"A lyric is something which an actor must be able to perform on stage without the music. I wrote lyrics myself at a young age, but it took me fifteen years to find the melody."
Charles Aznavour held the microphone close to his lips as he spoke to the audience in his heavy French accent, apologizing profusely for his broken English. The crowd erupted in applause, encouraging him to continue his story.
French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour graced the stage of the Pantages Theater on October 28th, enchanting the audience with his charisma, humorous stories of his past, and above all, his incredible passion for his life's work — his music.
Discovered by French singer Edith Piaf in 1946, Aznavour's commanding voice and talent propelled him into his career as a musician and songwriter — a career spanning eight decades. He has performed all over the world, recorded songs in eight languages, and sold over 180 million records worldwide. He was recently awarded a Hollywood Star plaque for his artistic influence and his contributions to the Armenian community. He is noted as one of the greatest performers and artists of the century.
But despite Aznavour's powerful artistic influence and immense musical talent, what makes this man so unique is not just his success, but his unfaltering devotion to his work and to his audience. At 92 years old, the singer performed with exceptional poise and enthusiasm, making one forget he is almost a century old.
He was not shy to remind us, however.
"I turned 92 years old this year. At this age, it becomes difficult to see very well. It becomes difficult to hear very well. But what is most unfortunate is that it becomes difficult to remember very well."
Aznavour sang many of his popular songs — "Yesterday When I Was Young", "She", "La Mamma", and "La Boheme", to name a few. When "La Boheme" came on, the crowd listened in awe as Aznavour filled the theater with his haunting voice and sang of his youth, of the friends he met and memories he made.
While the Pantages Theater overfilled with applause and praise, there seemed to be a sort of melancholy pervading the air. It felt as though people knew they had come to see Aznavour perform one last time. They had come to say their final goodbyes. There was a haunting quality to Aznavour's voice as he sang the words, "yesterday, when I was young."
The concert ended on a sweet but somber note, with Aznavour bowing humbly as he sent off his audience. He sang with passion and conviction, and carried the crowd through feelings of joy, nostalgia, and heartache.
His performance revealed his undying commitment and love for his music, and he shared his gift with us one last time.
Charles Aznavour was at the Pantages Theatre (6233 Hollywood Blvd.) for one night only. This concluded his five night tour of North America.
Annenberg Media