Charles Aznavour Discography 80 Albums And Singles 1952 Free -
Encouraged by Edith Piaf (who famously forced him to tour despite his anxiety about his looks), Aznavour released "Sur ma vie" in 1956. For the first time, his distinctive voice—a high, nasal tenor with incredible emotional range—connected with the public. This single is the true start of his modern discography.
Aznavour’s debut single, "J’ai bu" (1952), was a failure. It sold barely 200 copies. However, this period is crucial for understanding his raw, unpolished talent. Working with pianist Pierre Roche, his early 78-rpm releases included:
These are virtually impossible to find on modern streaming services, but they exist in public archives and free digital libraries (more on that later).
✅ 80+ studio albums – yes.
✅ 1952 start – yes, with singles.
✅ Free access – legal options: YouTube (official), Internet Archive (pre-1965 78s/EPs), INA archives, and ad-supported streaming.
Would you like a complete chronological album list from 1952–2018, or a guide to finding a specific rare single?
During his career spanning over 85 years, Charles Aznavour produced 91 original studio albums and recorded over 1,400 songs in 9 languages. His extensive discography includes standard French albums, international releases in languages like English, Spanish, and Italian, and numerous live recordings. Early Career & First Albums (1952–1960)
Aznavour's early recordings transitioned from his partnership with Pierre Roche to his solo breakthrough. Charles Aznavour chante... (1953) Charles Aznavour chante Charles Aznavour, vol. 2 (1955) Charles Aznavour chante Charles Aznavour, vol. 3 (1956) Bravos du music-hall à Charles Aznavour (1957) C'est ça (1958) Les Deux Guitares (1960) Golden Era (1961–1980)
This period saw the release of his most enduring global hits like "La Bohème" and "She". Je m'voyais déjà (1961) Il faut savoir (1961) La Mamma (1963) Que c'est triste Venise (1964) La Bohème (1966) Désormais... (1969) Non, je n'ai rien oublié (1971) Idiote je t'aime... (1972) Visages de l'amour (1974) – Features the UK #1 hit "She" Hier... Encore (1975) Autobiographie (1980) Notable Singles & Signature Songs
"La Bohème" (1965): Widely considered his signature song and a staple of French chanson.
"Emmenez-moi" (1967): A popular track known for its themes of escape.
"She" (1974): A massive international success that reached #1 on the Official UK Singles Chart.
"For Me Formidable" (1963): One of his best-known bilingual (French/English) songs. Where to Access for Free
You can find comprehensive lists and listen to many of his recordings through these platforms:
Charles Aznavour 's extensive discography reflects a career spanning over 80 years, during which he recorded more than 1,200 songs in nine languages. He produced 91 original studio albums, with his recording career effectively beginning in the late 1940s and his first official studio album, Charles Aznavour chante... Charles Aznavour, released in 1953. Discography Overview
His body of work is vast and categorized across various formats, including studio recordings, live performances, and international releases:
Studio Albums: 51 in French and 41 in other languages including English, Italian, Spanish, and German. charles aznavour discography 80 albums and singles 1952 free
Singles and EPs: Over 160 singles and 58 EPs in French alone.
Live Recordings: 23 live albums, including iconic performances at the Olympia and Carnegie Hall.
Compilations: More than 100 compilation albums have been released to document his career. Key Career Milestones
Early Recordings (1948–1952): His earliest recordings were 78 RPM discs made with Pierre Roche.
First Major Success (1960): Aznavour found massive success at age 36 with "Je m'voyais déjà" and "Les Deux Guitares".
International Stardom (1963): His performance at Carnegie Hall propelled him to worldwide fame. Notable Albums and Singles Charles Aznavour chante... Charles Aznavour Debut Studio Album "Je m'voyais déjà" Breakthrough Single La Mamma Studio Album "Que c'est triste Venise" Major International Hit La Bohème Studio Album International Chart-Topper Encores Final Studio Album released during his lifetime
For those looking for archival recordings, the Internet Archive hosts several collections for free streaming and borrowing, including hits like "La Bohème" and "Emmenez-moi". Comprehensive lists of his thousands of releases can also be found on platforms like Discogs and MusicBrainz. La Bohème
La Bohème is a song composed and originally performed by Charles Aznavour. It first appeared as a single of the same name. https:/ La Bohème
The Legendary Charles Aznavour: A Comprehensive Discography of 80 Albums and Singles (1952-2008)
Charles Aznavour, the renowned French-Armenian singer, songwriter, and diplomat, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his incredible voice, poignant lyrics, and eclectic style. With a career spanning over six decades, Aznavour released an impressive 80 albums and singles between 1952 and 2008. This article aims to provide a comprehensive discography of his remarkable works, taking you on a musical journey through the life and times of this legendary artist.
Early Years (1952-1960)
Aznavour's musical journey began in the early 1950s, performing in various Parisian cabarets and jazz clubs. His first single, "J'ai Bu" (1952), marked the beginning of his discography. The 1950s saw Aznavour releasing several EPs and singles, including "T'inquiète pas, chérie" (1955) and "Toutes mes filles" (1959). These early works showcased his unique blend of French cabaret, jazz, and Armenian folk music.
Rise to Fame (1960-1970)
The 1960s catapulted Aznavour to international fame with hits like "Les Feuilles mortes" (1960) and "La plus belle pour aller danser" (1962). His 1964 album, "Charles Aznavour à l'Olympia," captured the live energy of his performances, solidifying his reputation as a captivating stage presence. This period also saw Aznavour exploring various musical styles, including pop, rock, and folk.
