Georges Moustaki.

Giuseppe Mustacchi, later known as Georges Moustaki, was born on May 3, 1934 in Alexandria, Egypt. His parents, Sarah and Nessim Moustaki, were Greek Jews from the island of Corfu who ran a bookshop in the cosmopolitan city. At home the family spoke Italian; on the streets he learned Arabic; and at the French school his parents enrolled him in, he learned French. This multilingual upbringing shaped his future as an international singer.

In 1951, at age 17, Moustaki moved to Paris, where he was inspired by the singer Georges Brassens. He changed his name to Georges Moustaki in honor of Brassens and began his career in music.

Moustaki began writing songs for French singers including Édith Piaf and Yves Montand. He composed for Édith Piaf, Yves Montand, Dalida, Françoise Hardy, Barbara, and many others. His own breakthrough came with the song Le Métèque, a celebration of the outsider that became an international hit. The song’s theme of individuality and freedom marked his style.

He also acted in films, appearing as Abbé Faria in the 1998 adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo and as himself in numerous television variety shows. He performed in eight languages and his songs were covered by artists worldwide. He continued to record and perform until his later years.

Moustaki married Annick Cozannec when he was 20 years old. The couple had one daughter, Pia Moustaki. He had two sisters, Élisabeth Moustaki and Marcelle Rosnay. His parents, Nessim and Sarah, had come from Corfu and settled in Egypt. His large family spread across France, Israel, Brazil, and Venezuela.

Georges Moustaki received France’s highest cultural honors: the Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres and the Knight of the Legion of Honour. His romantic ballads and songs about freedom continue to be cherished. He is remembered for his multilingual repertoire and his ability to bridge cultures through music. His most enduring legacy is the song Le Métèque, an anthem for outsiders everywhere.