Carry On Koby

Charles Aznavour, a genius of a musician, soulful songwriter (more than 1,000 songs – some he co-wrote), heavenly lyricist, magical singer, courageous activist and diplomatic, his life was one in which he made a big difference, a life in which he added quality to the lives of so many people.

He was a friend of Israel/Israelis/Jews, he stood up to the intimidation and ‘bully boy’ tactics of the BDS, members of which tried, in vain, to stop him performing in Israel. He came here, to Israel, and performed in the spirit of peace – he rejected the hatred and thuggery of the BDS. I believe that he was due to perform here, in Israel, again, in 2019.

Aznavour sold over 180m records during a 70 year-plus career. He died at the age of 94 and was performing around the world until a week or so before he died!

For me, Frank Sinatra is THE finest story teller in the language of music but Charles Aznavour is right up there. He’s often referred to as the French Sinatra but I think that that’s disingenuous to Charles. I prefer to think of them each as unique, Frank has no equal but neither does Charles. They both do their own thing beautifully. There are, of course, hundreds – thousands – of great musicians but there aren’t many whom I think of as music ‘demigods’ – IMHO, Frank is one and so is Charles Aznavour.

Charles Aznavour will live on thanks to the giant footprint which he has left on the planet. Thank you, RIP:

….and, in English…. such heart-wrenching lyrics!!