France Gall.

France Gall was born on October 9, 1947 in Paris to Robert Gall, a lyricist, and Cécile Berthier, daughter of organist Paul Berthier, co-founder of the boys’ choir Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois. Her maternal uncle Jacques Berthier was a composer and organist. Gall was god-daughter of Serge Gainsbourg, who later wrote her Eurovision winner. She attended Lycée Paul-Valéry, growing up amid musical influence.

In 1964, at age 16, Gall released her first single Ne sois pas si bête, aired on her birthday. The following year, she won the Eurovision Song Contest with Poupée de Cire, Poupée de Son, written by her godfather Serge Gainsbourg. Her 1988 hit Ella, elle l’a topped international charts and became her signature song. She also appeared on television shows such as Champs-Elysées and Vivement Dimanche. Gall’s career spanned decades, with her music remaining popular in France and beyond.

Gall was married to singer-songwriter Michel Berger until his sudden death from a heart attack in 1992. They had two children: daughter Pauline, born November 14, 1978, and son Raphaël, born April 2, 1981. Pauline died of cystic fibrosis in 1997 at age 19. Gall also had relationships with singers Claude François and Julien Clerc. She supported Lionel Jospin’s 2002 presidential campaign and was involved with the charity Coeurs des Femmes.

Gall’s 1988 song Ella, elle l’a, paying homage to jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald, is her most enduring hit. She posthumously appeared in the film A Simple Favor 2018. Gall was awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour and the Officer of the National Order of Merit. She remains associated with French pop music for her Eurovision victory and later hits.