name, La Compagnie Michel Fugain. After a '70s peak, his career continued at a slower pace, until he quit the music business following the loss of his daughter Laurette in 2002. Although TV channel M6 offered him a comeback of sorts, Fugain quickly lost interest. He released Bravo et Merci in 2007; featuring covers of his favorite artists' songs, from Charles Aznavour to Maxime LeForestier, the album seemed like a farewell. ~ Olivier Duboc