Today marks Charles Aznavour’s birthday

May 22 marks the birthday of Chares Aznavour, the world-famous French-Armenian singer, composer and poet.

The celebrated musician turns 92 today.

Despite his age, Aznavour recently released his 51st CD, entitled “Encore”.

The album comprises 12 completely new songs which the singer presents as a gift to his millions of fans. The songs reflect mainly memories of the past, as well as Aznavour’s childhood and the World War I era fight against fascism.

The ambassador of French songs around the world, the singer has put aside all the plans for retirement. He says that he uses every day of his life to compose new songs.

Aznavour was born in Paris, France on May 22, 1924. The son of Armenian immigrants, he received his early education at a school for young artists and later studied at the TSF Central School of Paris. As early as at the age of nine, Aznavour already performed songs and theatrical roles on stage; ten years later. he appeared in movies.

In the early 1960s, the celebrated star appeared with concerts at the New York “Carnegie Hall” and “Ambassador Hotel”. Later he released his first American album at Frank Sinatra’s studio, Reprise Records.

Throughout his creative life, Aznavour has written more than 1,000 songs, most of which were performed by internationally acclaimed stars. Thanks to his artistic talent, the great musician has played in over 60 movies.

As one of the best known stage performers in France, Aznavour also enjoys a wide popularity beyond the country’s borders.

The world-famous Armenian has had a great contribution to the restoration of Armenian cities after the 1988 disastrous earthquake. Time and again he visits the homeland of his ancestors for charity concerts.

Since 2009, Aznavour has been the ambassador of Armenia to Switzerland, as well as Armenia’s permanent delegate to the United Nations at Geneva.