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SYLVIE VARTAN, FRENCH ROCK SINGER/ENTERTAINER
SYLVIE VARTAN CONCERT "JE TIRE MA REVERENCE" AU PALAIS DES CONGRES DE PARIS - JANVIER 2025
SYLVIE VARTAN au CASINO DE PARIS - 31.01-19.02.1995
SYLVIE VARTAN
A STAR & A PERSON OF INTEGRITY
・SYLVIE A PARIS - IN PERSON 1970
・ABOUT SYLVIE VARTAN ・MUSIC UNLOCKS POTENTIAL OF SYLVIE
・EDDIE VARTAN - COMPOSER ・SYLVIE ET JOHNNY (1965-1980)
・A GOOD INTERVIEW
・SYLVIE WITH TONY SCOTTI (SINCE 1981)
・SYLVIE ET LA VOITURE, LA MOTO !
・L'AME DES VARTAN - LA MAISON, LOCONVILLE
TIMELESS SYLVIE VARTAN IN PERSON 1970
SYLVIE EMBARKED ON A NEW CHPTER IN HER CAREER.
THE YEAR OF WINNING AN MUSIC AWARD "LE TRIOMPHE DES VARIETES." (DEC 1970)
Sylvie Vartan In Person, simple still thrilling title of the Japanese version of French live album Sylvie A L'Olympia 1970.
It feels a bounding pulse, this magical record in vibrant blue, my 1st Sylvie Vartan's vinyl. Sylvie became my craze.
Forever Vartan in the blue jean jacket and skinny bootcut patch-pocket jeans made in USA that she purchased in NYC that year.
Memorable LP I bought around 1971 at my home town's only musical instrument store after school on my way home.
The moment lives in memory, say in two images: the album in my hands to look at and my white bicycle in front of the building.
A happy remembrance. The shop, a dealer of YAMAHA, always exists.
It seems to be some amazing coincidence learning only later it's the landmark show of Sylvie Vartan
and that it's the miraculous comeback concert after her 2nd dramatic car accident occurred seven months before.
I've carried it with me whenever I relocate since the age of 18 and it's the only surviving piece
from my possessions of Sylvie Vartan's early period 1970s-1980s that I lost in 1990s by accident.
Around 1974, SYLVIE A L'OLYMPIA PARIS 1970 was broadcasted on NHK (Japan's public media).
I was so excited to watch it at a student dormitory with other girls that I can still see Sylvie singing and dancing
ABRACADABRA in a black velvet mimi-dress with a wide red enamel belt (by Yves Saint-Laurent) and black knee-high boots
1970 Paris Live with vibrant atmosphere and vibrant fresh energy of Sylvie Vartan, who just became 26 years old.
Sylvie A L'Olympia Paris ： 17 Sept. to 8 Oct. 1970
In Feb.1970, Sylvie (25) was severely hurt in a car accident (sitting in the passenger seat) in the countryside of France.
Soon afterwards, she flied to New York City and spent most of the year.
Olympia Paris, its opening with the spectators' deafening cries of joy is someting and always lingers in my ears.
"HEY!!" her shout in C'est bon de vous voir (Bad moon rising), opening song lyrics tell Sylvie Vartan's 1970, big moment.
It's a major milestone in the career of Sylvie Vartan, who survived two car accidents she was involved in in her early 20s.
It's like a miracle she could keep going forward, evolving as a total in that year,
during those seven months after the unexpected traffic accident, which shook the world.
This inspirational show Sylvie Vartan - filled with creative drive - could eventually envisage on her own in NYC sounds like
a perfect rising star
raising the curtain with BAD MOON RISING and closing with LET THE SUNSHINE IN exihibiting a new chapter of her career.
Singing out in that distinctive rough still delicate voice with her chin up swaying her silky long blonde, Sylvie Vartan strikes me deeply.
Sylvie with dancers and a hot music group from NYC dancing in blue jeans and denim jacket to a tidal wave of applause.
This notable live album brings my soul to the time I became a fan of Sylvie Vartan.
Sylvie Vartan has so many unforgettable numbers in each of her fifty (50) studio recording albums.
Those originals that I'm not the only one to dream to hear and see her performe as many as possible in Live.
And, who can forget those beautiful titles exclusively made for her concerts such as:
LA NUIT (L'Olympia Paris 1970)
LES ENFANS S'EN VONT (Palais des Sports Paris 1991)
MOYA GORO, an exceptional number, traditional Bulgarian song
(Sofia 1990, Paris 1991, Japan tour 1992)
JE NE PEUX PAS TE QUITTER COMME CA (Casino de Paris 1995), among others.
She finally sang some beautiful pieces only recently : Je croyais (1976) at L'Olympia Paris 1996,
Les hommes qui n'ont plus rien a perdre (1970), Caro Mozart (1972),
I don't want the night to end (1979) in Tokyo 2008.
Un peu de tendress (1967), Sur un fil (1967), Aime-moi (1970),
Non, je ne suis plus la meme (1973), L'amour c'est comme les bateaux（1975) at L'Olympia 2009.
I have the complete collection "Les Annees RCA 1961/1986" (1995) - a practical substantial compact box,
"L'Integral Live RCA 1970/1983" (2004) and the reedition of albums RCA "The Ultimate Collection" (2012/2013).
Having said that, nothing like the thrill of hearing that fresh distinctive husky voice, seeing that smile and that every move,
feeling that love, that is another dimention of Sylvie Vartan live performance.
