Jean-Michel Boris facts for kids

Jean-Michel Boris (born February 14, 1933 – died November 5, 2020) was a French artistic director. He was best known for leading the famous concert hall Olympia in Paris. He worked there for many years, becoming its Director General from 1979 to 2001.

Early Life and First Steps at Olympia

Jean-Michel Boris was born in Bordeaux, France. His father, Jacques Boris, worked with films. His uncle was Bruno Coquatrix, who owned the Olympia concert hall.

When Jean-Michel was 21, he moved to Paris. He planned to study medicine, but his uncle Bruno had a different idea. Bruno offered him a job at the Olympia. Jean-Michel started working there on November 5, 1954. His first job was as a machinist, which means he helped set up the stage.

Learning the Ropes

Jean-Michel was very eager to learn. He didn't just stay a machinist. He learned many different jobs at the Olympia. He became an electrician, making sure all the lights worked. He also learned to be a projectionist, showing films. He even became a sound designer, making sure the music and voices sounded perfect. He learned how to manage shows and even how to choose which artists would perform.

Leading the Olympia

Jean-Michel Boris quickly moved up in his career at the Olympia. In 1959, he became the artistic director. This meant he was in charge of choosing all the performers and planning the shows. He helped make the Olympia a very famous place for music and entertainment.

Director General

In 1970, he became a co-director. Then, in 1979, after his uncle Bruno Coquatrix passed away, Jean-Michel became the Director General of the Olympia. This was a very important job, as he was in charge of the entire concert hall. He stayed in this role until July 17, 2001. In total, he worked at the Olympia for 47 years!

Awards and Recognition

Jean-Michel Boris was honored for his long and important career. He received two special awards from France. On February 11, 1999, he became an Officer of the Ordre national du Mérite. Later, on December 4, 2001, he was made an Officer of the Legion of Honour. These awards show how much his work was valued in France. He was also a member of the Académie Charles Cros, which is an organization that celebrates music and sound recordings.

Later Years and Passing

After leaving the Olympia in 2001, Jean-Michel Boris continued to work in the entertainment world. He was in charge of programming at the Théâtre Déjazet from 2001 to 2002.

Jean-Michel Boris passed away in Paris on November 5, 2020, at the age of 87.