Rue Franck Pourcel

Born in the vibrant heart of Marseille, Franck Pourcel became a maestro of easy listening. Rue Franck Pourcel, right here before us, honors this remarkable composer and conductor. His life’s melody began in Marseille, where he was born in August 1913. His father, a fan of César Franck, named him after the renowned composer, perhaps foreshadowing his son’s musical destiny. Rue Franck Pourcel reminds us of his deep connection to this city. Pourcel began his career playing the violin in a small dance band. He even recorded some early albums between 1952 and 1954. His dream of conducting a large orchestra came true in 1952. Inspired by American orchestras, he achieved early success with hits like “Limelight”, “Blue Tango”, and “Mon cœur est un violon.” Rue Franck Pourcel stands as a testament to his prolific career. Pourcel became the first non-classical French conductor to achieve fame in the United States. He sold three million copies of his version of “Only You (And You Alone)” in 1959. For over forty years, he adapted famous songs and film scores for his orchestra, creating a rich tapestry of sound. He recorded an astounding 250 albums. His “Amour, Danse et Violons” series, with its 54 volumes, captured the popular music of the time. From the 1950s through the 1970s he arranged everything from folk melodies and ballroom dances to famous tangos. He even adapted classical pieces, introducing a wider audience to the works of composers like Chopin. Rue Franck Pourcel celebrates more than just his arranging talents. He also composed original pieces, including the iconic “Chariot.” Originally titled “I Will Follow Him,” it became a number-one hit for Petula Clark and Little Peggy March. Pourcel’s musical journey took him to the Eurovision Song Contest. He accompanied the French selection from 1956 to 1972. He collaborated with renowned artists like Lucienne Boyer, Gloria Lasso, Charles Aznavour, and Yves Montand, orchestrating their hits and adding his unique touch to their performances. Here at Rue Franck Pourcel, we can almost hear the echoes of his music, a tribute to the man who brought so much joy to the world. His legacy lives on in every note, a beautiful melody that continues to resonate through time.