Raymond Lévesque

Poet and singer-songwriter Raymond Lévesque (October 7, 1928) was one of the leading exponents of Quebec’s chansonnier movement. Born in Montreal, Lévesque studied piano under Rodolphe Mathieu and began writing his own songs in the 40s. After making a name for himself by performing in Montreal’s cabaret circuit, he had his first breakthrough in 1947 when he was invited to play his songs on CKAC radio. From 1952 to 1954, he co-hosted the variety radio show Mes jeunes années on Radio-Canada and then relocated to France, where he struck a deal with Barclay Records and penned a series of classic pop standards that were later recorded by Bourvil, Jean Sablon, and Eddie Constantine. “Quand les hommes vivront d’amour,” probably his most famous song, was written during this period inspired by the Algerian War. Upon his return to Quebec in 1959, Lévesque made his acting debut on numerous soap operas and even hosted a children’s TV show. During that time, he also released a series of classic albums such as Chansons et Monologues (1962), Après 20 Ans (1967), Qui Êtes-Vous, Raymond Lévesque ? (1972), and Le P'tit Québec de Mon Cœur (1977) before severe hearing loss made him abandon his music career. Now focused on poetry, fiction, and political satire, Lévesque received the Prix Denise-Pelletier in 1997 and the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, a prize he refused due to his participation in the Quebec separatist movement. “Les Jours d’amour,” one of Lévesque’s last songs, was recorded by Marie-Josée Longchamps in 2016. Five years later, he passed away due to complications of COVID-19 at the age of 92.

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