Sylvie Vartan in person always more profoundly moves me, sometime to tears.
The album Sylvie A L'Olympia 1970 stands out for its opening
with the surging spectators' deafening shouts of joy, followed by
that stirring rough voice of Sylvie Vartan. It feels the beat of her heart, raising our heartbeat. It resonates on and on.
"SYLVIE VARTAN IN PERSON"
SYLVIE VARTAN 1970 - LEGENDARY FILM DOCUMENT
(broadcasted in Dec. 1970 France)
Fabulous Sylvie Vartan (25) preparing a landmark show Olympia Paris for Sept 1970 mostly in New York,
the music capital where she first received medical treatment soon after she encountered her 2nd car accident on
20/02/1970 in France, outside Paris and severely injured because of the front-seat passenger.
The year 1970 was tumultuous in her life - from the car accident to the demise of her father before the show - ,
while the forward-looking period in her professsional life.
Living in New York for the better part of 1970, Sylvie Vartan seized on a chance and took dance lessons.
Consequently, she could envisage a completely new show and brought it to realization, at the expense of her injury.
Yves Saint Laurent made the costume of Sylvie Vartan and fitting session was also shot.
The film rediffused in 2011 at the time of the 50th anniversary of Sylvie Vartan stage career,
after preservation efforts to its original quality by INA (L'Institut national de l'audiovisuel).
It's the most invaluable documentary to retrace the evolution of sparkling artist Sylvie Vartan.
L'Olympia Paris 1970, a momentous occasion for Sylvie Vartan to grow as an artist, an acclaimed live performer.
Sylvie Vartan, show poster of Sylvie Vartan Olympia Paris 1970 (by Jean-Marie Perier)
* * *
above : Sylvie Vartan in 1971, age 26 - an iconic photo of Sylvie Vartan on an album Japanese.
Sylvie with rich and silky blond hair in black clothing and boots.
A long poster of photo from the same photography series was bound in one of the most popular Japanese magazines
for the girls in early adolescence. Sylvie Vartan, cool dazzling beauty and grace holding a mysterious charm,
made such a strong lasting first impression on me.
About SYLVIE VARTAN - PROFILE
SINGER/AUTHENTIC CREATIVE LIVE PERFORMER, PERSONALITY.
two photos below: Sylvissima.com, France.
Sylvie Vartan Palais des Congres de Paris 2004: 28/09-10/10/2004 - costume by CHANEL/Karl Lagerfeld
photo： French photobook "Sylvie Vartan dans la lumiere" published 2007, XO Editions France
(cover： Sylvie Vartan at Palais des Congres de Paris 1975)
photo from the booklet of "INTEGRAL LIVE RCA (2004)" - Coffret 7 Lives/1970-1983：
Sylvie Vartan at Olympia Paris 1972, in Yves Saint Laurent (left) / Palais des Congres de Paris 1975
The fabulous lame jumpsuit YSL did to correspond with the hight point of 1972 show where Sylvie Vartan danced to "SHAFT".
photo： inside the album live in Paris 1977 "SYLVIE VARTAN AU PALAIS DES CONGRES DE PARIS"
photo below (August 1972 by Patrick Jarnoux - Paris Match)：
Sylvie Vartan (27) in her iconic blue at rehearsal studio of L'Olympia Paris (a famous music hall).
SYLVIE VARTAN - A STAR & A PERSON OF INTEGRITY.
My all-time favorite. Who is Sylvie Vartan? She is a beautiful internationally acclaimed Bulgarian-born French rock singer and live performer with a career spanning over six decades, in which her music spans many styles. Sylvie has a one-of-a-kind husky voice and feeling (not craftiness), lots of feelings. She sings dynamically and dances energetically (like a full-body workout) with grace accompanied by dancers.
* Grand concert in Paris 2004 & Tokyo 2005 were the last time we saw her dance like that. No dancing scene from the next show (2008), the following year of the death of her beloved mother (in June 2007).
Debut in Dec. 1961 at age 17 (1st performance in a concert at L'Olympia Paris) and soon covered the magazine ELLE in 1962. Having a low tone graceful rough voice (much of her allure) - which can be compared to blue-jeans (indigo canvas fabric) and bergamot white fragrant flower - and a kind of romantic and enigmatic mood alone, Sylvie shows her presence.
It is her older brother, music producer of Decca EDDIE VARTAN (1937-2001) who incidentally lead his sister Sylvie to the showbiz industry in 1961 when she was still in lycee in Paris. She had an affinity for theater actor (not singer) since childhood, though. Eddie was also a jazz musician (trumpeter) and composer.
photo below : Sylvie (age 23-24, 1968) on the Japanese vinyl album "SYLVIE VARTAN ANTHOLOGY" - Deluxe Edition vol.1" (1973).
RCA Victor Japan's special project (Anthology in 2 vol.) to mark Sylvie Vartan Japan Tour 1973 + 10th anniversary of her debut in Japan.
Admiring Sylvie Vartan on the whole, I have no interest in heaping lavish praise on her work and personality or in showering her with superlatives and exaggerated info. Not to mention only gathering her passionates. Fresh new and different views on her professional activities are more interesting. Actually Sylvie Vartan often stops me in my tracks and blows my mind.
The following is from my very limited experience and observations on France and Sylvie Vartan in France. First of all, a French friend of mine - a fan of Sylvie - once said (with no data or good reasons) that popular music and singers were often considered to be less esteemed than cinema and actors and that she even belonged to the dislike of French (would-be) intellectuals. It's something insignificant, though.
