Hallyday's father, Léon Smet (1908–1989), was Belgian; his mother, Huguette Clerc (1920–2007), was French. Born in Paris, Hallyday took his stage name from his aunt Desta's husband and dance partner Lee Hallyday, a pseudonym for Lee Ketcham, an expatriate Oklahoman, performer, and MC at the Café de Paris where Johnny began his singing career. Johnny was raised by Desta and Lee from a very young age, with Lee being his first manager. Johnny was always very loyal to Lee and secured him a permanent job as a producer and A&R man with his label, Philips Records until Lee's retirement and relocation back to Oklahoma.
His debut single, "Laisse les filles" was released on the Vogue label in March 1960. His first album, Hello Johnny, was released in 1960. In 1961 his cover of "Let's Twist Again" sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. It topped almost every European chart, although the track did not appear in the UK Singles Chart. He appeared on the American The Ed Sullivan Show with American singing star Connie Francis in a show that was taped at the Moulin Rouge nightclub in Paris. He also staged many appearances in the Paris Olympia under the management of the late Bruno Coquatrix. For their first concert, The Jimi Hendrix Experience opened for Johnny Hallyday in Évreux on 13 October 1966. Black-and-white footage, also from October 1966, exists of Hallyday partying with Hendrix, his manager Chas Chandler and others. There also is a widely published monochrome photograph of Hallyday walking somewhere in Paris in late May 1966 with Bob Dylan.
At the end of the 1960s, Hallyday made a string of albums with Mick Jones and Tommy Brown as musical directors, and Big Jim Sullivan, Bobby Graham and Jimmy Page as session musicians. These are Jeune Homme, Rivière... Ouvre ton Lit (a.k.a. Je suis né dans la rue) and Vie. On Je suis né dans la rue, Hallyday also hired both Peter Frampton and the Small Faces. Amongst their contributions are the songs Amen (Bang Bang), Reclamation (News Report), and Regarde Pour Moi (What You Will), which are variations of Small Faces and Humble Pie (Frampton's band) songs—tracks and they all play on the album. Often forgotten is Hallyday's non-LP single and EP track Que Je T'aime from the same sessions. By 1969 alone, his sales of records exceeded twelve million.
One of Hallyday's later concerts, 100% Johnny: Live à La Tour Eiffel in 2000, attracted an audience of 500,000 and 9.5 million television viewers (the show was broadcast live on French TV). In December 2005, Hallyday had his third number-one single in France, "Mon Plus Beau Noël" (after "Tous ensemble" and "Marie"), dedicated to his adopted daughter Jade. Shortly before announcing his retirement from touring, he released a blues-flavored album, Le Cœur d'un homme, on 12 November 2007. The album hit No. 1 in both France and French-speaking Belgium. In addition to the lead single "Always", Le Cœur d'un homme features "T'aimer si mal", a duet with bluesman Taj Mahal and "I Am the Blues", an English-language song written for Hallyday by U2's lead singer Bono. His next album, Ça ne finira jamais, released in 2008, another No. 1 on the French album chart, and its lead single, "Ça n'finira jamais", also reached No. 1. In 2008 he recorded a series of acoustic songs with French musician Drexl Jonez. Hallyday's most recent album, also a No. 1 hit in France, is Tour 66: Stade de France 2009, a live set recorded at Stade de France during his farewell tour with appearances by Drexl Jonez on the guitar.
French movie producers Michèle and Laurent Pétin introduced Johnny Hallyday to Hong Kong film director Johnnie To. Hallyday was cast as the main role of To's Vengeance after meeting with the director in early 2008. The shooting began in November 2008 and concluded in February 2009.
He was married for 15 years to popular Bulgarian-French singer Sylvie Vartan and the two were considered a "golden couple" for 20 years.
Hallyday completed 181 tours, had 18 platinum albums, and sold more than 110 million records worldwide, making him one of the world's best-selling artists of all time.
Hallyday remains largely unknown outside the Francophone world, thus earning the nickname "the biggest rock star you've never heard of" in English-speaking countries.
On December 5th, 2017 Hallyday died, at age 74, in Marnes-la-Coquette, France.
