Another grande dame de la chanson left us this week. Cora Vaucaire passed away on 17 September, which also happens to be Fritz Wunderlich's anniversary.

Cora was one of the legends of the Left Bank which included Ferré, Mouloudji and Gréco. As such she was chanson royalty. She rose to prominence with "Frédé", a song about a sad young man with a guitar. She achieved international recognition with "La Complainte de la Butte", in the film "French CanCan". Piaf and Patachou had cameos. She was also the first to perform "Les feuilles mortes". Sadly, I never had the privilege os seeing her on stage, though I do have all of her records. When Cora Vaucaire sings "Maintenant que la jeunesse," created by Monique Morelli, it breaks your heart. Sleep in peace, Cora. You were one of the best!