Actually, flipping through a ELLE Japon of around mid-1980s, I was surprised at seeing a simplistic and subjective way of saying or a judgemental tone of a French journalist (?) (living in Japan back then) every time she spoke of Sylvie; her kind of hostility toward the artist with no rationale even looked bad. It was at a mixer (a small talk about showbiz) of four women (2 Japanese/2 French) for the magazine and they were no difference from everybody. (A good report on Sylvie and fitness was also in this number! Poor ELLE Japon.)
Also, I once got the feeling French people were quick to think or wanted to think that Sylvie Vartan lives no longer in France since 1984 (the year of her second marriage to an American, a L.A-based famous producer Tony Scotti). The fact is, however, she was often in the US long before that especially since 1970 (the year of her 2nd fatal car accidint), for she learned dance first in NYC and then rehearsed always in Los Angeles with choreographers there, where she had a residence since early 1970s and her son often spent his childhood as well, to perfect her every show in Paris right up until 2004. The difference: since June 1984, she has an American husband living in L.A.
In winter of 1992, maybe in November, I watched Sylvie Vartan speak on French TV for the first time with my heart pounding. She was invited to a talk program with two famous actors among others. I found her frighteningly calm and quiet someone who is forbearing and gentle with an air of innate dignity and grace Surprisingly as I had thought of or far more than that. I was more proud of being a fan of this artist. Her attitude, good posture, manner of speaking, husky voice and all that seemed to me beautiful and formidable. She looked a kind of reserved or not too relaxed and far from talky still simple and warm. That's what strikes one about Sylvie Vartan, I think.
I have a great esteem for Sylvie Vartan herself, who is unique, warm, serene, placid, right, tolerant, funny and sunny. She sometimes reveals that in look, tone of voice, the way she speaks, what she speaks or how she answers especially when asked about heself. Her cool and true analysis always interests me. That's when I'm glued to the screen or listen for the Internet French radio. Personality also comes out on the stage.
photo below: SYLVIE VARTAN au PALAIS DES CONGRES DE PARIS 1977 (Long run show)
- from autobiography/photo book "SI JE CHANTE..." (1981/Filipacchi-Edition1)
LIVE. Concert live brings out best in a versatile star Sylvie Vartan, who appreciates a diverse range of good music. She started out singing rock'n'roll in 1961 at 17 and enjoys a reputation for her concert live performance with a contrasting effect especially since 1970, a transition period.
Sylvie Vartan - an innate grace - has something specific and subtle charms and a kind of contradiction that touche our hearts. Her contrasting features are well highlighted on the stage where she performs a ballade with emotion and a rock'n'roll showing dynamism. Having a special kind of humor and warmth, she loves to enjoy interacting with her audience, whom she seems to want to understand, as well as with her musicians wherever she goes, speaking several languages.
Her rough voice is another quality. It is not too much voiceful or overtly wild but at the same time intense and warm and optimistic with a touch of grace. Every concert live is unpredictable and far from right or safe.
Sylvie Vartan has a large repertoire of songs including rock'n'roll, pop, jazz, R&B, latin, ballade and also sings cover versions of international singers (often male artists), as she says she accepts good music that transcends genres. That's reflected in her albums, still she has mountains of good original songs. What's more she used to dance with elegance and indefatigable energy up until 2004.
Sylvie comes to life before her audience; whether or not she dances, she keeps us completely riveted by her beauty, voice, movements, energetic performance, interpretation, personality, something deep and all that. I savor every minute of dreamlike presence of Sylvie Vartan, in costumes of haute couture, rocking out or singing an expressive ballade. Ah, her concert in Japan, it's that delightful moment of my life that goes by all too soon. I'm up in the air for a few days after a fleeting fantasy. I do believe we were fortunate that Sylvie Vartan became singer instead of actor, which was what she says her initial desire.
SYLVIE VARTAN (AGE 33) - PALAIS DES CONGRES DE PARIS 1977-1978, PERFORMING "DANCING STAR"
7 OCT/9 NOV 1977, ADDITIONAL 20 MAR/2 APR 1978
photo below： Sylvie Vartan at L'Olympia Paris 1972, in (*) Yves Saint Laurent who had a penchant for theatrics, on cover of French magazine Le Grapouillot 1976 Spring issue - Le Show-Business from A to Z. (* YSL's dessin: Musee Yves Saint-Laurant Paris
MIXED CHARM. Sylvie Vartan is intriguing. Never easy to find ideal wording for what it's about this artist that attracts us so profoundly. She has diverse charms or some contradictory charms, besides graceful iconic looks and movements.
In regard to her artistic and personal attractiveness, I have read somewhere a Japanese article of 1970s by Fumio Nagata, famous french music critic in Japan, saying the same thing something like this： "Her charms are like no other and Sylvie Vartan can not be summed up or described in one single word, say, in the same way as other movie stars of all-time."
In May 1965, ASAHI Shimbun, major Japanese daily news paper, wrote about the first Japan concert tour of Sylvie Vartan (20). They put it best when they wrote : Sylvie Vartan has a singular feature of being at the same time clean, pure and decadant, which is a special fascination like a rock-influenced modern "fairy."
photo below： Sylvie Vartan 1982 from French photobook "Sylvie Vartan dans la lumiere" (2007/XO Editions)
AUTHENTIC STAR. Today, the Japanese music scene has also changed. No French popular music has caught everyone's heart since end of 70s. Probably, the fact that nearly no radio program features Freanch (or Italian) popular music since then affects the situation adversely. However, true artists appear to come out and survive regardless of constant hit song and that such singers/entertainers have something extra, exceptional that shows up to run wild in live concert. The public and audience feel that deep inside. Bien entendu, of course, Sylvie with innate charm and all that belongs to such stars.
