After his first ventures into rock 'n' roll and R&B in the '60s, Michel Jonasz evolved into a major performer in the '70s and '80s, meshing his love of French chanson, swinging jazz, blues and rock. With vocals à la Bryan Ferry and words uttered with unequivocal emotion, Jonasz served up quivering piano ballads and dancey jazz—complete with walking bass and synths—on albums such as the highly successful Unis Vers l'Uni (1985). More recent releases like 2007's Chanson Française paid tribute to the artist's heroes like Léo Ferré, abundant in nostalgia and Latin American twists.