“A street in Colombes France” might not sound exciting. But let me tell you about Rue Marc Bachet.
Rue Marc Bachet. It’s a simple street in Colombes, France. Yet, every street has a story.
Unfortunately, the story of Rue Marc Bachet itself remains largely untold. The available information is quite limited. We know it’s in Colombes. Its official reference number is 920256122Y.
However, let’s talk about Paris and France in general. France has a rich and fascinating history. Did you know French sovereignty was declared in 486 CE? King Clovis I founded the Merovingian dynasty.
Paris is a city overflowing with history. It began as a fishing village called Lutetia. Now, it is one of the most beautiful cities.
Also, France has won the most Nobel Prizes in Literature. Sixteen French authors have earned this prestigious award. Annie Ernaux is a recent winner.
Let’s turn our attention to jazz. Next to Josephine Baker, Sidney Bechet was a beloved African-American performer in France. He was born in 1897. He died in France on his birthday in 1959.
Bechet first traveled to Paris in 1921. He performed at the Apollo Theater. In 1925, he met Josephine Baker. He was the star musician in La Revue Nègre. She was the star dancer.
In 1928, Bechet was involved in a shoot-out. It happened with banjoist Gilbert McKendrick on rue Fontaine. Both men were sentenced to prison. Bechet served 11 months. Then, he was deported.
He returned to France in 1949. He appeared at the International Jazz Festival in Paris. His performances were widely acclaimed. He began performing with Claude Luter’s Orchestra.
In 1950, Bechet returned to France. He established permanent residency. He resumed performing with Claude Luter Orchestra.
In 1955, he held a free concert at the Olympia Theater in Paris. It celebrated successful record sales. In 1956, Bechet moved to Garches. He lived there with Jacqueline and their son, Daniel. He died of lung cancer in 1959.
While Rue Marc Bachet may not have a dramatic story of its own it is a part of a country with an incredible history. France and its capital have been the center of so much art culture and music. It’s these stories that add color to even the most ordinary streets. Rue Marc Bachet included.