Sylvie constantly does a new concert in Paris and then spends on the road, along with release of a new album under the circumstances.
Still, from what she said (in an unusually positive best interview ever given to a brilliant journalist of TV ALSACE20 in Strasbourg toward the end of 2013) she is an artist (concert live performer) with plenty of fresh ideas and can give concerts even without always producing a new album, referring to her landmark concert (in her transition period) L'OLYMPIA PARIS 1970. Then, Sylvie Vartan stays true to herself having an lasting faith and tireless passion for music.
Carlos (her ex-secretary) and Sylvie on a TV show. right: Laurel and Hardy shows Sylvie in a different way. How versatile she is.
UNIQUE. Sylvie Vartan is notable for: a stage career with a good destiny (50th studio album of original songs released to commemorate 60 year career in 2021), her good family life (with two children and three grandchildren), humanitarian activities L'ASSOCIATION SYLVIE VARTAN POUR LA BULGARIE (since 1990, set up with her brother and composer Eddie Vartan).
She is not a regular star but she is a natural person. She has a well-rounded life, living both in L.A and Paris since 1984 when remarried to Tony Scotti, a successful American film and music producer, and is always passionate about what she loves. She was grown up being fully loved by her parents, grandparents and relatives for whom she always had and has respect. Her love for others besides for her nearest and dearest may be rooted in her early childhoood.
Sylvie Vartan has never had a recess nor implied her retirement from singing ever since her accidental debut in 1961 (age 17). She even miraculously came through distressing times caused by the two fatal car accidents, in which she was the victim, in her 20s (April 1968 at age 23, Feb 1970 at 26) that trembled the world.
Such character and all-time star Sylvie Vartan, who stays true to herself and sings for life, seems to be a figure either so beloved or so reviled by the public, critics, (would-be) intellectuals in France. After all, that tells she's exceptional. Her life is "praised more than practised."
photo below: from CD/DVD SYLVIE VARTAN PALAIS DES CONGRES DE PARIS 2004：
Sylvie and fans rushed over to the stage, after the most joyful song and inexhaustible dance "Give Me a Reason."
SYLVIE VARTAN. In the end, I believe Sylvie Vartan was born to be a singer, a dynamic live performer with that one-of-a-kind husky voice rather than an actor, a screen legend. Sylvie Vartan, enigmatic and most marvelous in herself. She could have been rather a dancer but her voice is so special.
I never lose my fascination and applaud always far more heartily for her specialty and for Sylvie Vartan herself whenever I see her in Japan tour. That is a testament to the artist's real splendor.
Still, strangely, I have an impression that mysterious Sylvie Vartan has not displayed her charm and talent to the fullest and that seems to be one reason why she continues to touch our souls so deeply. She's far from a narcissist, having something humorous in some way, which makes me smile and sometimes laugh.
Here's impressive words the Japanese promoter ( * ) of Sylvie Vartan Japan concert tours 2005 and 2008 who knew her over time said definitely on Japanese TV in March 2005. Her confidence in Sylvie blowed my mind. (* infini of Keiko NAKAMURA/1946-2022. She was always at Sylvie's concerts from 1992 to 2018, as far as I know.) ：
"What's admirable about Sylvie Vartan is that she's a person with an unswerving belief (fortitude) no matter how great her popularity is."
photo below (taken by myself) : SYLVIE VARTAN au DOME DE PARIS 2024
SYLVIE VARTAN "JE TIRE MA REVERENCE" - ULTIMATE LIVE IN PARIS Nov.2024/Jan.2025
Sylvie walks away from the stage of her own volition in 2025, with concerts in Paris au Palais des Congres (additional to 2024). She leaves without using up her power, talent and all that but made me think and painfully aware of the reality that life is an aging process and not eternal.
Sylvie - born with distinctive beautiful visage and smoky low voice - puts on years with grace in tune with her exceptional life, overcoming even two critical car accidents (within three years in her early 20s). Good energy this way.
Sylvie, who seems to have superhuman like health and energy, grows older — we all do — and she was not an alien! Today, she is a bit reminiscent of her loved mother ILONA VARTAN (born in Hungary, 1914-2007) who also had a low voice, warmth, a dignified noble appearance.
Amid so much glory, tough luck, admiration, envy, futile criticism, sorrow and joy, Sylvie Vartan is true to herself. We are overwhelmed when she sings what she wants on her own terms. Her characteristic singing voice at the same time rosy, rough around the edges and with abandon on the stage. Her striking individuality and talent seem to thrive in that way.
Sylvie Vartan feminine, still synonymous with sumptuous Le Smoking tuxedo. It's my impression.
Sylvie au Dome de Paris 2024 Ultimate concert "JE TIRE MA REVERENCE": 8, 9, 10 Nov.2024
Sylvie with dancers performing "Baby Capone." (photo above by myself on 8 Nov 2024)
Every single of Sylvie Vartan concerts I watched was most blissful and luxurious experience including TOKYO 2018 and grand DOME DE PARIS 2024 that Sylvie - in a flowing silk chiffon white dress - wrapped up by a narration MA VIE C'EST MOI QUI L'AI CHOISIE over MY WAY (as a backgroud music), illustrating her life. Every time I said to myself that she has never been better! Of course, she has an exacting standard for the quality of her performance.
