Here are the most important Quebec lyricists of our song

They often work in the shadows, but their contribution is essential: the songwriters formed Quebec song as we know it today. Here are 11 artists whose pen has given birth to some of the most significant texts of our music.

• Also read: Lyricists: a profession in crisis

Luc Plamondon (1942-)

After sharpening his pen in the 1970s by writing texts for Steve Fiset, Renée Claude and Diane Dufresne, the native of Saint-Raymond achieved immortal status by imagining the world of rock opera Starmania. About twenty years later, in 1998, he did it again by adapting Victor Hugo’s novel Notre-Dame of Paris in musical theater. Along the way, he lent his pen to countless legends of French-speaking music.

• Most famous songs and their performers: I met the man of my life (Diane Dufresne), The time of the cathedrals (Bruno Pelletier), The Businessman’s Blues (Claude Dubois).

Claudine Monfette (Mouffe) (1945-)

A multidisciplinary artist, Mouffe is part of this generation which shook up the Quebec cultural landscape in the 1960s, notably by participating in The Osstidcho. Between her directing and screenwriting projects, the Montrealer wrote texts for Nicole Martin, Renée Claude and, above all, her ex-lover, Robert Charlebois.

• Most famous songs and their performers: Ordinary (Robert Charlebois), Dream in color (Renée Claude), Trust me (Nicole Martin)

Diane Juster (1946-)

Real name Diane Rivet, the Montreal artist has had a rather successful solo career, but has especially attracted praise thanks to her talents as a lyricist. She also co-founded the Professional Society of Authors and Composers of Quebec, with Luc Plamondon.

• Most famous songs and their performers: In my own way (Ginette Reno), I’m just a song (Ginette Reno), Melanie (Celine Dion)

Roger Tabra (1949-2016)

Born in Strasbourg, France, Bouaziss Tabrha arrived in Quebec in 1992 and almost immediately changed the musical landscape of the province. He formed a prolific duo with Éric Lapointe and wrote several hundred songs performed by several big names in Quebec song, from Ginette Reno to Isabelle Boulay via Mario Pelchat.

• Most famous songs and their performer: Anything (Eric Lapointe), Don’t talk to me about her anymore (Garou), To be born (Marie-Chantal Toupin)

Stéphane Venne (1941-)

Before working in the Water Department of the City of Montreal for around twenty years, the native of Verdun lent his talents to a myriad of Quebec artists. Working alongside Gilles Vigneault from the 1960s, he helped launch the careers of Renée Claude and, years later, Marie-Élaine Thibert.

• Most famous songs and their performer: The beginning of a new time (Renée Claude), Once upon a time there were happy people (Nicole Martin), The sky is mine (Marie-Élaine Thibert)

Jean-François Pauzé (1975-)

When we think of the Cowboys Fringants, we think of the undeniable legacy of Karl Tremblay, but Jean-François Pauzé is most responsible for the catchy poetry of the Quebec team. Even if he only put his pen to the service of his group, his place among the great lyricists of the province is indisputable.

• Most famous songs and their performer: Shooting stars, nothing more, America cries (The Dashing Cowboys)

Clémence DesRochers (1933-)

The Sherbrookoise is recognized as a pillar of Quebec culture for her talents as an actress, screenwriter, author and comedian, but her musical career is often underestimated. Her songs have notably been covered by Renée Claude, Tire le coyote and Marie-Michèle Desrosiers.

• Most famous songs and their performer: Farm life, Two old women, I will make a garden (Clémence DesRochers)

Martine Pratte (1959-)

Martine Pratte entered the cultural world at just nine years old, as an actress. However, it was thanks to her pencil and notebook that she became known, both as an author and a lyricist. Her longevity is particularly impressive: she has contributed to the discography of Richard Séguin, Corey Hart and Louis-Jean Cormier, to name a few.

• Most famous songs and their performer: Under the abyss (Ginette Reno), Trust life (Renée Martel), As much as you (Bruno Pelletier)

Pierre Huet (1949-)

In addition to having been editor-in-chief of the humor magazine CrocPierre Huet is an essential architect of Quebec popular music of the 1970s and 1980s. He is responsible for some of the greatest successes of Beau Dommage, Paul Piché and Offenbach.

• Most famous songs and their performer: The blues of the metropolis (Great shame), December 23 (Great shame), My blues can’t pass through the door (Offenbach)

Réjean Ducharme (1941-2017)

In parallel with his legendary career as a writer, the mysterious Quebec artist lent his pen to Pauline Julien and Robert Charlebois. The latter already enjoyed great popularity at the time of their meeting, but the author of The Swallow of the Swallows helped him immortalize it alongside the greatest.

• Most famous songs and their performer: My country (Robert Charlebois), S’hush tired (Robert Charlebois), Move or stay there (Pauline Julien)

Jean-Pierre Ferland (1934-2024)

The death of the little king last April allowed us to reiterate his status among the most important lyricists in our history. A great performer, he also left behind numerous pieces which have been covered by Céline Dion, Nana Mouskouri, Ginette Reno and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

• Most famous songs and their performer: The little king (Jean-Pierre Ferland), A chance we have (Jean-Pierre Ferland), A little higher, a little further (Ginette Reno)