Famed singer Georges Moustaki dies at 79
French singer and composer Georges Moustaki, who sang in several languages and whose romantic ballads won him global fame, died on Thursday at the age of 79.
Born on May 3, 1934 to a Jewish couple from the Greek island of Corfu who had settled in Alexandria, Egypt, Moustaki — whose real name was Giuseppe Mustacchi — penned some 300 songs including the 1958 hit “Milord” sung by Edith Piaf which created a worldwide sensation.
Moustaki changed his name in honor of his idol, French singer Georges Brassens, after he moved to Paris in 1951. His repertoire included songs in French, Italian, English, Greek, Portuguese, Arabic and Spanish.
Leading French stars sang his compositions including Yves Montand, Barbara, Juliette Greco and Pia Colomba. [AFP, Kathimerini]
