Paris Between the Wars - "A" is for Raymond Asso

Between 1919 and 1939, Paris experienced a cultural and intellectual boom. This blog will feature artists, writers, composers, musicians, and designers. Paris was at its cultural peak.

Born in Nice in 1901, Raymond Asso worked as a French lyricist, without success until he met Edith Piaf in 1935. She became his lover and his muse, providing him with inspiration. As a former French legionnaire, Asso wrote songs such as "Mon Légionnaire" and "Le Fanion de le Légion" (the flag of the legion), both of which became easily identifiable with Piaf.Here, she sings "Le Fanion de la Légion," and even though it's sung in French, Piaf conveys the tone perfectly.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMRCNgzyFkAIn August 1939, Raymond Asso was called up to serve in the French army during World War II, and his collaborations with Piaf ended. He died in Paris in 1968 at the age of 67.