Alain Bashung (Born in 1947) was a French singer, songwriter, comedian and actor. He died yesterday (14 March 2009) at the age of 61.

Alain Bashung was the son of a factory worker and an Algerian father, whom he never knew. His mother remarried, and at the age of one, Bashung was sent to Strasbourg to live with his new step-father's parents. He therefore spent his childhood in the countryside.

The multi-platinum artist Alain Bashung has spent his career singing a pop-chanson repertoire. He received the Legion of Honour on 1 January 2009 and he received three prestigious Victoires de la musique awards during a recent ceremony at the Paris Zenith, including best male artist, best album for "Bleu Pétrole" (Barclay/Universal) and best live show. With 11 such awards, he became the most celebrated French musician in history. The award ceremony was his last public appearance. He appeared frail, but still performed 'Résidents de la République'.

Bashung, who had cancer, had to postpone several dates of his current tour. While receiving his award, he said he hoped that record companies would "remain in a human dimension by making people happy with records."

He died in Paris on 14 March 2009 from lung cancer at the age of 61.

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