Michel Legrand
Michel Jean Legrand, born on February 24, 1932, in Paris, France, was a renowned French composer, conductor, and jazz pianist. He hailed from a musical family; his father, Raymond Legrand, was a conductor and composer, while his mother, Marcelle Der-Mikaëlian, was of Armenian descent. Legrand's musical education began at the Conservatoire de Paris at age 11, studying under notable instructors like Nadia Boulanger. He graduated with top honors in composition and piano.
Legrand's career took off when his album "I Love Paris" became a surprise hit, establishing him as a significant figure in the international music scene. He was known for his collaborations with jazz legends such as Miles Davis and Stan Getz. Legrand composed over 200 film and television scores, earning three Academy Awards for his work on "The Thomas Crown Affair" (1968), "Summer of '42" (1971), and "Yentl" (1983). His scores for Jacques Demy's films, including "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (1964) and "The Young Girls of Rochefort" (1967), are particularly celebrated.
Throughout his career, Legrand received numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards. He was also known for his live performances, often leading his jazz trio and big band on international tours. Legrand continued to influence the music world until his death from sepsis on January 26, 2019, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. His legacy is preserved in a vast body of work that spans jazz, popular, and classical music.
App
