Why was a street in Marseille named after a singer largely unknown today? This is Rue Berthe Sylva. She lived from 1885 to 1941. Berthe Sylva was a French singer. Her real name was Berthe Francine Ernestine Faquet.
Berthe Sylva was born in Lambézellec. Lambézellec is now part of Brest. She died in Marseille. Berthe Sylva was known for realistic songs. She also performed operettas. Her career spanned from 1908 to 1940.
Berthe Sylva’s mother was a seamstress. Her father was a sailor. She may have worked as a chambermaid in Brest. Around 1908, Berthe Sylva began her singing career. She traveled to South America, Russia, Romania and Egypt. Berthe Sylva sang at the Casino Saint-Martin. She also performed at the Casino Montparnasse.
In 1912, Berthe Sylva had a successful run in Algiers. She sang at the Casino Music-Hall. During World War I, she joined a troupe. She performed for soldiers.
In 1928, Berthe Sylva sang at the Caveau de la République. Léon Raiter noticed her. He invited her to Radio Tour Eiffel. She performed there until 1937. Léon Raiter wrote “Les Roses blanches.” This helped her start recording music. She recorded about 250 songs.
Her song “Le Raccommodeur de faïence” sold 200,000 copies in two years. Berthe Sylva toured extensively. She played in many venues. However, major venues often overlooked her.
A story says Marseille fans once tore up seats at the Alcazar. They also broke into her dressing room. This happened in 1935. In 1936, a survey asked young girls about their favorite singer. Most chose Berthe Sylva.
In May 1940, Berthe Sylva performed on Radio-Lyon. In November 1940, she performed in Lyon. This was at the Grand Palais. Berthe Sylva moved to Marseille in 1940. The singer Darcelys became a close friend.
Berthe Sylva died in Marseille at age 56. She struggled with alcohol and poverty. Her record company paid for her funeral. Only a few friends attended. She was buried in the Saint-Pierre cemetery.
Berthe Sylva’s success came from her recordings. Her voice suited microphones well. She sang with both sadness and joy. Her songs often told stories. They addressed poverty and injustice. They spoke of lost loved ones and disappointment.
Many of Berthe Sylva’s recordings from the 1930s still exist. These allow for good quality reissues. Her records continue to sell each year. Berthe Sylva’s popular songs include “Les Roses blanches”. She also sang “Fleur de musette” and “Tout au bord de la Marne”. Others were “Rien ne vaut tes lèvres” and “Fleur de la Riviera”. Another hit was “Le Raccommodeur de faïence et de porcelaine.”
Though she passed away in relative obscurity, Berthe Sylva remains a poignant figure. Her songs captured the raw emotions of her time. Rue Berthe Sylva is a tribute to her enduring legacy. It reminds us of a voice that once resonated deeply with the French public.