F. R. David facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
F. R. David
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Elli Robert Fitoussi |
| Also known as | Robert Fitoussi |
| Born | 1 January 1947 Ferryville, French Tunisia |
| Origin | Paris, France |
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| Years active | 1963–present |
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| Associated acts | Les Variations, Vangelis, Les Trèfles |
Elli Robert Fitoussi (born 1 January 1947) is a French musician. He is better known by his stage name, F. R. David. He is most famous for his 1982 hit song "Words".
Contents
Early Life and Background
Elli Robert Fitoussi was born into a Tunisian Jewish family. He grew up in a town called Menzel Bourguiba. At that time, this town 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 a short time, the band grew and changed its name to Les Boots. However, they did not become very famous.
In 1967, he decided to become a solo artist. He chose the stage name F. R. David. The "F.R." came from his real name, and "David" was inspired by the story of David and Goliath. He released some songs, including a version of the Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever".
In the early 1970s, F. R. David formed a rock group called David Explosion. Their only album was not a big success. He also played guitar for the famous musician Vangelis. You can hear David's voice on some of Vangelis's early songs. Later, David joined another French rock band called Les Variations. He was on their last album, Café De Paris, in 1975.
After Les Variations broke up, he went solo again. F. R. David is known for always wearing sunglasses. He also often plays a white Fender Stratocaster guitar.
His most well-known song is "Words". This song sold eight million copies around the world. It became a number one hit in many parts of Europe in 1982. In the UK, it reached number 2 on the music charts in 1983. "Words" is a catchy, slightly sad song. It features synthesizers and David's unique, high-pitched voice. The song was even used in the movie Call Me by Your Name.
In the 1990s, F. R. David spent time writing songs for other artists. In 2000, he released an album called Words – '99 Version. This album mostly featured cover songs. In 2006, he released The Wheel, which included new versions of "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 across France. In 2013, he released another album called Midnight Drive.
Personal Life
Elli Fitoussi is married and has two adult children. He also has one grandchild. He divides his time between his music studio in Paris, France, and his summer home in Valencia, Spain.
Music Releases
Studio Albums
| Title | Year | Peak positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GER |
UK |
||
| Words | 1982 | 13 | 46 |
| 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, Argentina only)
- Greatest Hits (1991)
- Best of F. R. David (2000)
- Songbook (2003)
Singles
| Title | Year | Peak positions | Album | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRA |
AUS |
AUT |
GER |
UK |
US |
SWI |
|||
| "Black Jack" | 1981 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (Single only) |
| "Words" | 1982 | 2 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 62 | 1 | Words |
| "Pick Up the Phone" | 1983 | — | — | — | 26 | — | — | — | |
| "Music" | — | — | — | — | 71 | — | — | ||
| "I Need You" | — | — | — | 33 | — | — | — | (Single only) | |
| "Play a Little Game" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Gotta Get a Move On" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Sand Dunes" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Long Distance Flight" | 1984 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Long Distance Flight |
| "This Time I Have to Win" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Dream Away" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Sahara Night" | 1986 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Reflections |
| "Sun" | 1987 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Don't Go" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Words" (1989 remix) | 1989 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (Single only) |
| "I'll Try to Love Again" | 1992 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Words (Single & Extended Version)" | 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Your Love Shines" | 2018 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Paris Is Her Home" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Words (Red Bus Remix)" | 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Time Is Not Mine" | 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Words (Sped Up 10 %)" | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "I WON'T FORGET YOU" | 2025 | — | — | ||||||
Discography with Other Bands
- with Les Trèfles
- Sont ils innocent? (EP, 1965)
- with Les Boots
- "Laissez briller le soleil"/"Trop tard"/"Le cerf-volant"/"Demain" (EP, 1966)
- "Les gens sont méchants"/"Ali Baba"/"Vingt ans"/"Twen" (EP, 1966)
- Tout Va Bien (Compilation, 1997)
- with Cockpit
- Cockpit (album, 1971)
- "Fifi"/"Father Machine" (single, 1971)
- "Bright Tomorrow"/"Lena, Lena" (single, 1971)
- "Mister Hardy"/"8 Days and a Wake Up" (single, 1972)
- with Les Variations
- Café de Paris (album, 1975)
- with King of Hearts
- Close, but No Guitar (album, 1978)
See also
In Spanish: F. R. David para niños
