Did you know? CharlElie & Olympic Games
Did you know CharlElie has been invited to several Olympic Games for his notoriety as a French public figure? In 2000, Marie-George Buffet, French Sports Minister at the time, invited CharlElie to represent French public figures in the Olympic games in Sydney, Australia.
Four years later, in 2004, Jean-Francois Lamour, also Sports Minister, extended the invitation to the Olympics in Athens, Greece. Being the sports fan that we know CharlElie to be, we can only imagine how much fun he must have had in these events.
Did you know? CharlElie & Bikes
Did you know CharlElie is a motorcycle enthusiast? Even though he used to ride a little Vespa to Art School everyday when he was younger, CharlElie really fell in love with bikes during his first trip to Australia in the early 90’s. As soon as he went back to France, he got his motorcycle license and bought a black Yamaha 600 XT.
From CharlElie’s adventures with this motorcycle, came the song « Le Biker » on the album Melbourne Aussie (1990). Unfortunately, the bike was stolen in Paris a few years later. Still today, he chooses a two wheel as his main choice of transportation, either on a bicycle in New York, or on a motorcycle in Paris.
CharlElie during the late 70′s in Nancy, France
Drawing of a biker by CharlElie
The album “Melbourne Aussie” by CharlElie (1990)
Did you know? CharlElie & Marsupilami
Did you know CharlElie wrote and interpreted the opening song of the famous French cartoon The Marsupilami? This fact is even more relevant now that film Producer, Alain Chabat, has released the movie “Sur la piste du Marsupilami” (“On The Marsupilami’s Track”), which is the widescreen interpretation of the legendary French cartoon. CharlElie’s song still echoes in the head of an entire generation who grew up with the Marsupilami’s cartoon: Houba houba! Houba houba, c’est lui le Marsupilami!
- Link to CharlElie’ interpretation: CharlElie’s Marsupilami song
Alain Chabat's movie "Sur la piste du Marsupilami" (click on the image to watch the official trailer)
Did you know? CharlElie & Karate
Did you know that CharlElie is a karate-passionate? Despite not being very active in the discipline lately, CharlElie has gone as far as earning a karate brown belt. He argues that the martial art helped him to sing. His master Murakami, in Nancy, taught him how to use his Ki energy by learning to breath properly. According to CharlElie, that was one of the key steps in the development of his singing technique.
Did you know? CharlElie & Book cover
Did you know that CharlElie drew the cover for Albert Labbouz’s book “Rencontres étoilées” (“Starry Encounters“). This enjoyable book reveals stories and anecdotes of the author’s encounters with many celebrities going from Iggy Pop to Salvador Dali. A very fun read, make sure to get a copy!
The book cover by CharlElie
Albert Labbouz & CharlElie (2011)
- Albert Labbouz’s blog:
Did you know? CharlElie & Acting
Did you know CharlElie played a character in Alan Rudolph’s movie “The Moderns” in 1988? CharlElie’s character is a mysterious piano man named The Evidence, whose main trait is to say the evident. CharlElie also composed most of the movie’s soundtrack.
The Moderns was nominated in the Independent Spirit Award for best cinematography, best screenplay and best supporting male, and won the LAFCA Award for best music and best supporting actress.
"The Moderns" by Alan Rudolph (1988)
"The dead are not the cowards." CharlElie, "The Moderns" (1988)
CharlElie in "The Moderns" (1988)
- One of the songs of the soundtrack by CharlElie:
Did you know? CharlElie & Best tour 2011
Did you know CharlElie has been nominated for the “Victoires de la Musique 2012” in the concert/tour of the year category? The “Victoires de la Musique” (“Music Victories“) are the French equivalent of the Grammy Awards and CharlElie has been nominated for his latest album and tour FORt rEVEUR (2011). Surprisingly, this is CharlElie’s first nomination for this award despite over 25 albums and 30 very successful years in the music industry.
It goes without saying that this nomination is even more impressive for the fact that FORt rEVEUR was release independently of any major record label.
- Video:
Quick preview of CharlElie 2011 tour “FORt rEVEUR”
CharlElie on tour (2011)
Did you know ? CharlElie & The American Cinema
Did you know CharlElie was a member of the jury in the 2007 Deauville American Film Festival? The Deauville Festival is an American film festival that takes place every year in Normandy, France. Though established in 1975, the festival only started to give away awards in 1995.
In 2007, CharlElie was invited to be one of the members of the jury. That year, The Dead Girl, directed by Karen Moncrieff, was awarded the Grand Prix du Jury, and Gina Kin‘s movie, Never Forever, won the Prix du Jury.
