A committed and timeless figure of French song. Daniel Balavoine left a significant mark in music during his career between the 1970s and 1980s. While he tragically disappeared on January 14, 1986 in a helicopter accident with Thierry Sabine during the Paris-Dakar rally, his death caused mourning many fans in France.

More than 35 years after his death, the Singer continues to be popular thanks to his music which he left to his admirers. “Balavoine’s legacy is words and evils that are still very relevant today. Because the society he denounced 30 or 35 years ago has not changed that much,” said the music specialist. Fabien Lecworks with Le Figaro in 2016. Themes like unemployment, immigration or racism… Since then, nothing has changed (as the Poppys sang in 1970). “That’s why the lyrics of his songs ring so true and are still used today.”

The one who started out as a backing vocalist for Patrick Juvet was a man of musicals. Another facet that Starmania fans remember when seeing him on stage as Johnny Rockfort. Then, in the musical tale Abbacadabra where he covers the hits of the Swedish musical group with singer Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

For a decade, Joana Balavoine’s father also lent his pen to other artists and accumulated top 50 hits. Some singers covered his hits several years after his death and they are still popular. Think you know his discography like the back of your hand? Planet invites you to test your knowledge with our quiz. Up to you !