© 2026 WEKU
NPR for Central and Eastern Kentucky
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
The fall drive begins Friday, September 11. Support WEKU and get the brand-new WEKU travel mug! Click here to donate. Thanks for your support!

Traditional French Songs Enjoy Revival

The French song -- or la chanson française -- is making a comeback. Inspired by legendary performers such as Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel, a new generation of 30-something singer-songwriters is finding commercial success.

The style may be traditional, but the songs are sprinkled with references to handbags, cigarettes, cell phones and other symbols of modern life. NPR's Nick Spicer reports on the new singers -- including Bénabar, Vincent Delerm and Sanseverino -- who no longer mimic American or British music in the hopes of making it big.

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.
Related Content