Death of Charles Dumont, composer of “Non, je ne regrette rien” by Édith Piaf

He wrote the music for one of the best-known songs in the French repertoire. Charles Dumont died on the night of Sunday to Monday in Paris, at the age of 95, AFP learned from his partner Florence. He notably composed “Non, je ne regrette rien”, sung by Édith Piaf. Singer-songwriter, he has also collaborated with Barbra Streisand. He died after a long illness at his home.

Edith Piaf – No, I regret nothing (Official) [Live Version]

A trumpeter by training, Charles Dumont was able to convince Édith Piaf in the 1960s to perform one of his compositions, after having suffered several refusals. “No, I regret nothing” has since become an unforgettable La Môme standard, known throughout the world.

More than thirty pieces with Piaf

“My mother gave birth to me but Edith Piaf gave birth to me“, said the singer and pianist born in Cahors on March 26, 1929. “Without her, I would never have done everything I did, neither as a composer, nor as a singer“, he assured during an interview with AFP in 2015. For Charles Dumont, this meeting will mark the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Piaf, which will give birth to more than thirty pieces, including “Mon Dieu” or ” The prom fools.”

Throughout his sixty-year career, Charles Dumont also collaborated with Dalida, Tino Rossi and Luis Mariano. At the end of the 1960s, he reconverted into a “crooner”, abandoning protest songs. He has a string of albums and successes. The album “Une femme” earned him the Charles Cros Academy prize in 1973. His last appearance on stage dates back to 2019 at the Eiffel Tower theater.
“When you come back in front of an audience, who comes to see you as they did 20, 30 or 40 years ago and gives you the same welcome, then they give you back your 20 years“, he said.