Marguerite Monnot (28 May 1903 – 12 October 1961) was a pioneering French songwriter and composer, renowned for her significant contributions to popular music in the 20th century. Born in Decize, Nièvre, Monnot was immersed in a musical environment from a young age, receiving classical training from her father, Gabriel Monnot, a blind musician and composer of religious music, and her mother, Marie, a music teacher and French literature educator. Her prodigious talent was evident early on; by three, she composed her first song, "Bluette," and by fifteen, she was studying under esteemed instructors such as Nadia Boulanger, Vincent d’Indy, and Alfred Cortot at the Paris Conservatory.

Monnot's career as a concert pianist was cut short due to health issues, prompting her to transition to composing popular music. Her breakthrough came with the song "L'Étranger" in 1935. A pivotal moment in her career was meeting Édith Piaf in 1935, leading to a fruitful collaboration that produced iconic songs like "Milord" and "Hymne à l'amour." They became the first female songwriting duo in France, maintaining a lifelong friendship and partnership.

Monnot's work extended beyond Piaf, as she collaborated with notable lyricists such as Raymond Asso and Henri Contet, and mingled with cultural figures like Charles Aznavour, Yves Montand, and Marlene Dietrich. Her success peaked with the 1955 musical "Irma La Douce," which enjoyed international acclaim with long runs in London and on Broadway. Monnot also contributed music to films and operettas, cementing her legacy as a versatile and influential figure in music. She passed away in Paris in 1961, leaving behind a rich legacy of music that continues to resonate.