The Bismarck Tribune
October 6, 2018 Saturday
France pays tribute to late singer Aznavour
PARIS (AP) – France paid tribute to Charles Aznavour on Friday in a solemn and subdued ceremony that contrasted sharply with the singer's joyful character.
One of France's most famous personalities, Aznavour died earlier this week at 94.
On a mild, sunny morning in Paris, politicians and celebrities gathered near the site of Napoleon's tomb in the courtyard of Les Invalides, where French president Emmanuel Macron welcomed Armenia Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Former French Presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande and actor Jean-Paul Belmondo were among those attending the ceremony.
Aznavour, born to Armenian parents who fled to Paris in the 1920s, became one of the Armenian diaspora's most recognized voices and a vocal defender during a performing career spanning eight decades.
Covered by a French tricolor flag, Aznavour's coffin arrived in the courtyard carried by military personal to the sound of a traditional Armenian tune. A spray of red, blue and orange flowers – the colors of the Armenian flag – was then laid close to the casket.
"Every Armenian sees him as a close relative," Pashinyan said. "Because Aznavour is the one who lifted Armenia to the roof of the world."
Born Shanoun Varenagh Aznavourian, the singer cut the Armenian suffix from his stage name but never forgot his Armenian roots.
Friday's ceremony in Paris marked the second time in a year that France paid tribute to one of its musical icons after hundreds of thousands gathered on the Champs Elysees in December to mourn the death of Johnny Hallyday.
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