In Jan. 2025, ultimately Sylvie holds concerts at Palais des Congres de Paris, the symbolic place for her triumph since 1975 (long-run) that she closed the show with TOUTE MA VIE wearing the same kind of white costume. (She was the 1st singer to perform at the venue inaugurated in the previous year.)
On 14 February 2025 in Paris, Sylvie Vartan receives "Prix d'Honneur" (Honorary Award) of "Victoires de la Musique 2025" (40th, set up in 1985). For the 1st time, her awesome achievement and 63-year active (non-stop) creative stage career and all that are finally highly recognized. At the awards ceremony, here's her favourite phrase like this. : "The best part of being an artist for me is that I can be a child at heart."
With all my feelings of admiration for her brilliance, energy, integrity and gratitude to a great person Sylvie Vartan, who illuminated for decades and will illuminate my life. Sylvie exists. She's doing fine, I'm so happy just for that. She makes me smile. Why?
Avenue des Champs-Elysee, Paris in Feb. 2024 - Colonne Morris with the advertising poster of
SYLVIE VARTAN - JE TIRE MA REVERENCE - ULTIMATE CONCERT 2024/2025
au Dome de Paris - Palais des Sports - 8, 9, 10 November 2024
Additional performances au Palais des Congres de Paris - 24, 25, 26 January 2025
source: Sylvie Vartan Official Instagram
MUSIC UNLOCKS POTENTIAL OF SYLVIE VARTAN
AN UNIQUE HUSKY VOICE, DANCING DYNAMICALLY WITH ELEGANCE - FULL OF DREAMS !
A diamond in the rough - a quiet tender yet daring tomboyish beautiful girl, heroine Sylvie!
above : Sylvie Vartan, at age 19 to 20 years old (late 1963 to 1964), became worldwide famous.
Sylvie in a symbolic blue muslin dress and a white pants suit (revolutinal at that time).
Thrilling sweet husky voice and sparkling singing of young Sylvie Vartan (1 meter 68), an innate elegance and grace.
above : The facade of L'Olympia Music hall Paris 1964 : 3-week concert of three international rising stars :
Sylvie Vartan (age 19), The Beatles (age 20 to 23) and Trini Lopez (American, age 26) from 16 January to 4 February 1964.
(A few days later, on 7 February 1964, The Beatles arrived in US for the 1st time. A world historical event.)
Insanely, infinitely pretty calm and brave Sylvie Vartan made her debut in the show business at age 17 in 1961, by accident because of Eddie Vartan, her brother (7 years older than Sylvie), who's jazz musician and music producer of DECCA (partner of RCA). It was "by accident" for Sylvie, who was an aspiring actress and loved reading Agatha Christie (in English) while at the same time a passionate fan of music including jazz and rock'n'roll and often humming at home. She was eventually taken in as a pinch hitter on a recording of a duet that Eddie was engaging in. Beautiful Sylvie Vartan herself including her voice and singing is unique in her own way and has a distinctive ability. We immediately sense something extraordinary in her totally.
Sylvie Vartan - at the same time girly and boyish, quiet and bold, gentle and fearless - makes me smile, laugh for joy, feel inspired at once everytime I hear her rock out or sing ballade or anything from her early years' albums of 1960s. I adore Sylvie Vartan, who has a keen sense of rhythm and unlocks so much potential being far from all right or safe and her singing rough around the edges and with abandon. Propulsive and joyous energy, a distinctive aspect of Sylvie Vartan's performance.
There is something irresistible, inspirational, intriguing, brilliant together with musical gifts in her husky voice, rhythm, way to sing, spontaneity, gaiety, spirit ... She sounds warm, joyful, cheerful, humorous, funny, wild, adventurous, thrilling, wonderful, like a dream, fresh ! In short, Sylvie Vartan makes a vivid impression on us.
At the same time, there's something sensitive and touching and a touch of class - her intrinsic beauty - in her distinctively quiet presence and movements, especially when not singing, on which we lay our eyes.
photos from : Sylvie Vartan, RCA Japan released in 1999 (CD) and 1969 (LP).
photo right： ELLE 1962 - "Sylvie Vartan (17) a la conquet de la gloire"
All of the previous description seem to be innate instinct and goodness of Sylvie Vartan, who was raised in a peaceful atmosphere and much-loved. We heart her for that reason for life, I believe. I get the urge to listen to her in the end; there are vitality, joy and a bit of melancholy.
Besides her music, Sylvie Vartan - tender and delicate - is classically beautiful, of timeless quality. She was on the cover of french magazine ELLE in 1962, almost as soon as her debut. An impressive 17-year-old star Sylvie with her signature eyes and gaze. A charming and elegant girl looks unique, brave and independent.
Ho oui, just like her handwriting!
SYLVIE 1963 (19) SYLVIE 1967 (23)
photo in French magazine ANTIROUILLE No.2 Jan. 2003
SYLVIE 1967
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EDDIE VARTAN - JAZZ MUSICIAN, COMPOSER, MUSICAL DIRECTOR
- Older brother of Sylvie who brought her to the showbiz.
photo below (around 1962): Eddie Vartan & Daniel Filipacchi (The 1960s, Filipacchi presented a rock'n'roll radio called Salut Les Copains)
Eddie Vartan (10 August 1937-19 June 2001) - his musical talent was evident from an early age - became a jazz trumpeter and then a musical director of DECCA, composer and arranger. The seven years older brother was the most important person for Sylvie's career and the pillar of her professional musical activities. Notably, Eddie scouted for musicians in UK ( * ) for 1965 Sylvie Vartan global concert tour and his orchestra accompanied her during 1960s-ealy 1970s. He wrote numerous remarkable songs for her in his lifetime; however, he stayed in the background. He was also a film composer ( ** ).
