He sold 100 million records in a five-decade career, but this French icon, who nearly single-handedly dragged France into the rock and roll era, was almost unknown abroad.
ADVERTISEMENTHe was both loved and loathed in France. Flattered and caricatured in seemingly equal measure, singer Johnny Hallyday will be remembered as a star of stage and studio.
His career was marked by his songs and concerts, but also his personality. While in the Anglophone world, he was nicknamed 'the biggest rock star you've never heard of', in his native France, he was one of the most scrutinised and publicised figures in recent history - a popular man, that even politicians liked to woo. Hallyday accepted, endorsing conservatives for decades, and drawing scorn from the left.
Born Jean-Philippe Smet in Paris in 1943, Hallyday was just 17 when he made his first splash on the French music scene. He went on to sell over a hundred million records. In truth, Hallyday stunned sleepy 1960s France with his long hair and Elvis onstage moves.
He stole freely from other artists with cover versions galore, for which he got the best session musicians and producers available. For his record company, he was a goldmine.
Blessed with a great voice, he introduced rock and roll culture to France, ensuring his iconic status.
Hallyday leaves behind his fourth wife, Laeticia Boudou, four children and a legion of adoring fans who should ensure the legend will never die.