Essential

Born in Cayenne, French Guiana, for much of his career Henri Salvador (1916-2008) was known for his jazzy guitar work, comic talent, novelty songs, and a distinct Brazilian influence in his brand of chanson. A star in France since the end of World War II, Salvador released several songs written by author and jazz trumpeter Boris Vian with Quincy Jones as arranger. Salvador is also known to have recorded the first French rock and roll songs in 1957.