International Success (1970-1980)
The 1970s saw Aznavour's popularity soar globally, with hits like "For Me... For You" (1972), "The Life of a Butterfly" (1975), and "Echame la culpa" (1976). His 1974 album, "Aznavour chante Aznavour," featured the iconic song "Hier encore" (Yesterday Again), which became a signature tune. Aznavour's music transcended borders, with recordings in multiple languages, including French, English, Spanish, Italian, and Armenian.
Productive Years (1980-1990)
The 1980s were marked by Aznavour's incredible productivity, releasing numerous albums, including "Aznavour 80" (1980), "Voilà la chanson d'amour" (1981), and "Moi, je l'aime encore" (1982). This period also saw collaborations with notable artists, such as Jean-Pierre Rampal and Claude Nougaro.
Later Years (1990-2008)
The 1990s and 2000s saw Aznavour continuing to create and perform, releasing albums like "Aznavour en studio" (1991), "Mes plus belles chansons" (1994), and "New Era" (2007). His 2006 album, "Duos," featured duets with famous artists like Zaz, Axel Bauer, and Françoise Fabian.
Discography Highlights
Some notable albums and singles in Charles Aznavour's extensive discography include:
Legacy
Charles Aznavour's vast discography showcases his boundless creativity, linguistic versatility, and genre-bending style. With over 80 albums and singles to his credit, Aznavour left an indelible mark on the music world. His contributions to French music, Armenian culture, and international diplomacy have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Legion of Honor and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Conclusion
Charles Aznavour's remarkable discography is a testament to his enduring legacy as a singer, songwriter, and performer. This comprehensive overview of his 80 albums and singles, spanning over five decades, provides a glimpse into the life and times of this legendary artist. Aznavour's music continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring his place as one of the most beloved and respected artists of the 20th century.
Free Resources
For those interested in exploring Charles Aznavour's discography, several free resources are available online:
Experience the magic of Charles Aznavour's music, and embark on a musical journey through the life and times of this extraordinary artist.
Charles Aznavour ’s discography is a monumental achievement in 20th-century music, spanning over 70 years and featuring more than 1,200 songs recorded in nine different languages. For a collector or a new fan, navigating his "80 albums" (often a reference to the breadth of his studio and live output) requires understanding his evolution from a cabaret songwriter to an international icon. The Early Years (1948–1959) Encouraged by Edith Piaf (who famously forced him
Aznavour’s recording journey began in the late 1940s, notably with Pierre Roche, but his solo discography gained significant momentum in the early 1950s.
Formative Singles (1952–1955): Early solo efforts like "Jézébel" (1952) and "Poker" (1952) showcased his distinct, gritty vocal style that broke away from the traditional "clean" French cabaret sound.
Debut Solo Albums: His first major studio LPs appeared in the mid-50s on labels like Ducretet-Thomson, including Charles Aznavour chante Charles Aznavour, vol. 1 (1953) and Bravos du music-hall à Charles Aznavour (1957).
Breakthrough Hit: The 1956 single "Sur ma vie" became his first major commercial success, cementing his place in the French mainstream. The Golden Era of the 1960s & 70s
This period produced his most enduring "signature" albums and the majority of his international hits.
Je m'voyais déjà (1961): Often cited as the album that launched him to superstardom, featuring the title track about the struggles of an aspiring artist.
International Mastery: Aznavour’s discography is unique for its multi-language breadth. He released 51 studio albums in French and 41 in other languages, including English, Spanish, and Italian.
"La Bohème" (1966): This album contains his most famous song, a staple of the French chanson.
"She" (1974): A massive English-language success that topped the UK Official Singles Chart for four weeks. Later Career & Modern Compilations
The mention of "80 albums and singles" hints at the sheer volume of his output. Throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s, Aznavour was a chart machine. He released studio albums at a relentless pace, collaborated with orchestras, and performed duets with stars ranging from Liza Minnelli to Céline Dion.
For new listeners exploring his catalog, key albums to seek out include:
The Charles Aznavour Official YouTube Channel has uploaded the vast majority of his 80 albums. Each album is often presented as a full playlist or a long-form video. You can listen to Aznavour 65, La Bohème, and Les Émigrants completely free with ads.
| Year | Title (Type) | Notes | |------|-------------|-------| | 1952 | Le Feutre Taupé / J’ai Bu (78 rpm singles) | His first solo releases after leaving Pierre Roche | | 1953 | Viens aux pays des merveilles (single) | Early Edith Piaf influence | | 1956 | Sur ma vie (EP) | Breakthrough song | | 1958 | Charles Aznavour (10" LP) | First official studio album | | 1960 | Je m’voyais déjà (EP) | International hit |
Many of these early 78s and 45s are now in the public domain in some countries (EU: 50–70 years post-release), making them free to stream or download legally on platforms like Internet Archive or YouTube (artist-uploaded).
The year 1952 serves as a vital anchor in Aznavour's history. After years of struggling and writing songs for other legends like Édith Piaf, the early 50s marked the launch of his recording career. While his major commercial breakthrough would come a few years later, these early singles capture a raw, young artist finding his voice. These tracks, now often found in remastered collections, showcase the jazz and cabaret influences that would define his early style. These are virtually impossible to find on modern
While physical collectors may need to pay for rare 1950s 78-rpm singles, a large portion of Aznavour’s 80+ albums and singles is available for free streaming or legal download through the following platforms: