Johnny Hallyday.

Born at 1:00pm on June 15, 1943 in Paris, Jean Philippe Léo Smet was the son of Huguette Galmiche and Léon Smet, a Belgian actor who performed under the name Jean Michel. Raised by his paternal aunt Hélène Smet after his parents separated, he adopted the stage name Johnny Hallyday from his cousin’s husband Lee Halliday, who became his mentor. By age 18, he had naturalized as a French citizen in 1961, and his first major break came when he appeared on Ed Sullivan’s show in July 1962 alongside Connie Francis at the Moulin Rouge.

Johnny Hallyday’s 1962 appearance on Ed Sullivan’s show with Connie Francis at the Moulin Rouge vaulted him to national attention. In October 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience played their very first gig as his support act at the Paris Olympia, cementing his rock credibility. He recorded a smash duet with first wife Sylvie Vartan, J’ai un Problème, which became one of France’s biggest hits in the early 1970s. After a suicide attempt in 1966 following the British invasion, he issued the despairing single Noir, C’est Noir as a commentary on his near-tragedy. He later transitioned to acting, appearing in films such as Man on the Train 2002, The Pink Panther 2 2009, and The Siege of Jadotville 2016. In 1997, he received the Knight of the Legion of Honour from President Jacques Chirac, and in 1998 he gave spectacular concerts to close the World Cup soccer tournament.

Johnny Hallyday was married four times: to Sylvie Vartan 1965-1980, with whom he had son David Hallyday; to Elisabeth Etienne 1981-1982; to Adeline Blondieau twice, 1990-1992 and 1994-1995; and to Laeticia Hallyday from 1996 until his death. He had a long-term relationship with actress Nathalie Baye from 1982 to 1986, with whom he had daughter Laura Smet, and later adopted two Vietnamese children with Laeticia: Jade Odette Désirée born 2004 and Joy born 2008. His son David Hallyday became a singer in his own right.

Johnny Hallyday sold over 100 million records in France alone and scored 33 number 1 hit singles, earning the nickname L’idole des jeunes and the title The French Elvis Presley. He received the Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1997 and the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. He inspired generations of French rock musicians. The satirical show Les Guignols de l’info included a puppet version of him. He brought rock and roll to France and maintained popularity for five decades.