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F. R. David
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Background information
Birth name Elli Robert Fitoussi
Also known as Robert Fitoussi
Born (1947-01-01) 1 January 1947 (age 78)
Ferryville, French Tunisia
Origin Paris, France
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • singer
  • composer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • bass
  • guitar
Years active 1963–present
Labels
Associated acts Les Variations, Vangelis, Les Trèfles

Elli Robert Fitoussi, known as F. R. David, is a French singer and musician. He was born on January 1, 1947. He is most famous for his 1982 worldwide hit song, "Words". This song became number one in many countries.

Early Life and Background

Elli Robert Fitoussi was born into a Tunisian Jewish family. He grew up in Menzel Bourguiba, which was once called Ferryville. At that time, it was part of the French protectorate of Tunisia.

Music Career Highlights

F. R. David started his music journey in Paris. He first played with a French band called Les Trèfles. After they released one short album (an EP), the band grew and changed its name to Les Boots. However, they did not become very famous.

Becoming F. R. David

In 1967, he decided to become a solo artist. He chose the stage name F. R. David. The "F.R." came from the first letters of his real name, and "David" was inspired by the story of David and Goliath. He recorded some interesting pop music with Michel Colombier. He had small hits with songs like "Symphonie" and a cover of the Bee Gees' "Sir Geoffrey Saved the World."

Working with Other Artists

In the early 1970s, F. R. David formed a rock group called David Explosion. They released one album, but it was not successful. He also played guitar for the famous musician Vangelis and sang on some of Vangelis's early albums. Later, David joined a French rock band called Les Variations. He appeared on their last album, Café De Paris, in 1975. After that band broke up, he went back to being a solo artist. F. R. David is known for always wearing sunglasses and playing his white Fender Stratocaster guitar.

The Hit Song "Words"

His most well-known song is "Words". This song sold eight million copies around the world. It reached the top of music charts across Europe in late 1982. In the United Kingdom, it reached number 2 in 1983. "Words" was also one of the best-selling songs in the UK that year. The song is a catchy, slightly sad ballad. It features synthesizers and F. R. David's unique high-pitched voice. The song was also featured in the movie Call Me by Your Name.

Later Career and Albums

During the 1990s, F. R. David spent time writing songs for other famous artists. In 2000, he released an album called Words – '99 Version, which mostly included cover songs. In 2006, he released The Wheel. This album started and ended with new versions of his hit song "Words."

In 2009, F. R. David released the album Numbers. He worked with other musicians on this album. From 2010 to 2011, he went on a tour in France, performing 52 concerts. His album Midnight Drive was released in 2013.

Personal Life

Elli Fitoussi is married and has two grown-up children. He also has one grandchild. He spends his time between his music studio in Paris, France, and his summer home in Valencia, Spain.

Discography

Studio Albums

  • Words (1982)
  • Long Distance Flight (1984)
  • Reflections (1987)
  • Voices of the Blue Planet (with Yoann Marine) (1998)
  • Words – '99 Version (1999)
  • The Wheel (2006)
  • Numbers (2008)
  • Midnight Drive (2013)

Compilation Albums

  • Rocker Blues (1986)
  • Greatest Hits (1991)
  • Best of F. R. David (2000)
  • Songbook (2003)

Singles

  • "Black Jack" (1981)
  • "Words" (1982)
  • "Pick Up the Phone" (1983)
  • "Music" (1983)
  • "I Need You" (1983)
  • "Play a Little Game" (1983)
  • "Gotta Get a Move On" (1983)
  • "Sand Dunes" (1983)
  • "Long Distance Flight" (1984)
  • "This Time I Have to Win" (1984)
  • "Dream Away" (1984)
  • "Sahara Night" (1986)
  • "Sun" (1987)
  • "Don't Go" (1987)
  • "Words" (1989 remix) (1989)
  • "I'll Try to Love Again" (1992)
  • "Words (Single & Extended Version)" (2012)
  • "Your Love Shines" (2018)
  • "Paris Is Her Home" (2018)
  • "Words (Red Bus Remix)" (2019)
  • "Time Is Not Mine" (2022)
  • "Words (Sped Up 10 %)" (2023)
  • "I WON'T FORGET YOU" (2025)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: F. R. David para niños

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