Philippe Clay, born Philippe Mathevet on March 7, 1927, in Paris, France, was a distinguished French chansonnier, actor, and entertainer renowned for his expressive face and distinctive, gravelly voice. His career spanned the realms of theatre, cinema, and music, establishing him as a versatile and captivating artist. Clay's songs often carried a narrative, and his performances were marked by a keen sense of drama and satire, reflecting the post-war culture of France with a touch of melancholy and humor.

As a singer, Philippe Clay made an indelible mark with recordings such as "Cigarettes, Whisky et p'tites pépées," and "Le Danseur de Charleston," showcasing his unique ability to deliver a song with both a storyteller's charm and a cabaret performer's flair. The album "Le Funambule" epitomizes Clay's artistry, evoking the image of a tightrope walker, a metaphor perhaps for his own career balancing between different artistic disciplines. His work remained popular throughout the decades, with releases like "Moi, j'fais mon rond + 20 succès de Philippe Clay (Chanson française)" keeping his legacy alive. Philippe Clay's contributions to French chanson continue to be celebrated, as evident in retrospective compilations like "World's Novelty Champions: Philippe Clay" and his live performances captured in albums like "Live at Club Domino." He passed away on December 13, 2007, but left behind a body of work that continues to resonate with fans of French chanson and cabaret music.

Genres

Vintage Chanson

Latest Release

Cigarettes whisky et grands succès

Philippe Clay

Album - 22 Tracks - Released March 8, 2019