CharlElie at the Deauville American Film Festival (2007)
CharlElie talking to the famous French actress Catherine Deneuve
Did you know? CharlElie & National Distinctions
Did you know CharlElie has been awarded with several French National Distinctions?
In 1998, CharlElie was declared “Knight of the French National Order of Merit” for his efforts in preserving the natural diversity of a local river in Lorraine, his natal region.
Later, in 2003, Stéphane Hessel, former French Resistance fighter and now diplomat, awarded CharlElie with the rare distinction of “Knight of the French National Legion of Honour”. CharlElie’s father was an important French figure of the World War II Resistance and, among many other National Distinctions, he also carried the status of “Commander of the French National Legion of Honour.”
Finally, in July 2011, the actual Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand declared CharlElie “Knight of Arts and Letters”.
CharlElie and Stéphane Hessel in Paris, 2003.
Did you know? CharlElie & Tatoos
Did you know CharlElie designs tattoos? In fact, there are a number of people who have had the privilege of having their tattoo designed by CharlElie. Musicians, friends, family members came to CharlElie with an unclear idea and he was able to transform it into a personal drawing. With a natural flair for comprehending people’s emotions and aesthetics preferences, CharlElie always comes up with great unique designs.
CharlElie’s personal history with tattoos can be tracked back to his first worldwide tour in 1984. When in Vietnam, he asked a monk to draw the words “Art” and “Life” that he later, in Paris, had it tattooed on his right shoulder. “Life for art, and art for life”, that’s the message he finds in his tattoos.
Portrait of CharlElie by Rancinan
Tatoo designed by CharlElie, 2011
"Lola" tatoo design for Mirjam and Eric, 2007.
CharlElie's tatoo design, 2010
CharlElie's tatoo design, 2006
Did you know? CharlElie & 9/11
Did you know CharlElie composed a song “The Dove and The Raven” in homage of 9/11? Live and in English, the song was recorded in exclusivity in New York for the first time this Sunday during a France-Inter radio station show in memory of the tragedy’s 10th anniversary.
The theme of 9/11 is one to which CharlElie feels strongly connected. Just like New York after September 2001, CharlElie went and still goes through a rebuilding process. And the energy he finds in the city guides him during this challenging course. “New York is a city inhabited by pragmatic people who, instead of asking themselves why it happened, would rather find a way to make something positive out of it”, said CharlElie after performing the song.
Did you know? CharlElie & New York Book
Did you know CharlElie’s new book “New York Be CharlElie” (2011) will be released on October the 5th? Though completely different, the book is the continuation of his previous best selling photo book “New York by CharlElie” (2010). The volume regroups of course spectacular images of New York City, but most importantly images from the perspective of true New Yorker. And there’s no need to remind you that CharlElie is not just any ordinary New Yorker. His vision is to say the least intimate, innovative and enlightening. CharlElie pictures the city as a place where everything is in constant evolution – where each individual can spend his life building and rebuilding.
Make sure to order your copy online or pass by the RE-Gallery and get your autographed copy.
Cover of "New York Be CharlElie" (2011)
4 Exclusive photos:
10/10 – Galerie W in Paris, France, for the REALEASE of “New York Be CharlElie” (second photo book of the series “New York By CharlElie”).
Edition: Chene
Did you know? CharlElie & Lacoste Award Book
Did you know CharlElie’s tennis book, “Beautiful Gestures” (“Beaux Gestes”), won the Lacoste Award for best sports book of 1999? CharlElie drew most of his book during a period where he had to stop playing due to a tennis elbow injury. He took this time to observe numerous videos of professional tennis players and study precisely their technique. He figured that since he was unable to practice, he might as well learn more about the theory. His drawings, at first for the purpose of his own understanding of the game, were put together to form this spectacular award-winning book.
Later, in 2001, CharlElie participated in the book “Roland Garros 2001, Seen by the Biggest Tennis Photographers” which also won another Lacoste Award.
Did you know? CharlElie & Region’s logo
Did you know CharlElie designed the official logo of the Lorraine? The Lorraine is one of the 27 regions of France and has Nancy as one of its most important cities. As a native of this eastern region (in Nancy), CharlElie was chosen to design its official logo in 1983. The logo CharlElie came up with is a contemporary reinterpretation of the region’s coat of arms, which dates from 1143.
Lorraine's logo drawn by CharlElie
Original coat of arms of Lorraine
Did you know ? CharlElie & Brother Tom Novembre
Did you know CharlElie’s brother is a famous actor/comedian in France? Tom Novembre is a well-known and well-regarded actor in films and television, as well as on the stage. Although very known for his one-man-shows, Tom has also appeared in more than 40 movies and 11 plays. Tom Novembre also works as a doubler and has dubbed many known American actors in French versions of movies such as George Clooney in O Brothers, Where Art Thou? (2000).
