Gérard Manset

Gérard Manset (born 21 August 1945, Saint-Cloud) is a French singer-songwriter, painter, photographer and writer, most well known for his musical work.

Since 1972, the covers of his albums state his name as simply "Manset". However, "Gérard Manset" and "Manset" are both commonly used.

Gérard Manset spent his childhood in the suburbs of Paris (Saint-Cloud) and then in the sixteenth arrondissement of Paris. He failed his baccalauréat due to the degree of a failing grade in French.

In 1964, Manset was the recipient of the Concours général, and enrolled in the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs. The Salon d'Automne welcomed Manset in its engraving section in 1966. Manset's work was also shown at the Paris Salon. At the same time Manset approached various French advertising agencies with his drawings, without success, however.

Manset began to play guitar, but was also interested in the drums. He borrowed his sister's piano book, and began learning to play it as well.