* Tommy Brown/drummer, Mick Jones/guitarist - later formed Foreigner.
** Film 1969 : Tout Peut Arriver - music by/orchestrated by Eddie Vartan. Photo of the vynil left.Eddie Vartan's fictionalized autobiography published in January 1994: Il a neige sur le mont Vitocha (editer : FIXOT)
Sylvie writes in her book of 2013 Mot a Mot :
Eddie, evidemment , mon frere, mon enfance, mon compagnon de route, mon ange gardien. (Eddie, my brother, my childhood, traveling companion, my guardian angel.)
1962 : Les vacances se suivent / 1963 : La la la / 1964 : Un air de fete / Il n'a rien retrouve / L'ami des mauvais jours / 1965 : Je voudrais etre un garcon / C'est a deux pas / 1967 : Sur un fil / 1968 : Pas en ete / Il sait revenir / 1969 : Mon Chinois vert /
1970 : Ma petite ombre / La Nuit (for L'Olympia Paris 1970) / 1971: California / 1972 : Lui / 1973 : L'Homme que tu seras (The theme song of film/TV series) / Ne m'attends pas / 1974 : Toi mon aventure / Laisse fair, laisse dire / 1976 : La minute de verite / 1977 : Les volets bleus / Douce misere / L fourmi et la cigale / Je vous aimes / Quiproquos / Dancing star / 1978 : Jours apres jours / Capitaine je me noie / 1979 : Pour que tu m'aimes /
1981: Orient-express / 1983 : Les Balkans et la Provence / Lucie / Encore / Le dimanche / 1986: Tout a ete dit /
1990: Aimer / 1998: Les robes
photo below: L'Homme que Tu Seras- RCA 1973 (The title song of the TV film) - Arrangement/musical direction by EDDIE VARTAN (back of the jacket sleeve)
"Graine d'ortie" (TV series 1973) - DVD (PAL) released in March 2019 amazon France
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SYLVIE ET JOHNNY (A COUPLE 1965-1980) - FRENCH LEGEND
- Sylvie Vartan and Johnny Hallyday of French Popular Music
Johnny Hallyday and Sylvie Vartan (2009) - Sylvie Vartan L'Olympia Paris Concert 18-20/09/2009 (4-performances)
In 2018 and 2019, Sylvie Vartan paid homage to her ex-husband Johnny Hallyday (1943-2017) by even realizing
a cover album AVEC TOI with his repertoire of songs and her message and then a concert live on that theme in Paris.
Who else in the world could have paid such intense and profound homage to him? (photo capture DVD: SYLVIE LIVE)
Sylvie & Johnny in early 1970s
Two budding superstars Sylvie Vartan (20) and Johnny Hallyday (21) were married in April 1965, amid a musical revolution in France as was the case in America where Elvis Presley made a debut in 1956 having a planetary impact.They were together in their adulthood.
They had a chance to encounter in Dec.1961 at the famous music hall L'Olympia Paris, the 1st stage of Sylvie (17) as an opening act for Vince Taylor (for a few weeks), English rock singer, while rocker Johnny (18) was a rising star in France. Thier only child David was born in Aug. 1966.
The two star artists - never worked as a duo of their own volition - were eternally easy subjects for the show business news because of each of their roaring success until they eventually divorced in Nov. 1980 by Sylvie's choice (at 36 and 37 respectively). The French cultural power couple remained friends having a family-like relationship.
They recorded only several duets such as Les Hommes Qui N'ont Plus Rien A Perdre(1969), J'ai Un Probleme (1973), among others. Vartan has an unparalleled unique deep husky voice with a certain grace and profound warmth; Hallyday overwhelming vocal with vibrato. J.Hallyday (1943-2017) reigned over the French popular music in his career, in line with eternal boost with a fanfare and odd intensity in French radio/media.
Johnny (19), Sylvie (18) - French magazine SALUT LES COPAINS (1963)
Johnny and Sylvie - French magazine PARIS MATCH no.730/6 April 1963
French photo book released in Nov 2020: Sylvie & Johnny
photo above: French CD single of Sylvie Vartan
- Tes Tendres Annees/LIVE in Paris, June 1993 - for 50th anniversary of Johnny (YouTube)
photo from Sylvie Vartan French cover album AVEC TOI, released 30/11/2018. Sylvie (18), Johnny (19).
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GOOD INTERVIEW WITH SYLVIE VARTAN (FROM THE ARCHIVED) 06.06.2017 PARIS INTERVIEW (12.06.2017 published by Bretagne Actuelle, France)
"Sylvie Vartan : Je suis une diaspora bulgare toujours entre deux avions."
It's not just another interview but a fresh and good interview to read. In the end, off the subject, Sylvie Vartan even says something humorous and witty revealing she likes "une tarte au citron" (lemon meringue pie), which she would like to have right away.
