The world of Georges Brassens

In this anniversary year, the centenary of the birth of Georges Brassens is being marked by numerous events. To pay tribute to the poet-musician is also to pay tribute to an authentic, libertarian and committed personality. In his lyrics, he deftly handles irony, provocation and humor. His songs express feelings that the population feels collectively, and he condenses the culture of an era, something of which he is fully aware: “I take ideas that belong to everyone, and translate them according to my own nature” ( Salvador Juan. Sociology of a genius of sung poetry: Brassens ).

Born in Sète into a modest family, Georges was rather turbulent in his youth. His taste for poetry became apparent early on, and he was already scribbling a few songs. In the early ’40s, he was sent to live with an aunt in Paris. He spent a lot of time in the library, developing a literary culture and learning music on his own. In 1943, he spent a few months in Germany doing his compulsory labor service. On leave, he decided not to go back and hid with Jeanne and Marcel Planche, friends of his aunt. For many years, he shared the couple’s daily life, living in relative poverty, surrounded by the many animals taken in by Jeanne. He writes, composes and has a romance with Jeanne, who is much older than he is.

Georges Brassens “career began in 1952, when Patachou spotted him. He soon became famous, and was able to make a living from his compositions. Engagements and tours earned him enough money to buy the Planches” house, enlarge it and give it to them. Feeling at home with Jeanne, he stayed there until 1965. Another key figure in his life was his girlfriend Püppchen, whom Brassens met in 1947. They never married, had no children and never lived together. She accompanied him on all his tours, however, and remained close to him until his death.

It’s worth knowing a few details about Georges Brassens’ biography, as many songs allude to his private life, including: La mauvaise réputation and Les quatre bacheliers (adolescence), Maman Papa, L’Auvergnat (Marcel), Chez Jeanne, Ma maîtresse and La non-demande en mariage (Püppchen)… Of modest temperament, he didn’t like to be recognized everywhere, as he no longer had the same freedom (Les trompettes de la gloire).

Georges Brassens tells his story in a magnificent film he shot himself:

Other useful links :

• Georges Brassens, the images of his life (documentary)
• Brassens intime (RTS)
• Brassens centenary website (Espace Brassens in Sète)
• Georges Brassens makes us happy (France Culture programs)
• Brel, Brassens, Ferré: three men in the photo

From August 31 to November 2, a wide selection of documents on Georges Brassens will be on display at the entrance to the Agora on the Riponne site. You’ll also find a selection of documents on his contemporaries Jacques Brel and Léo Ferré, as well as some more general works on French chanson.