When Serge Gainsbourg died in 1991, France mourned deeply, with Francois Mitterand calling him "our Baudelaire, our Apollinaire." Gainsbourg revolutionized French pop music, evolving from a cynical chansonnier and jazz artist to the ironic "ye-ye" sound of the 1960s, exploring French reggae in the 1970s, and culminating in electric funk and disco in his later works. His provocative persona matched his music; he was the self-proclaimed ugly lover of icons like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin, known for his controversial hit "Je t'aime moi non plus," which faced bans across Europe, and his reggae rendition of the "Marseillais," which drew death threats. Gilles Verlant's biography stands out as the most authoritative account of Gainsbourg's life, enriched by interviews and personal friendship. It offers an insightful exploration of the complexities of Gainsbourg, from his childhood experiences during the German Occupation to his artistic collaborations with figures like Petula Clark and Juliette Greco. The biography captures the essence of a cultural icon who transformed scandal and music into a unique artistic expression, exemplified by his landmark album, "Histoire de Melody Nelson."
