Death of Gabriel Yacoub, singer of the group Malicorne, following a long illness

Gabriel Yacoub, co-founder and emblematic figure of the folk group Malicorne, died on Wednesday January 22 in Bourges following a long illness.

The world of French folk Music is in mourning. Gabriel Yacoub, singer, songwriter and musician, died at the age of 72 in Bourges (Cher), AFP learned from Marie Sauvet, his ex-partner and manager. Co-founder of the legendary group Malicorne in 1973 with his partner Marie Sauvet, he marked the 1970s and 1980s with his compositions mixing musical traditions and modernity. A true pioneer of folk rock in France, he also launched a successful solo career.

Death of Gabriel Yacoub at 72: who was the founder of the folk group Malicorne?

Gabriel Yacoub, born in Paris in 1952, was influenced at a very young age by English rock and American folk music. Before founding Malicorne, he had already collaborated with Alan Stivell, an important figure in Breton music. The Malicorne group, formed in 1973, has established itself as a reference by revisiting the traditional French repertoire. Their album Almanac (1976) remains one of their best-known masterpieces. Malicorne enjoyed international success in the 1970s before disbanding in the 1980s. The original band met again in July 2010 for a concert at the Francofolies in La Rochelle. At the same time, Gabriel Yacoub launched a solo career in 1978, exploring themes such as love and spirituality. He has also contributed to film soundtracks including The Migratory People et Oceans.

Death of singer Gabriel Yacoub: a shower of tributes in honor of the founder of the group Malicorne

The disappearance of Gabriel Yacoub deeply affected those close to him, his fellow musicians and his fans. Marie Sauvet, his partner and co-founder of Malicorne, expressed her emotion on Facebook: “His music will always remain.” In Marçais, where he settled, Gabriel Yacoub was much more than a musician. “It was he who invented our Music Festival and mobilized its resources and its many musician friends to offer us moments of such quality“, declared Michelle Rivet, mayor of the town. She also assures that she will never forget “her extraordinary voice“, “his kindness, his curiosity for popular traditions“and that he was”a whole artist.”