Was Allain Leprest just a name? He was more than that he was a poet a singer and a soul of France. This is Allée Allain Leprest a tribute to a man who touched hearts with his words.
Allée Allain Leprest is found in Ivry-sur-Seine. It sits close to Place Jean-Ferrat. Allain Leprest was a significant figure in French music. He was born in Lestre in the Manche region. Leprest passed away in Antraigues-sur-Volane in the Ardèche. He died too young at 57.
Leprest’s main occupation was singing and writing poetry. He also composed drew and painted. His music falls into the genre of French chanson. He was influenced by Jean Ferrat Léo Ferré and Maurice Fanon. Leprest’s life began in Normandy. He spent his childhood in Mont-Saint-Aignan near Rouen. He had a happy childhood with his siblings.
At school Leprest trained as a painter. But he knew he wanted to sing. He wrote texts and played guitar with his friend Jean-Paul Lainé. Lainé introduced him to Henry Dubos a singer. Leprest wrote songs for Dubos. These included “La Retraite” and “C’est rien”.
In the 1970s Leprest started singing in small venues. He performed at Le Bateau Ivre in Rouen. He was surrounded by friends and his first partner Martine Vépierre. Early in his career he worked as a social worker. He also worked as a maintenance worker.
At 27 Leprest moved to Paris. He hoped to become a lyricist. He sang his songs in difficult conditions. He performed at the Caveau de la Bolée. He lived with his partner Sally and their children. They stayed with friends in a small apartment. In 1981 he published a poetry book called Tralahurlette.
Life changed when he moved to Ivry-sur-Seine. His friend Jean Ferrat helped him. He wrote for Juliette Greco with Ferrat. Other artists sang his songs. These included Claude Nougaro Jacques Higelin and Clarika. Leprest gained recognition at the Printemps de Bourges in 1985. He met composer Romain Didier. Didier set many of his texts to music. Leprest toured France playing small venues.
In 1986 he wrote songs for Isabelle Aubret’s album Vague à l’homme. This included “Sa Montagne” dedicated to Jean Ferrat. Leprest worked with Saravah a music production company. He collaborated with Richard Galliano on the album Voce a mano in 1992. The album featured just voice and accordion. Leprest’s talent shone through in songs like “La Gitane”.
Leprest was a key figure in Ivry. He was invited to Leïla Cukierman’s “résidences chanson”. In 1994 he released his fourth album. It included “Sur les pointes” and “Il pleut sur la mer”. The following year he recorded his Olympia performance. He was joined by Jean-Louis Beydon Pascal Le Pennec and Olivier Moret. Leprest also wrote for other artists.
In 1999 he co-wrote the album Les Ailes de Jehan with Loïc Lantoine. In 2005 he joined the label Tacet. Tacet produced “Donne-moi de mes nouvelles”. Then came “Chez Leprest” a tribute album. Michel Fugain Olivia Ruiz and Daniel Lavoie participated. His last album was “Quand auront fondu les banquises” in 2009.
Allain Leprest took his own life in 2011. A symphonic project was underway. Other artists completed the songs he had not recorded. These included Enzo Enzo and Christophe. Leprest left behind a legacy of texts.
Allain Leprest remained humble. Despite media attention he valued his art over fame. He was admired by fellow artists. Claude Nougaro called him one of the most striking songwriters. Leprest wrote over 1000 songs. Many remained unpublished. He often gave away his texts.
Leprest wrote all his own songs except for three. He had two children with his ex-wife Sally Diallo. He met her at a festival. He wrote many songs about her. Leprest was a member of the PCF. He honored Antoine Blondin in a song despite their different politics.
Allain Leprest was a complex man. He was a poet a singer and a political thinker. He died in July 2011 in Antraigues-sur-Volane. He was buried in Ivry-sur-Seine. His friend Francesca Solleville sang his words at his funeral.
Jean d’Ormesson called him a “Rimbaud of the 20th century”. Leprest wrote about childhood love and marginalized people. His songs are both personal and realistic. He always believed his texts offered a path to happiness. He often wrote about Normandy. He captured the spirit of the region in his songs. Allée Allain Leprest stands as a testament. It honors his contributions to music and poetry. It celebrates a man who found beauty in simplicity. It commemorates a life lived with passion.