Frank Michael, Singer of 'Toutes les femmes sont belles,' Dies at 79

Frank Michael, the French-Belgian singer celebrated for his romantic hits like 'Toutes les femmes sont belles' (All Women Are Beautiful), has died at the age of 79. His daughter, Sandra Gabelli, announced his death, revealing he had been suffering from lung cancer. Born Franco Gabelli in Parma, Italy, Michael began his recording career in 1974. His breakthrough came two years later with his third single, launching a career that produced around three hundred songs and twenty albums.

Despite limited radio play, Michael cultivated a significant following across Europe and Canada. He was often compared to fellow crooner Frédéric François. In his autobiography, 'Pour toujours et à jamais' (Forever and Ever), he reflected on forging his own destiny from humble beginnings. His sentimental songs achieved remarkable commercial success, with sales exceeding fifteen million records. While he sometimes regretted that his more 'committed' or 'sophisticated' songs did not garner the same attention, he embraced his popular repertoire.

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I know that when you sing love songs, it bothers some people a little.

"I know that when you sing love songs, it bothers some people a little," he once commented on Franceinfo. His daughter shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook: "My dad is gone... I know how attached his audience was to him, and I am certain that their presence will be a magnificent testimony of respect, recognition, and affection for him." Frank Michael succumbed to lung cancer, as reported by Le Parisien.

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My dad is gone... I know how attached his audience was to him, and I am certain that their presence will be a magnificent testimony of respect, recognition, and affection for him.