“No, I regret nothing”, released in 1960, marked one of Edith Piaf's last great successes. This hit owes its existence to the perseverance of a composer, Charles Dumont. Return to the itinerary of a cult song.
In 1960, Édith Piaf faced a complicated period in her existence. Marked by numerous tragedies, such as the death of her lover Marcel Cerdan in 1949, she is prey to neurasthenia, cloistered at home for more than a year. She declined several song proposals and no longer wanted to perform on stage. Charles Dumont, a 31-year-old composer, aspires to work for the singer and shares his many developments with her. He suffered numerous refusals from the artist. The young man consoles himself vehemently on his piano: “I was in serious financial difficulties. I wrote this song in anger” explained the singer to “AFP” in 2013. From this resentment was born the tune of “No, I regret nothing”. The amazed lyricist Michel Vaucaire then wrote a song combining love and resilience.
Also read>>> Broken destiny: Édith Piaf, an unforgettable Kid
The birth of a cult song
Despite the composer's reluctance to present a title to Édith Piaf, his lyricist friend finally convinced him. The two men went to the interpreter's home even though she had canceled the appointment, reluctant to receive them. Charles Dumont plays this new title for him. Édith Piaf is completely galvanized by the song which brings her a second wind. An enthusiasm that she confided during an interview for the program “Discorama”, on January 20, 1961: “When Michel Vaucaire and Charles Dumont brought me the first time “Non, je ne regrette rien”, it was like a sort of revelation in me, that is to say that I felt that I had to erase everything, that I had to start everything again, that I had to completely renew myself. »
Impressed by this title, she declared to the composer after hearing it for the first time: “Listen young man, don't worry, don't worry anymore. This song will follow you throughout your life, it will be a worldwide success and thanks to it, I will make my return to the Olympia”, as reported by the media “France Info”. Premonitory words since the musician performed the song in the illustrious performance hall on December 29, 1960. This performance saved the Olympia, in great financial difficulties. With the new impetus that this title brings her, Édith Piaf agrees to return to the stage, an event for which all of Paris is jostling for.
The song will become an anthem sung by all of France. It is covered by all the biggest names in music: Dalida, Tina Arena, Mireille Mathieu, Johnny Halliday…
