Hugues Aufray

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Frankly, Hugues Aufray at 96 years old is quite a phenomenon. Born in 1929 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, this gentleman is far from being a retiree like the others. What I admire is this incredible energy that still pushes him to travel around France for concerts. Not bad for his age, right?

If you look closer, his secret? A strict lifestyle. No cigarettes, no drugs, very little alcohol… but wait, he’s not an extremist; he still allows himself a small glass for special occasions. That’s the key, moderation.

His music is a true journey. He traveled between American folk and French rhythms, mixing a bit of everything that came to his mind, starting with Bob Dylan’s songs that he translated into French. To tell you the truth, his adaptations remain favorites for many of us.

And beyond the stage, there is a passionate private life. Married in 2023 to Murielle, much younger than him, she seems to be his driving force. The kind of relationship that brings youth back, just like his career that never stops surprising. A real lesson in vitality and passion.

The origins and public identity of Hugues Aufray, icon of French song

So, before becoming famous, here’s the guy. Hugues Jean-Marie Auffray was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine on August 18, 1929. Heir of a bourgeois family, he grew up in Sorèze in Tarn, far from the Parisian hustle. While his parents divorced, it was his mother who raised him in this atmosphere both soothing and marked by traditions.

It’s surprising how much his childhood in the province nourished his inspiration. A student with the Dominicans, he discovered his passion for music by listening to Spanish and American tunes. By the way, it’s in Madrid that he developed his taste for song before embarking on a musical career.

His public identity is sprinkled with this Anglo-Saxon, folk influence, and a real cultural mix. It’s this blend that made him a unique artist. Not surprising that he is close to Bob Dylan, with whom he formed a solid friendship during his time in New York.

You will see below that this identity doesn’t stop at music. Hugues is also a sculptor and painter, a true jack-of-all-trades who doesn’t confine himself to a single artistic facet.

The journey of young Hugues before fame: a mix of experience and encounters

His youth, honestly, cannot be summed up in two words. It starts in Sorèze, with his studies, the discovery of horses (what a passion this guy has!), and military service in the alpine hunters. Yes, he experienced that and, I assure you, it forged his fighting spirit.

Then, off to Madrid where he spent three years at the French high school. There, he began to sing in Spanish, which is far from usual for a Frenchman. Little by little, he added French songs to his repertoire, drawing inspiration from Brassens, Gainsbourg, Leclerc… A rich cocktail already.

His first spotlight came thanks to a contest and the eye of Eddie Barclay, a well-known producer. In 1959, he released his first record, and that was the start of an adventure that would never stop. Here was a thirty-something ready to conquer the hearts of the French.

I read somewhere that it’s his taste for musical diversity combined with his experiences abroad that gave him the originality that would make his success. And frankly, that’s not wrong.

Hugues Aufray’s career: success, encounters, and musical favorites

Ah, his career! Imagine 39 albums and 75 singles, an incredible longevity, but also songs that remain etched in collective memory like Santiano or Céline. His adaptations of Bob Dylan? A first in France. Yes, he was the one who introduced Dylan to us.

In 1964, he made a sensation at Eurovision representing Luxembourg with Dès que le printemps revient. Honestly, that’s a statement about an artist. He even shared the stage with Dylan in 1984. You see the picture?

His repertoire? A kind of patchwork between folk, blues, rock, and folklore. This mixed blend allows him to touch several generations, including the new ones who come to applaud him now at 96. Crazy stuff!

Recently, his activity hasn’t slowed down. He is preparing a tour until December 2024 and collaborated with artists like Renaud or Jean-Luc Reichmann, proof he is still relevant.

Hugues Aufray’s private life: love, family, and confidences

So, on one side, you have a solid guy on stage. On the other? A touching family man. Married for a very long time to Hélène Faure, he has two daughters and an army of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It warms the heart, you know.

But the most surprising in his intimate life is his recent marriage in 2023 with Murielle, 45 years his junior. The kind of story that stands out and shows that love has no age. They have lived together for twenty years and their complicity is palpable.

He has always known how to keep a balance between his personal life and career. Not easy, but he seems to have found the recipe. He even confides in interviews that he is “the happiest man.” It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

I allow myself to slip in that this relationship clearly brings a breath of youth to Hugues, with a true dynamic that lets him keep his energy and joy of living.

Surprising anecdotes and details about Hugues Aufray you didn’t know

I don’t know if you knew, but Hugues has a somewhat chivalrous side. Yes, he is passionate about horse riding and owns several Barbes horses, an inheritance from his years in Sorèze. That surely explains Stewball, his famous song.

He also had a brother who tragically disappeared, which marked him for life. A somewhat dark side in contrast with his breath of fresh air represented by the sea, a recurring theme in his songs.

A funny fact? He describes himself with humor: his “sporting exploits” boil down to walking a bit between the funerals of his buddies. That makes you smile, doesn’t it?

And then, he’s a complete artist since besides singing he paints and sculpts, with works displayed at the Cité de la musique in Paris. He’s not just a singer; he’s a truly multidimensional creative.

Recent projects and remarkable collaborations of Hugues Aufray in 2024

So yes, despite his age, Hugues does not slow down. Still touring, with concerts across France, notably in Angers, La Baule, Perpignan, and a tour stretching until next December. Hats off! 🎸

He also revisited some Bob Dylan songs in his latest album, showing that he does not forget where he comes from. His collaboration with Renaud is also worth noting, two legends crossing paths on stage.

He is always present in the musical news and openly supports causes, which adds extra soul to his image. In short, his fortune is well deserved, even if hush hush, he prefers to keep some discretion about his assets.

To follow his adventures, his official website remains the best source, where you can even discover his latest concert dates and news. It’s really great to have access to that nowadays.

Top reasons that make Hugues Aufray a living legend of French song 🌟

  • 🎵 Pioneer of folk in France thanks to his adaptations of Bob Dylan
  • 🌍 His unique musical blend mixing American and French influences
  • 🎸 Exceptional longevity, still active at 96 years old
  • 💖 Rich and inspiring private life, with a late but happy marriage
  • 🎨 Accomplished artist also in painting and sculpture
  • 🎤 Always vibrant and sincere stage presence

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