French Rocker Johnny Hallady

[willpower]

Considered by some to be the French Elvis. Currently in a medically induced coma at Cedar Sinai Hospital in LA. Wrote a pretty good album in 1969 using The Small Faces and Peter Frampton as his backing band. Jimi Hendrix Experience opened for him in 1966. Hallyday remains largely unknown outside of France, thus earning the nickname "the biggest rock star you've never heard of" in English-speaking countries.
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[Tangfastic]

Didn't know he was ill.
Cliff Richards is known as the British Elvis and (rather unfairly) Halliday is known as the French Cliff Richards.
Some of his 50s and 60s stuff is played on specialist rock and roll shows here and is quite well liked and respected.

 

[jdcpa]

Yes, it is unfortunate he is not well. Strange story, his surgeon was attacked in France a day or so ago. The article below mentions it but does not give a reason why he was attacked. Perhaps random street violence. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8410277.stm

 

[RJman]

Originally Belgian and named Jean-Philippe Smet -- he changed his name in the 1950s in order to seem more American and capitalize on le rock and roll phenomenon. He became a tax exile in Switzerland, an embarrassment to Sarkozy, whom he had backed quite vocally. He is what a living legend becomes when he outlives talent and relevance, which is a walking cliche. His continued superstardom in France is an embarrassing reminder of France's smalltimeness.

 

[pseudonym]

All of this while Vengeance is being released.

 

[Gorthaur Melwasul]

I live in France and i can assure you that the whole country is just talking about that.
Johnny is like Michael Jackson in France. A Monument!

 

[Fuuma]

Originally Posted by RJman

Originally Belgian and named Jean-Philippe Smet -- he changed his name in the 1950s in order to seem more American and capitalize on le rock and roll phenomenon. He became a tax exile in Switzerland, an embarrassment to Sarkozy, whom he had backed quite vocally. He is what a living legend becomes when he outlives talent and relevance, which is a walking cliche. His continued superstardom in France is an embarrassing reminder of France's smalltimeness.

Who will Paris Match put on about half their covers if he dies? He's like MonÃ

gasque royals + Belgium royals squared in PM eyes.

 

[gdl203]

Ah que this sucks.

 

[Casual]

I'm sorry to hear this. That self-titled record with the Small Faces backing him is a classic.

 

[sunror]

looks to have had a nice personal style/wardrobe as well, lots of metallic garments