Anna Grig, a French chanson performer, explains what French chanson is and why it has won the hearts of millions.

In France, French chanson is called "La Chanson Française," and it's not just songs - it's an entire culture reflecting the soul of the people through music and poetry.

It's not a specific genre of music, but rather a way of telling stories through songs. The famous French singer Charles Aznavour once said that in chanson, good lyrics are more important than good music. This distinguishes it from English and American music, where the melody often takes precedence.

After World War I, French chanson became incredibly popular - and there are reasons for this. People, tired of the hardships of war, wanted to sing about the joy of life, and this mood was reflected in the songs. It was then that performers like Charles Trenet and Edith Piaf began their path to fame. 

Edith Piaf became a true legend, and her songs "La vie en rose" (Life in Pink), "Non, je ne regrette rien" (No, I Regret Nothing), and "Hymne à l'amour" (Hymn to Love) are known and loved worldwide. You've probably heard them in movies or on the radio.

After World War II, chanson continued to develop, and many new talented performers emerged. Among them were not only French artists. Canadian Felix Leclerc, French Georges Brassens and Serge Gainsbourg, Belgian Jacques Brel - they all contributed to the development of the French chanson genre.

Georges Brassens and Jacques Brel were especially famous for their profound lyrics. They didn't just sing - they talked about important things: freedom, justice, societal issues. Their songs were like small revolutions, making people think and sometimes even argue with authorities. Brassens used his guitar as an instrument of dissent, while Brel revealed the complexity of the human soul in his songs.

By the late 1950s, big changes occurred in the music world. Young people wanted something new, more energetic. This is how rock and roll and twist appeared in France. Johnny Hallyday, Eddie Mitchell, and other performers began their careers, strongly influenced by Anglo-Saxon music. But even in these new styles, they maintained the spirit of French chanson, paying great attention to song lyrics.

In the 1980s, a new direction was born - "La Nouvelle Chanson" or "New Chanson". This was a modern reinterpretation of the genre's traditions. Performers like Camille (who sang "Le Festin" for the animated film "Ratatouille"), François Breut, and Benjamin Biolay continued to develop chanson in the 21st century. 

Interestingly, French chanson has spread far beyond France. Not all chanson performers sing in French, and some Francophone artists drew inspiration from the English-speaking culture around them. In America, for example, there's a singer named Zachary Richard. He actively participates in preserving and promoting French culture and language in Louisiana - a state that was French territory in the 17th and 18th centuries.

French chanson continues to live and evolve. It still tells stories - about love, life, problems, and joys. And although the melodies can be different - from classic guitar picking to modern electronic beats - the main thing in chanson remains unchanged: it's always a story told through words and music. 

When listening to French chanson, you're not just enjoying beautiful music. You're immersing yourself in a whole world of stories, feelings, and thoughts of the French people. From post-war joy to deep reflections on life, from classic ballads to modern rhythms - French chanson continues to charm listeners around the world with its sincerity and depth.