Monnot, Marguerite (1903–1961)
Monnot, Marguerite (1903–1961)
French songwriter. Born Marguerite Angèle Monnot, May 28, 1903, in Decize Nièvre, France; died Oct 12, 1961, in Paris; dau. of Marius Monnot (blind organist and composer); studied organ and composition with father; studied piano with Alfred Cortot and harmony with Nadia Boulanger.
At 3, made debut as a pianist; also began writing compositions at young age; moved to US and cut short performing career; as a composer, scored 1st hit with "L'Etranger" for Annette Lajon, receiving Grand Prix du Disque from French Academy (1935); worked with lyricist and cabaret pianist Raymond Asso, writing melody for many hits, including "Mon legionnaire," 1st sung by Marie Dubas and later Edith Piaf; collaborated with Piaf on "L'Hymne à l'amour" and "C'etait un jour de fête," with Charles Dumont on "Les Amants d'un jour," with René Rouzaud on "La goualante du pauvre Jean" (rerecorded by Les Baxter as "The Poor People of Paris") and with Henri Contet on "Ma mome, Ma p'tite môme," all sung by Piaf; had huge success with musical Irma la Douce (1960), for which she was nominated for a Tony Award; with lyricist George Moustaki, wrote the hit "Milord"; other songs include "Paris Méditerranée," "J'ai dansé avec l'amour," "C'est un monsieur trés distingué," "Tu es partout," "C'est à Hambourg," "Le petite monsieur triste," and "Escale."