Montand, Yves
CÉst Si Bon
Yves Montand was born Ivo Livi on October 13, 1921, in Monsummano Terme, Italy. When the Fascists seized power in Italy, his family emigrated to France. During the Great Depression, he supported himself with odd jobs. In 1938, he first performed as a singer in nightclubs under the name Yves Montand. After the war, he moved to Paris, where he performed in the then-popular music halls. Édith Piaf saw him at the Théâtre de l'Étoile and hired him for her concerts. In 1946, Yves Montand landed his first film role. In 1951, he married the actress Simone Signoret. The 1953 film "The Wages of Fear" brought Yves Montand worldwide fame. He starred alongside stars such as Romy Schneider and Marilyn Monroe. In addition to acting, he regularly released records that were successful both in France and internationally. Yves Montand was one of the greats of French chanson. Songs like "Les feuilles mortes" and "C'est si bon" are classics of the genre. His duet "Incurably Romantic" with Marilyn Monroe from the film "Let's Make Love" is unforgettable.