Famous French Composer Francis Lai Dies at 86
A French legend by the name of Francis Lai has left us this month, and it is a genuine loss to the world of cinema scores.
Coming onto the scene almost 70 years ago with humble beginnings as an accordionist, the musician went on to compose multiple film scores, eventually ending up with an Oscar in hand for Arthur Hiller's 1970 Love Story. According to Variety, Lai was so incredibly moved by the early screening of the film that after watching, he went home that very same night and wrote the entire tear-jerking theme.
During his extraordinary lifespan, he has composed original music for over 100 films and around 600 songs. In France, he was mostly famous for the beautiful soundtrack of CLaude Lelouch's Un Homme et une femme. He's also known for accompanying and writing material for influential vocalists of his time, such as Edith Piaf, Tony Bennett, Françoise Hardy and Johnny Hallyday.
Born and schooled in Nice, France, Lai began his musical career at a fairly young age. As an orchestral musician, he played piano, which he taught himself as a child, and the accordion.
Lai passed away at 86, but his music will of course live on. Have a listen to his biggest hits down below.