Avec Le Temps
Johnny Hallyday Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Au fond des blocs, enfants des îles, fils d'une classe ouvrière
L'idole des jeunes, Doc restera le même de Porte de la Chapelle, aux ondes hertziennes
À l'heure où le monde se bouscule
Je repasse ma vie à l'envers
J'en ai fait des rêves, des calculs
J'ai jamais voulu vraiment me laisser faire (jamais, jamais, jamais, jamais)
Et le temps passe, non je ne regrette rien (non rien de rien, je ne regrette rien)
Rien ne s'efface, mon destin me ressemble bien (nos rêves, nos poings ont guidé nos refrains)
Et le temps passe, pourtant, je ne regrette rien (non rien de rien, je ne regrette rien)
La moindre trace, je l'ai bâtie de mes mains (mes rêves, nos poings, ont guidé nos destins)
Mes baskets blanche, mon RER, l'encre a coulé dans ma carrière
À temps plein, viser le haut, contemple mon temple est légendaire
Mon air A.M.E.R, mon teint, mes rêves sont restés les mêmes
J'ai tant porté le flambeau, représenté l'honneur des miens
Mes baskets blanches, ma grande gueule, de l'encre sur les mains
Mon stylo était meurtri et coupable ennemi numéro un
Entre merde et pertes blanches, j'ai le goût pour la revanche
Boxeur, breakeur, rappeur, acteur, attitude franche
J'ai chanté les Hommes, leurs désirs
Les destins fragiles et l'amour (je suis né dans la rue)
On a voulu que j' tombe sur place
Moi, j'ai souvent fait face et je combats toujours (le combat continue)
Et le temps passe, non je ne regrette rien (non rien de rien, je ne regrette rien)
Rien ne s'efface, mon destin me ressemble bien (nos rêves, nos poings ont guidé nos refrains)
Et le temps passe, pourtant, je ne regrette rien (non rien de rien, je ne regrette rien)
La moindre trace, je l'ai bâtie de mes mains (mes rêves, nos poings, ont guidé nos destins)
Dis l'heure de Hip Hop Rock
Des burnes dans le froc
Fusion guitares et pe-ra pour civils et colboques
Ministère, Johnny
Aussi burnés qu'un keuf sous Sarkozy
Liberté dans ma musique et l'savoir comme Uzi
Baskets blanches et blousons noirs, génération, manque d'espoir
Exempté de conneries, que ce gardien me foute la paix
Lascars abandonnés, j'ai le rêve des cités dortoirs
Mon rap tout-terrain, mon R.T.T, c'est ça qui est la vérité
L'être humain porte en lui le meilleur (ouais)
Je sens encore le poids de mes erreurs, de mes erreurs (ouais)
Le pire a si souvent été là
La peine guidait mes pas mais je la garde au fond de moi (jusqu'au dernier souffle)
Et le temps passe, non je ne regrette rien (non rien de rien, je ne regrette rien)
Non, rien ne s'efface, mon destin me ressemble bien (nos rêves, nos poings ont guidé nos refrains)
Et le temps passe, pourtant, je ne regrette rien (non rien de rien, je ne regrette rien)
La moindre trace, je l'ai bâtie de mes mains (mes rêves, nos poings, ont guidé nos destins)
Et le temps passe, non je ne regrette rien (Ministère A.M.E.R, Johnny Hallyday)
Rien ne s'efface, mon destin me ressemble bien (nos rêves, nos poings ont guidé nos refrains)
Et le temps passe, pourtant, je ne regrette rien (non rien de rien, je ne regrette rien)
La moindre trace, je l'ai bâtie de mes mains (mes rêves, nos poings, ont guidé nos destins)
Mon rock est sombre, mon rap est profond
Sex comme une langue sur un téton
Dur comme les blocs de béton
Yeah, dis-leur de hip-hop (rock) dis-leur de hip-hop rock
In the lyrics of Johnny Hallyday's song Le Temps Passe, the artist reflects on his life and career. He mentions his white sneakers and locks, symbols of his youth, and the ink that has flowed through his career, like the Trois Rivières rum. He talks about being the idol of young people and how he has represented his people's honor throughout his career. He also mentions how he's never wanted to let anyone else dictate his life, always fighting for his dreams and taking responsibility for his achievements, which he has built with his own hands.
As the world changes around him, he looks back at his life, realizing that he has no regrets, and that everything he has done has led him to where he is now. He mentions that his destiny still resembles him, and that the dreams and the fists have guided his melody. In the second verse, Johnny Hallyday talks about the ink that has flowed through his career, his dedication, and his tenacity as an artist.
The lyrics contain elements of various music genres such as rap, rock, and hip-hop. They convey a sense of strength, perseverance, and pride in one's achievements, as well as a reflection on the passage of time and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Mes baskets blanches, mes locks, l'encre a coulé comme le Trois Rivières
I've come a long way, with my signature white sneakers, dreadlocks, and countless work put in, just like the Trois Rivières.
Au fond des blocs, enfants des îles, fils d'une classe ouvrière
Growing up in the projects, as children from the islands and sons of working-class parents.
L'idole des jeunes, Doc restera le même de Porte de la Chapelle, aux ondes hertziennes
As the idol of the youth, Doc Gynéco remains consistent as he made it from the streets of Porte de la Chapelle, up to radio airwaves.
À l'heure où le monde se bouscule
In this time of chaos and upheaval.
Je repasse ma vie à l'envers
Looking back on my life, with the perspective of hindsight.
J'en ai fait des rêves, des calculs
I've made many dreams and calculated decisions.
J'ai jamais voulu vraiment me laisser faire (jamais, jamais, jamais, jamais)
I never really wanted to just let things happen to me, not even once.
Et le temps passe, non je ne regrette rien (non rien de rien, je ne regrette rien)
Time moves on, and I have no regrets (absolutely nothing, I regret nothing).
