I’m a bit late in posting this as I’ve been away this weekend but some sad news from the world of Eurovision – 1965 winner France Gall passed away at the age of 70 after a short illness. 

Her winning song, “Poupée de cire, poupée de son”, in many ways set the tone for Eurovision as it was the first out and out pop song that won the contest – and had a significant impact

While it was Luxembourg that took the victory, the singer and song were both French. Isabelle Geneviève Marie Anne “France” Gall was born in Paris in 1947 and her winning song was composed by famous French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg.

She worked closely with Gainsbourg in her early career, but when she became aware of the sexual connotations and innuendos within many of the songs he wrote for her, she no longer worked with him or sang his songs.

Her musical career continued without input from Gainsbourg until she retired from the musical industry in 1997.

Farewell, France Gall – you brought us one of the great classic and iconic Eurovision winners, a song I love (and was in my top 5 songs from Luxembourg).