Known for his exceptional soothing voice, Tom Novembre has also ventured in the music industry and recorded 5 albums. Talent must run in the family I suppose. Recently in July 2011, they appeared together in the Europe 1 radio show “C’est de famille” (It runs in the family), to talk about their relationship and childhood stories.
Link to radio show (in French):
\”C\’est de famille\” (It runs in the family), Europe 1, 07/11
Tom Novembre (left) & CharlElie, 07/11
Tom Novembre, CharlElie's younger brother
Did you know? CharlElie & Soundtrack nomination
Did you know CharlElie composed the entire soundtrack of five-time César Award winning movie Tchao Pantin (1983)?
Nominated for best music, Tchao Pantin was directed by Claude Berri and is still considered one of the most influential French movies ever.
The famous former French comedian Coluche (1944-1986) – winner of the best actor award for his part – plays the main character in the movie, Lambert, a burned-out case who works the night shift at a gas station, rarely speaking, living alone and drinking.
"Tchao Pantin" soundtrack by CharlElie
"Tchao Pantin" (1983)
Did you know? CharlElie & Cinema
Did you know CharlElie is a member and judge of the César Academy of Cinematography? The César Academy Award is the equivalent of the Oscars (Academy Award) in France. Every year, a considerable sized box with DVDs of all the nominated movies is delivered to CharlElie’s apartment. CharlElie has to watch all of them and send back his impressions and votes to the César Academy.
Did you know? CharlElie & Wine
Did you know CharlElie has created his own wine? “Coucher du soleil, 2009” (Sunset) is the name of the wine CharlElie created with the help of famous French Chef Pierre Négrevergne. No more than 1956 bottles – designed by CharlElie himself – of this exquisite Graves (Bordeaux) are available to the public as a celebration of his year of birth.
Experts stated that 2009 is the first great wine year of the millennium and the best year for Bordeaux wines since the late 1940’s, so you should expect nothing less than greatness.
CharlElie tasting his wine
CharlElie putting together the different flavors of his wine "Coucher du Soleil", 2009 ("Sunset")
CharlElie's signature on the bottle's cork
Did you know? CharlElie & Design
Did you know CharlElie also works as a designer? Throughout his career, he has designed all kinds of things, including watches, shoes, hats, logos and more. CharlElie designed the watch ‘The Line’ that celebrates the 125th anniversary of the exquisite Parisian watch brand Saint Honore. He also has his own shoe brand named ChElie.
Saint Honoré's 125th anniversary watch designed by CharlElie - 2010
CharlElie's designed shoes collection: ChElie
CharlElie's designed shoes collection: ChElie
CharlElie's signature shoes
Did you know? CharlElie & Blackwell
Did you know CharlElie’s second album, Pochette Surprise (Lucky Bag, 1981), was produced by the legendary Chris Blackwell, director of Island Records and Bob Marley’s producer?
In the summer of 1980, CharlElie performed at the Café de la Gare in Paris, playing a special guest set at the end of a show by the French comedian Coluche. A friend of CharlElie’s recorded the concert and sent the cassette to Chris Blackwell.
The legendary producer, based in the Bahamas, was extremely impressed by CharlElie’s live recording and offered to sign the young French musician on the spot. With major financial backing from Island Records, CharlElie was able to use the latest studio technology and the very best American musicians on his new album. Recorded in France, but mixed in Nassau at the Compass Point studio, the album was released in February 1981 to general critical acclaim.
Chris Blackwell
CharlElie's second album - Pochette Surprise ("Lucky bag", 1981)
Did you know? CharlElie & Toy Story
Did you know CharlElie is the singer and composer of Toy Story’s theme song (You’ve Got a Friend in Me) in the French version of the film? He also sings in two other songs of the revolutionary computer-animated film that changed forever the history of animation.
Did you know? CharlElie & Tennis
Did you know CharlElie’s favourite sport is tennis? In fact, he is as big as a tennis fan as you will ever find. Not only he plays at least 3 times a week, but he is also a great student of the game. He even published a book on tennis filled with drawings and lessons titled Beaux Gestes (Beautiful Gestures, 1999).
Every year he is invited to sit on the presidential seats of the French Open (Roland Garros) in Paris. You can easily notice him on the background of your TV screen when Roger Federer is serving. During the 2011 French Open, he finished in first place of the Celebrity Fast Serve contest with a 92 mph serve. Not bad for a 55 year old tennis amateur.
CharlElie's tennis book "Beaux gestes" (Beautiful gestures, 1999)
CharlElie at Roland Garros, Paris, in June 2011
