Obituary, Françoise Hardy (1944-2024) / James Chance (1953-2024)

Françoise Hardy

The iconic French singer, songwriter and actress, whose voice and style epitomised the French pop music scene of the sixties, passed away earlier this week at the age of 80. Recognised for her ethereal vocals, introspective lyrics and timeless elegance, Hardy left an indelible mark on music and popular culture.

Born on 17th January, 1944, in Nazi-occupied Paris, Hardy grew up with a deep love for music. A disciplined student, she skipped two years of secondary education before passing her baccalauréat at 16. To mark the occasion, her father asked her what gift she would like; she chose a guitar, with which she began to sing her own melodies. By her late teens, a young Françoise had signed her first record deal. Her debut single, ‘Tous les garçons et les filles’, catapulted her to fame. Released in 1962, its melancholic beauty captured the spirit of a generation and the hearts of millions.

Over the decade, Hardy would go on to become a defining figure of the ‘Yé-Yé’ movement. Whilst this scene was characterised by its catchy melodies and youthful exuberance, the singer's work, however, stood out for its own sophistication and emotional depth. Songs like ‘Le temps de l'amour’, ‘Comment te dire adieu’ and ‘Mon amie la rose’ showcased an ability to blend poetic lyrics with haunting melodies.

Having earned acclaim both in France and internationally, Hardy's influence extended well beyond her music. With her striking looks and effortless style, she also became a fashion icon, gracing the covers of magazines and working with top designers of the day. Her natural elegance and understated charm made her a muse for fashion houses and photographers – and perhaps, most famously, for Mick Jagger, who once described her as '[his] ideal woman' – all helping to cement her status as a cultural icon. In addition to her musical career, Hardy also ventured into acting, making a handful of television and film appearances at the height of her early fame. These few performances, much like her music, were marked by a quiet intensity and captivating presence.

Despite her success, Hardy was known for her introspective nature and reluctance to embrace the trappings of fame. She often spoke candidly about her struggles with shyness and the pressures of the music industry, endearing her even more to her fans. In 1995, her timeless voice was revealed to a whole new generation of listeners when she collaborated with Blur on their single, ‘To The End (La Comedie)’. In later years, Hardy continued to record and release music, all the while maintaining a devoted following. Her later albums, such as La pluie sans parapluie (2010) and Personne d'autre (2018), were praised for their mature reflections on love, life and loss. Throughout her career, she remained true to her artistic vision, creating music that was both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Françoise Hardy's contributions to music and culture have left an enduring legacy. She is survived by her son, Thomas Dutronc, also a musician, and his father, Jacques Dutronc, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond since their separation in 1988.

James Chance

 

James Chance (also known as James White), the revolutionary saxophonist and pioneering force of New York's 'No Wave' scene, has passed away at the age of 71. Perhaps best known for his fiery performances and genre-defying music, Chance's impact can be felt across the worlds of jazz, punk and avant-garde music.

Chance was born James Siegfried in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on 20th April, 1953. It was at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music where he joined his first band — a proto-punk cover group called 'Death'. Having immersed himself in the world of jazz from an early age, he was particularly influenced by the improvisational genius of Thelonious Monk and the bold, free-form approach of Albert Ayler. These foundations became a cornerstone of his musical identity, even as he ventured into uncharted territories.

In the late seventies, Chance moved to New York City and became a key player in the burgeoning downtown No Wave scene. This avant-garde movement, typified by its dissonant sounds and anti-commercial ethos, provided the perfect canvas for Chance's innovative spirit. He formed the seminal band Teenage Jesus and the Jerks with Lydia Lunch before creating The Contortions, a group that would become synonymous with No Wave's chaotic energy and genre fusion of 'mutant disco'.

The Contortions' music was a visceral blend of punk aggression, funky rhythms and improvised jazz. Their performances, led by Chance's explosive saxophone solos and confrontational stage presence, were legendary. With albums like Buy (1979) and their contribution to the Brian Eno-produced compilation No New York (1978), the group captured the raw, experimental essence of the era. With an influence that extended beyond No Wave, his work bridged gaps between diverse musical worlds, inspiring countless artists across genres, like Sonic Youth and The Lounge Lizards. 

Chance’s proclivity for infusing punk's raw power with jazz's complexity and funk's groove was unparalleled, making him a true innovator. Beyond his musical talents, he was known for his uncompromising vision and dedication to artistic authenticity. Unfortunately, Chance's live appearances had all but ceased in recent years in light of his declining health; his last performance is said to have taken place in the Netherlands in 2019. More than concerts, they were known to be theatrical events that challenged audiences and pushed the boundaries of performance art. In the late musician's own words: "I prefer the ridiculous to the sublime."

Whilst original copies of Chance's work can fetch hefty sums, you can hear his signature tune 'Contort Yourself' (plus a variety of other tracks from the era) on the genre-bending New York Noise compilation below...