Jean-Philippe Smet (Johnny Hallyday)
- Born:
- June 15, 1943, Paris, France
- Died:
- December 5, 2017, Marnes-la-Coquette, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to Huguette Clerc and Léon Smet.
- Raised primarily by his aunt, Hélène Mar, and her husband, Lee Lemoine Ketcham.
- Early exposure to music through his family's performing arts background.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career in the late 1950s, popularizing rock and roll in France.
- Known as "l'idole des jeunes" (the idol of youth).
- Recorded over 100 albums, selling millions of records worldwide.
- Starred in numerous films throughout his career.
- Continually toured for over 50 years, playing to massive audiences.
- His concerts were renowned for their energy and spectacle.
Notable Works
Discography (Selected Albums)
| Year | Album Title |
|---|---|
| 1960 | Hello Johnny |
| 1961 | Nous les gars, nous les filles |
| 1963 | Les Bras en croix |
| 1965 | Hallelujah |
| 1968 | Jeune homme |
| 1973 | Insolitudes |
| 1976 | Derrière l'amour |
| 1982 | Quelque part un aigle |
| 1984 | Drôle de métier |
| 1999 | Sang pour sang |
| 2005 | Ma vérité |
Filmography (Selected Films)
| Year | Film Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Les Parisiennes | Himself |
| 1963 | D'où viens-tu Johnny? | Johnny |
| 1964 | À tout casser | Martial |
| 1968 | Les Specialistes | Sergio |
| 1985 | Détective | Jim Fox Warner |
| 1998 | The Man Who Sold His Soul | Le Diable |
| 2009 | Vengeance | Francis Costello |
| 2017 | Rock'n Roll | Himself |
Legacy and Impact
Johnny Hallyday was a dominant force in French popular culture for over five decades. He brought rock and roll to France and maintained a devoted following throughout his career. His music and performances influenced generations of French artists. A digital resource, often referred to as 'youtube la terre promise johnny hallyday biography' is available to explore his life and impact further.