Pierre Delanoë

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Pierre Delanoë (December 16, 1918 - December 27, 2006), born Pierre Leroyer, was a French songwriter/lyricist who wrote for dozens of singers such as Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour and rocker Johnny Hallyday.

After studying law, Delanoë worked as a tax collector and then a tax inspector. After World War II he met Gilbert Bécaud and started a career as a lyricist. He wrote some of France's most beloved songs with Bécaud, including "Et maintenant", translated into English as "What Now My Love", which was covered by artists including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, The Supremes and The Temptations. "Je t'appartiens" ("Let It Be Me") was covered by The Everly Brothers, Tom Jones, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and Nina Simone.

In addition to Bécaud he wrote for Édith Piaf ("La Goualante du pauvre Jean"), Tino Rossi, Hugues Aufray, Michel Fugain ("Je n'aurai pas le temps", "Un beau roman"), Nicoletta, Nana Mouskouri, Michel Polnareff, Gérard Lenorman ("La Ballade des gens heureux"), Joe Dassin ("L'Été indien", "Les Champs-Elysées", "Et si tu n'existais pas"), Nicole Rieu ("Et bonjour à toi l'artiste") and Michel Sardou ("Les Vieux Mariés", "Le France").

Delanoë created some controversy in July 2006 after expressing his dislike for rap music, saying that it is a form of expression for "primitive people". He was one of the founders of Europe 1. He died of cardiac arrest during the early morning on December 27, 2006.