Michèle Torr

Born Michelle Tort in Pertuis, Vaucluse, Michèle Torr established herself in the French song scene in the early 1960s after several regional contests and an opening slot for Jacques Brel at the Palais des Papes in Avignon. Signed to Mercury in 1964, she began in a yéyé and variety style, alternating original compositions with French-language adaptations of Anglo-American songs. This first period included appearances at the Olympia and her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest for Luxembourg in 1966 with “Ce soir je t’attendais.” During the 1970s Torr moved toward a broader, more sentimental chanson, sometimes tinged with orchestral pop and disco, as shown by Un disque d’amour, Je m’appelle Michèle, J’aime and Emmène-moi danser ce soir. Her discography notably includes the albums Ce soir je t’attendais (1966), Tous les oiseaux reviennent (1971), J’aime (1977), Emmène-moi danser ce soir (1978), Lui (1980), Donne-moi la main, donne-moi l’amour (1984), Ces années-là (2007) and Je vais bien (2019). Representing Monaco at Eurovision in 1977 with Une petite Française, Michèle Torr then maintained a steady performing career, with tours, further Olympia appearances and shows that brought together artists from France’s popular song tradition.