Rien ne s'efface, mon destin me ressemble bien (nos rêves, nos poings ont guidé nos refrains)
Nothing disappears, my destiny reflects who I am (our dreams and our determination have guided our lyrics).
Et le temps passe, pourtant, je ne regrette rien (non rien de rien, je ne regrette rien)
Still, time keeps ticking away, but I have no regrets (nothing, absolutely nothing, I regret nothing).
La moindre trace, je l'ai bâtie de mes mains (mes rêves, nos poings, ont guidé nos destins)
I've built every smallest part of my career with my own hands (my dreams and my determination have directed my destiny).
Mes baskets blanche, mon RER, l'encre a coulé dans ma carrière
My white sneakers, taking the commuter train, and countless work have defined my career.
À temps plein, viser le haut, contemple mon temple est légendaire
My full-time dedication in aiming high has turned my work into something legendary.
Mon air A.M.E.R, mon teint, mes rêves sont restés les mêmes
My A.M.E.R style, my skin, and my dreams have all remained consistent.
J'ai tant porté le flambeau, représenté l'honneur des miens
I've proudly carried the torch, representing the honor of my people.
Ma grande gueule, de l'encre sur les mains
With my big mouth and ink-stained hands.
Mon stylo était meurtri et coupable ennemi numéro un
My pen was overused, and I saw it as my worst and only enemy.
Entre merde et pertes blanches, j'ai le goût pour la revanche
Between the difficulties I faced and the little victories I had, I developed a taste for revenge.
Boxeur, breakeur, rappeur, acteur, attitude franche
As a boxer, breakdancer, rapper, and actor, I've maintained a frank attitude throughout.
J'ai chanté les Hommes, leurs désirs
I've sung about men and their desires.
Les destins fragiles et l'amour (je suis né dans la rue)
Fragile destinies and love were also subjects of my work (I was born in the streets).
On a voulu que j' tombe sur place
Many people wanted me to fall (end up stuck in one place).
Moi, j'ai souvent fait face et je combats toujours (le combat continue)
Yet, I've faced all the challenges and continue to fight (the fight goes on).
Dis l'heure de Hip Hop Rock
Announcing the time for Hip Hop Rock.
Des burnes dans le froc
With boldness in my heart.
Fusion guitares et pe-ra pour civils et colboques
A blend of guitars and 'pe-ra' for both regular people and stuck-up folks.
Ministère, Johnny
Ministère A.M.E.R, Johnny Hallyday.
Aussi burnés qu'un keuf sous Sarkozy
Just as driven as a cop under Sarkozy.
Liberté dans ma musique et l'savoir comme Uzi
Freedom is present in my music, and knowledge is a weapon like any Uzi.
Baskets blanches et blousons noirs, génération, manque d'espoir
The combination of white sneakers and black jackets represents the generation's lack of hope.
Exempté de conneries, que ce gardien me foute la paix
Free of any internal BS, I just want the correction officer to leave me alone.
Lascars abandonnés, j'ai le rêve des cités dortoirs
Abandoned kids and dreams of the projects.
Mon rap tout-terrain, mon R.T.T, c'est ça qui est la vérité
My all-terrain rap and RTT (time off work) is the real truth.
L'être humain porte en lui le meilleur (ouais)
Human beings have the potential for greatness (yeah).
Je sens encore le poids de mes erreurs, de mes erreurs (ouais)
I still feel the weight of my mistakes (yeah, mistakes).
Le pire a si souvent été là
The worst has so often been here before.
La peine guidait mes pas mais je la garde au fond de moi (jusqu'au dernier souffle)
Pain has guided my steps, yet I still carry it deep within me (until my last breath).
Mon rock est sombre, mon rap est profond
My rock is dark, and my rap is deep.
Sex comme une langue sur un téton
Sex as smooth as a tongue on a nipple.
Dur comme les blocs de béton
Hard as concrete blocks.
Yeah, dis-leur de hip-hop (rock) dis-leur de hip-hop rock
Yeah, tell them about Hip Hop (Rock) music, tell them about Hip Hop Rock music.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Dumont, Michel Vaucaire, Bernard Arcadio, Passi Pari Balende, Guillaume Dahan, Gilles Duarte, Julia Fajerman, Anthony Gouin-Tamburro, Patrick Marconcini
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeangabin70
DU GRAND FERRE CHANTEZ PAR UN GRAND JONNY😍😍😍😍
@jeangabin70
MERCI MR BERNARD BENOIT 😘
@jeanmix6070
c'est magnifique je suis touché
@baptistevisse1586
Il savait tout chanter avec sa voix merveilleuse
@jeanpaulcolin9742
Il savait tous chanter
@stephanedenys8253
Magnifique Johnny savait tout chanté
@gaufrette020176
ohhhhh merci pour le partage !!!
@gerardliegeois6800
On oublie tout
@fv4uz
Super imterpertasion
@dominiquecardot555
avec le temps tout s en va sauf les blessures