CHARLES AZNAVOUR CELEBRATES HIS 85 ANNIVERSARY
World wide famous singer Charles Aznavour celebrates his 85th anniversary today. Charles Aznavour (Shahnour Varenagh Aznavourian), is an Armenian-French singer, songwriter, actor, public activist and diplomat. Besides being one of France's and Armenia’s most popular and enduring singers, he is also one of the most well-known singers in the world.
Aznavour was born in Paris, the son of Armenian immigrants Michael Aznavourian and Knar Bagdasarian. His artistic parents introduced him to the world of theatre at an early age. He dropped out of school at the age of nine, already aspiring to the life of an artist. He began to perform at this time, and soon took the stage name "Aznavour".
He is known for his characteristic short figure and unique tenor voice; clear and ringing in its upper reaches, with gravely and profound low notes. He has appeared in more than 60 movies, composed about 1,000 songs and sold well over 100 million records.
In 1998, Charles Aznavour was chosen as Entertainer of the Century by CNN and users of Time Online from around the globe. He was recognized as the century's outstanding performer.
In 2009 he was appointed ambassador of Armenia to Switzerland, as well as Armenia's permanent delegate to the United Nations at Geneva.