Long Chris

Known for his long friendship with Johnny Hallyday, singer Long Chris was also involved in the early days of French rock with the group Les Daltons, before moving into folk, country and psychedelic folk-rock with the album Chansons Bizarres pour Gens Étranges. Born in Paris on January 26, 1942, Christian Blondieau, known as "Long Chris" because of his height, frequented the Square de la Trinité in the 9th arrondissement, where he met Johnny Hallyday. He wrote or adapted several songs for Johnny, including after forming Les Daltons in 1962, who accompanied him on three EPs recorded for Philips. From 1965 to 1977, his hits included "Si j'étais un charpentier", "La Génération perdue", "Je suis né dans la rue" and " Gabrielle". In tune with American musical trends, Long Chris adapts or creates skiffle, folk and country songs on the Ma Guitare et Mes Bottes EP (1963) and subsequent records with his new backing band, Les Cowden, including "Le Train qui part ce soir", "Je suis un cavalier solitaire" and "Pour nos joies et pour nos peines". After the folk-rock-inspired EP Ballade à Michelle (1965) and the follow-up Le Rebelle (1966), the singer electrified his songs with Steve Waring and recorded the album Chansons Bizarres pour Gens Étranges (1966), which brought together multiple influences, from folk to garage rock, and included up-to-the-minute tracks such as "Hachish", "Plan de fugue" and "Auto-extermination". Two more singles followed, "La Petite fille de l'hiver" (1967) and "Les Murs blancs " (1968), before he stepped away from the stage. While he continued to write for Johnny Hallyday, Long Chris later opened an antique store, specializing in historical and military works. His daughter Adeline Blondieau married Johnny Hallyday twice. In 2010, Long Chris gave a few concerts, then followed up with the albums Chansons Bizarres pour Gens Étranges - Volume 2 (2017) and Chansons Bizarres - Volume 3 (2018).

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