France Gall's 76th Birthday

Today’s video Doodle, illustrated by Paris-based guest artist Mathilde Loubes, celebrates French singer France Gall, who entered the Yé-yé scene at 16 and remained a prominent singer. On this day in 1947, she was born in Paris with the name Isabelle.

Growing up in a family of lyricists, composers, choir founders, and singers, it is no surprise that Gall pursued a musical career. She was playing guitar and piano in her adolescence, and by 15, she signed with a music publisher under her father’s guidance. She released her debut single Ne Sois Pas Si Bête (Don’t Be so Silly) under the pseudonym France Gall, which played on the radio for the first time on her 16th birthday. 

In 1965, Gall represented Luxembourg at the international song contest Eurovision. Her upbeat performance of Poupée De Cire, Poupée De Son (Wax Doll, Sound Doll) earned her first prize and is considered the first pop song to win the contest. By this point, the young Gall was considered a major figure in the Yé-yé movement; she was voted France’s number one female pop star the following year which coincided with a successful international career. 

Gall worked with several composers and songwriters over the years, notably Michel Berger, whom she would marry in 1976. Some of their most famous collaborations are Évidemment (Evidently), La Déclaration D'amour (Declaration of Love), and Mon Fils Rira du Rock 'n' Roll (My Son Will Laugh At Rock'N'Roll). In 1979 she performed live and starred in the rock opera Starmania which her husband wrote the music for.

In the 80s, France Gall released four albums: Paris, France, Tout Pour la Musique, Débranche!, and Babacar. Many of her songs topped the charts like Ella, elle l'a (Ella's She’s Got It) and Il Jouait Du Piano Debout (He Played Piano Standing) — which is featured in today’s Doodle! France collaborated on two duets with English artist Sir Elton John at his request during this period. Somehow, she still made time to do philanthropic work. Over the years, she organized food drives, held fundraisers, and donated proceeds from some of her songs as well as doing work directly on the ground for causes she supported.

During her 50+ year career, Gall made her mark on an international music competition, released over 15 albums,  performed in sold-out venues over 3 continents and co-authored the musical Résiste. In 2001, the documentary France Gall par France Gall immortalized the pop performer’s life and career.

Happy birthday to this French music icon!

Guest Artist Q&A with Mathilde Loubes

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Paris-based guest artist Mathilde Loubes. Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? 

A: I was very proud to celebrate such an inspiring woman and talented artist, but it felt very special to me personally because I remember my aunt singing Résiste to herself, so France Gall’s music has always been very dear to my heart!

Q: What were your first thoughts when you were approached about the project?

A: I was thrilled! I also quickly realized that it would be a tricky task as France Gall’s career was so prolific.. but it made it all the more interesting for sure! I really admire her work and it felt like such an honor to be part of this tribute.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? 

A: Well, I love to have something to listen to when I draw, so of course the main inspiration for this Doodle was France Gall’s music! I was more than happy to dive back into her discography!

Q: What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: I hope people who don’t know of France Gall’s music yet can discover her incredible works. And for those who already know her, I hope they can share a little of the joy I had drawing with this great song and maybe be inspired to find out more about her life!

Early Doodle Drafts