Marie Myriam

Early Life

Marie Myriam, born Myriam Lopes Elmosnino on May 8, 1957, in Luluabourg, Belgian Congo, is a celebrated French singer known for her powerful voice and emotive performances. She moved to France, where she would later embark on a remarkable musical career that would see her become a household name.

Career

Marie Myriam's career took off when she represented France in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1977, just a day before her 20th birthday. She won the contest with her enchanting song "L'oiseau et l'enfant" ("The Bird and the Child"), composed by Jean Paul Cara with lyrics by Joe Gracy. This victory not only marked her as the first Eurovision winner born after the contest's inception but also led to her single reaching No. 42 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1977. In 1981, she participated in the Yamaha Music Festival with the song "Sentimentale," finishing in ninth place. Over the years, she has remained connected to Eurovision, reading the votes of the French Jury and performing at the contest's 50th anniversary concert in Copenhagen in 2005.

Personal Life

Marie Myriam was married to music producer Michel Elmosnino from the late 1970s until his passing in December 2013. Together, they had two children: Laureen, born in 1982, who has become a master of ceremony, and Rick, born in 1990, who works as an assistant director and photographer. Myriam's contributions to music and her family life reflect her dedication to both her art and her loved ones.