Charles Aznavour, born Shahnour Vaghinak Aznavourian on May 22, 1924, in Paris, France, was a renowned French singer-songwriter of Armenian descent. Over a career spanning more than 70 years, Aznavour became a pivotal figure in the chanson genre, recording over 1,200 songs in multiple languages and writing or co-writing more than 1,000 songs. His distinctive vibrato tenor voice and emotive songwriting made him one of the greatest songwriters in history and an icon of 20th-century pop culture.

Aznavour was born to Armenian immigrants; his father was a baritone singer, and his mother was a seamstress and actress. His early exposure to the arts led him to perform from a young age, and he eventually quit school to tour with a theatrical troupe as a boy singer and dancer. His career took a significant turn when he met Edith Piaf, who became his mentor and encouraged him to perform solo. This relationship helped him establish a reputation as both a gifted writer and performer.

Despite early challenges, including a paralyzed vocal cord that gave his voice a unique raspy quality, Aznavour's talent shone through. He became known for his ability to write and sing from unusual perspectives, expanding the emotional depth of pop ballads. His songs often dealt with themes of love, loss, and longing, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Aznavour's film career was also notable, with significant roles in movies such as François Truffaut's "Shoot the Piano Player." His contributions to music and film earned him numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Aznavour was a dedicated humanitarian. He founded the charitable organization Aznavour for Armenia in response to the 1988 Armenian earthquake and was appointed ambassador of Armenia to Switzerland in 2009. He was granted Armenian citizenship in 2008 and was recognized as a National Hero of Armenia.

Aznavour's legacy as a cultural icon was cemented by his ability to connect with audiences across generations and cultures. He passed away on October 1, 2018, in Mouriès, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, leaving behind a profound impact on the world of music and beyond.