SYLVIE VARTAN WITH TONY SCOTTI (SINCE 1981) - DESTINY ♥
Sylvie Vartan and Tony Scotti ( * ) were destined to meet or there were a lots of possibilites for them to finally encounter. They married on 2 June 1984 in L.A, three years after they met in March 1981 in Tokyo, where they - Sylvie (36) from France and Tony (41) from America - were invited to The 10th Tokyo Music Festival, a grand international music festival as a judge. (Stevie Wonder, Perry Como, Engelbert Humperdinck got invitation to this memorable event as special guest singers.) Sylvie accepted the invitation inspite of being busy preparing her 1st grand concert at Palais des Sports (Dome de Paris) 1981 (23.11.1981-03.01.1982).
In 2024, they celebrated the 40th wedding anniversary and it is impossible for us to think of one without the other.
* Tony Scotti, born 22 Dec 1939 in New Jersey USA, founded in his 30s Scotti Brothers Records, a California-based record label in 1974.)
Sylvie Vartan (in Dior, holding her small dog) with Tony Scotti - Paris Match 1994 (E.Robert/Cardinale/SYGMA).
photo above : In Paris 1994, Sylvie Vartan and Tony Scotti celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. Sylvie in a chic white dress by Dior (Gianfranco Ferre/1944-2007); the special cake made for them by the chef of "la Maison blanch", famous restaurant on Montaigne street, Paris. Remarkably sweet look of Sylvie Vartan in mid-1990s ! , with her dog here.
photo right : around 1996 (perhaps after Sylvie's concert), Sylvie and Tony.
photo above: Sylvie Vartan 1994 on French TV
(singing in live a hit tune of the moment from her latest album SESSIONS ACOUSTIQUES).
Luckily, I watched this thrilling beauty Vartan in Paris. Far more glamorous than the photo.
photo right: Cahiers du Cinema, French magazine, no. November 1994 (Sylvie Vartan in Dior)
I'm also fan of Tony Scotti, in a different way from I'm fan of Sylvie Vartan, since I met him for the first time at the 3eme Festival du Film Francais Yokohama 1995. It's not because he is a good gentleman and a good husband of Sylvie Vartan but because who he is. I just found that; he reminded me of what Sylvie had told about him in many interviews.
After the film, there was an autograph-signing session. Tony Scotti was standing and watching Sylvie, who was enjoying the moment with fans, from a distance for more than one hour in a good mood (please see the photo below left). I got an autograph from him and then my small nephew and myself each had a photo taken with him.
There were also chances, during and after the session, to see what a wonderful person Sylvie Vartan is. Her genuine kindness, purity, gaiety and all that profoundly impressed me. I'd like to tell everyone about that exactly but won't go farther here.
Tony Scotti signed autograph for me later in Feb 2013 in Tokyo. Then, I saw him wearing chic black clothes at the time of Sylvie Vartan Tokyo Live 2018, he was standing near my seat and talking with some people during the entracte at Orchard Hall. He looked much nicer in person, as usual.
Tony Scotti, a gentleman, is not only an instantly likable person but someone a kind of sensitive, patient, broad-minded or something. I read in Sylvie's autobiography that he was a professional American footballer when he was an university student.
Sylvie Vartan and Tony Scotti have a fond look or kind eyes each other, which remains intact. That's what moves me.
above： at PACIFICO YOKOHAMA (a large complex) on 18 June 1995.
The 3eme Festival du Film Francais Yokohama - Tony Scotti/Jean-Claude Brisseau/Sylvie Vartan/a French actress.
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WOMAN EVERY MAN DREAMS OF? - Article about Sylvie Vartan and Tony Scotti (October 1983)
- Japanese popular weekly photography magazine FOCUS (1981-2001). They add humor in their writing.
There are established big stars in every country and Sylvie Vartan (39) is such star in France. How popular is she? She has just started an unprecedented eleven-week-concert at Palais des Congres de Paris! Here’s one photo of the party at Maxim’s de Paris after the premiere. The celebrities are in present such as Rudolf Nureyev, Pierre Cardin among others. The ambassador of Japan to France, Mr. Uchida also is and he beams with joy as shaking hands with Sylvie. (poto below)
Well, the gentleman on the left end of the photo, it’s Tony Scotti, her current boyfriend. He is a powerful American music promoter and manages several firms including a record company. Believe it or not, they met in 1981 at Tokyo Music Festival and fell in love.
What does he think of Sylvie ? “Sylvie was beautiful and attractive but I was tired of beautiful women,” says Tony trying to look cool. Then, when asked a core question about how he thinks of being called as Mr. Vartan, he appeals that he is an independent trustworthy man by saying “I’m actively doing business in American music industry.” At the same time, he says “Sylvie is a woman every man dreams of” and indicates that it is him who seized the dream. He speaks passionately like that in an interview for a French magazine. He holds his head up in the party in order for the success of the concerts and is the quite the promoter as the husband of the big star singer.
photos below/left: 27 DEC. 1983 article in ASAHI Shimbun, major Japanese newspaper - Report on Sylvie Vartan Palais des Congres de Paris 1983, eleven-week nonstop long-run show, also mentioning her new boyfriend Tony Scotti as well as her next concert tour to Japan in April 1984 etc.
photo right: 4 June 1984 article of ASAHI Shimbun on Sylvie Vartan's remarriage to Tony Scotti on 2 June 1984 in Los Angeles. (Sylvie took a right break from 1985 through to 1990 after that hectic life in terms of stage performance.)
Sylvie Vartan in Tokyo on Friday 27 March 1981, the eve of The 10th anniversary of Tokyo Music Festival, in which singers from all over the world perticipated and 15 finalists performed at the Nippon Budokan on Sunday 29 March that TV broadcated (TBS 3-hour program/19:00-22:00).
