Charles Dumont: French musician is dead

Charles Dumont is dead. The French singer and composer died on Monday night (November 18th) in Paris. His partner confirmed this to the French news agency AFP. The musician was 95 years old.

Charles Dumont became known for his collaboration with Édith Piaf (1915-1963). He composed over 30 songs for the great singer, of which one stands out: “Non, je ne regrette rien”, which Dumont created with the lyricist Michel Vaucaire (1904-1980).

“My mother gave birth to me, but Édith Piaf brought me into the world,” said Charles Dumont. Before he met the “Sparrow of Paris,” the trained trumpeter was struggling as a composer. He had already suggested songs to Piaf several times without success when Michel Vaucaire finally persuaded him to try “Non, je ne regrette rien” in 1960. They had already written the song together in 1956.

The two men auditioned for the singer, who was suffering from illness, and were successful. Charles Dumont was already 31 years old at the time. A number of collaborative works followed, although Piaf died three years after recording “Non, je ne regrette rien” at the age of just 47. One of the songs that Dumont wrote for the singer was “Les Amants”, which he also sang together with Piaf.

After Édith Piaf’s death, Charles Dumont wrote songs for various other singers. In addition to French artists such as Dalida (1933-1987) and Tino Rossi (1907-1983), he also worked with global star Barbra Streisand (82).

Charles Dumont also composed soundtracks for films and series, including for Jacques Tati (1907-1982). As a solo artist he released over 20 albums.