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Iconic French Singer-Songwriter Françoise Hardy Dies at 80

Writer's picture: Victor NwokoVictor Nwoko
Hardy arrives at London Airport in 1966
Francoise Hardy arrives at London Airport in 1966

Françoise Hardy, the influential French singer-songwriter who inspired legends like Bob Dylan and Sir Mick Jagger, has died at the age of 80.


A prominent figure in 1960s pop culture, Hardy also modeled for designer brands such as Yves Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne. Her death was announced by her son, Thomas Dutronc, who she had with ex-husband and fellow French music star Jacques Dutronc. Sharing a nostalgic image on Instagram of himself as a baby being held by his mother, he wrote in French: "Maman est partie..." which translates to "Mum is gone."


Francoise Hardy was one of France's most successful pop stars.
Francoise Hardy was one of France's most successful pop stars.

Hardy first rose to fame in 1962 with her debut single, "Tous Les Garçons Et Les Filles" (All The Boys and Girls), which expressed her feelings of loneliness and singlehood. Known for her androgynous style, she became a fashion icon, with women worldwide emulating her look. Sir Mick Jagger once described her as his "ideal woman."


Hardy was described by Sir Mick as his 'ideal woman'
Hardy was described by Sir Mick as his 'ideal woman'

Bob Dylan wrote several love letters to Hardy and even dedicated a poem to her on the back of his 1964 album, "Another Side of Bob Dylan." Hardy's other notable hits included "Mon Amie La Rose" and "Comment Te Dire Adieu," with lyrics by fellow French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. In 1965, she released the English-language song "All Over the World," which became her biggest UK hit, staying in the top 20 for 15 weeks.


Throughout her career, Hardy released nearly 30 albums and was ranked 162 on Rolling Stone's 2023 list of the 200 greatest singers of all time.




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