Sylvie was invited as one of the judges that include Engelbert Humperdinck, Tony Scotti from America among others. Stevie Wonder and Perry Como were also present as special guests to sing.
It was the time Sylvie Vartan was busy preparing her grand concert at Palais de Sports in Paris (23 Nov.1981 to 3 Jan.1982). Sylvie Vartan, someone who has good fortune in her life. Sylvie (36) met her destiny Tony Scotti (41) in the Far East, soon after the divorce (Nov 1980). Sylvie and Tony were married in June 1984 in Los Angeles.
* * *
left/ Sylvie Vartan with Tony Scotti, during their summer vacation 2009. They opted for a white look.
right/ At the 47th Deauville American Film Festival on 11 September 2021.
SYLVIE ET LA VOITURE, LA MOTO !
above： SYLVIE VARTAN IN CALIFORNIA, SUMMER 2015 (IN HER CONVERTIBLE CADILLAC ELDORADO 1974)
- PARIS MATCH no. 26/08/2015 (Photographer for Paris Match, Sebastien Micke)
SYLVIE'S FAVORITE CAR :
She spoke of cars on French radio FRANCE BLEU in 2014 (photo right). ASTON MARTIN in marine-blue is the first car Sylvie had. Then, ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA in red.
When it comes to Sylvie and car, we can't help thinking of her two major car accidents in 1968 (age 23) and 1970 (age 25), in which she was the victim. Actually, she did not want to drive a car for a while those days.
Also, contrary to French intense/false news coverage of that time (1970), she injured her face but it was never disfigured. The fact is in her autobiography,
Loving driving a car, today she enjoys it only in Los Angeles. She has several cars there including CADILLAC ELDORADO 1974 (photo above/below both in Summer 2015) and LINCON NAVIGATOR (SUV).
Her driving a white convertible Cadillac Eldorado in California can be also seen on photos and videos of 1970s, the same as a motorcycle KAWASAKI in France.
Now that especially in the 1960s and 1970s, Sylvie was often riding several kinds of bycicles in Loconville, where the residence of the Vartans was, which is familiar to her fans.
In L.A 2015, Sylvie Vartan drives her white "Cadillac Eldorado 1974 convertible."
In 1973, Sylvie Vartan on her favorite KAWASAKI.
(An iconic costume: gorgeous studded denim jacket and jeans by Yves Saint-Laurent)
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L'AME DES VARTAN - LA MAISON A LOCONVILLE, FRANCE
Villa of the VARTANS, full of memories of them and those close to them
left: from her photo autobiography "Si Je Chante..." (1981).Sylvie Vartan (1973, age around 28), at her parents' residence (since 1963) in Loconville (Oise, France), surrounded by a rich natural environment.
The building provides a glimpse into their family history or tradition, the source of her strength. They respect people besides their parents, grand parents and relatives and welcome friends including children. It holds the lives and memories of the Vartans.
Her father Georges Robert Vartan, a bulgarian born in France (1912-1970), her mother Ilona, born in Hungary (1914-2007). Georges Vartan worked at the Embassy of France in Sofia (in charge of public relations). The family of four emigrated from Sofia, Bulgaria to Paris, France in 1952.
- Sylvie Vartan with her son David (born in Aug.1966) at Loconville.
MON PERE
(Autobiographical song of Sylvie Vartan, per M.Mallory/M.Benois, 1972)
(youtube: Live in Sofia 10/1990)
Que la maison me parait vide / Sans son desordre et sans sa voix
Ca me semble encore impossible / Pourtant il y a deux ans deja
Ma mere a range tous ses livres / Et ses outils de jardinier
Tous ces objets qu'il faisait vivre / Qui eux aussi vont s'ennuyer
Il ne parlait pas de la guerre / Pourtant mon heros c'etait lui
J'etais si fiere qu'il soit mon pere / Fiere de m'appeler comme lui
C'etait mon ami et mon frere / Et tous mes souvenirs d'enfant
C'etait mon ami et mon pere / Et il me manque bien souvent
"La seule nostalgie que j'ai est celle de mon enfance." (Sylvie Vartan)
Whenever asked about "nostalgia," Sylvie Vartan says it's only for her childhood that evokes a great one in her. Maybe the crucial thing in her life is that Sylvie spent her first 7 years in Sofia, Bulgaria. Will Vitosha, a mountain massif on the outskirt of Sofia be the landscape of nostalgia for her? I got her autobiography in 1986 and the photo left (around 1950) especially interested me. Sylvie sitting in an antique style chair holding her beautifl doll "poupee Francetta" by a big window of her home, where a bust sculpture (of her brother Eddie Vartan by her father Georges Robert Vartan, sculptor) is casually placed. A small painting framed hanging on the wall behind. I found in this snapshot of everyday life an ideal cultural environment, a pleasant atmosphere, richness of lifestyle of the Vartans.
Sylvie Vartan, who was grown up surrounded by art and music, in a family that was lively with grand parents and relatives who cherished her, maybe which shaped her personality or who she is.
In a French magazine (of Dec. 2013), Sylvie tells about one of her childhood Christmas memories. In Bulgaria, she was in charge of decorating their Christmas tree with colored glass balls, which is a traditional custom of her mother's homeland Hungary, and also real candles and bengal lights. She felt the love and warmth of her family that surrounded her in its illumination.
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