It was Charles Aznavour’s birthday.

Through his songs, Charles Aznavour connected different generations. He became the support and guiding light for many singers who later gained international recognition.

But in Aznavour’s life, French singer Johnny Hallyday held a special place of love and respect. In the 1960s, a song written by Charles Aznavour, with music by George Garvarentz, the husband of his sister Aida Aznavour, became the key to Johnny’s success, and from that moment his path to fame began.

From those years onward, their friendship never faded; on the contrary, time brought them even closer. Johnny was considered a member of Charles’s family — his son, younger brother, and close companion. Everyone in the French music world spoke about their close relationship.

In 2017, France lost the legendary world-famous rock singer Johnny Hallyday.

To everyone’s surprise, Aznavour did not attend Johnny’s funeral. Responding to a journalist’s question, Charles said that he loved Johnny so much that he would mourn him only in the Armenian way.

“As a father mourns the death of his son, so will I mourn. In Armenia, when a loved one dies, people observe forty days of mourning and do not leave the house. I will mourn Johnny’s death according to Armenian tradition,” Charles answered.

And he truly observed forty days of mourning, did not leave the house, rejected all invitations, and did not give concerts for a long time.

“Charles Aznavour was deeply affected by Johnny Hallyday’s funeral ceremony, which seemed more like a parade,” French media reported.

Perhaps this was also one of the reasons why Aznavour’s family refused to organize his memorial ceremony with greater grandeur.

Charles Aznavour preferred modesty throughout his life. He passed away peacefully, quietly closing his eyes and sinking into eternal sleep. Remaining faithful to his final wish, his funeral ceremony was also modest and in harmony with his soul.

Happy Birthday to our pride.