Music History

RIP Françoise Hardy, la grandmère du grunge

If you’re at all familiar with the history of French rock, you’ll know that Françoise Hardy died on June 11 at the age of 80 of laryngeal cancer. She was considered a national treasure in France, a pioneer in French yé-yé music (their version of 60s rock) and had success internationally.

While she became famous for her melancholy ballads (and later as an astrologer, if you can believe it), some also refer to her as “la grandmère du grunge.”

Why? Have a listen to this single she released in 1964.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39664 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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