Michel Legrand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michel Legrand
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Legrand in 2015 at the Cabourg Film Festival.
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Michel Jean Legrand
24 February 1932 Bécon les Bruyères (Courbevoie), France
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| Occupation | Film score composer Jazz pianist |
| Years active | 1954–present |
Michel Legrand (born 24 February 1932 – died 26 January 2019) was a famous French composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist. He was known for creating music for movies and TV shows.
Legrand wrote music for over 200 films and television programs. He also composed many popular songs. He is most famous for his movie music. Some of his well-known works include The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) and The Thomas Crown Affair (1968).
The movie The Thomas Crown Affair featured the song "The Windmills of Your Mind". Legrand won his first Academy Award for this song. He won another Academy Award in 1971 for the movie Summer of '42.
Early Life and Music Studies
Michel Legrand was born in Paris, France, in an area called Ménilmontant. His father, Raymond Legrand, was also a conductor and composer. His mother was Marcelle Ter-Mikaëlian.
Michel started studying music at the Paris Conservatoire when he was 11 years old. He studied there from 1943 to 1950. One of his teachers was Nadia Boulanger, who taught many other famous composers. Legrand finished his studies with top honors. He was recognized as both a talented composer and a skilled pianist.
A Career in Music
Legrand composed more than 200 scores for films and television. He also wrote music for several stage musicals. He recorded over 100 music albums during his career.
He won many important awards for his music. He received three Oscars and five Grammys. He was also nominated for an Emmy.
When he was only 22, his first album, I Love Paris, became a huge success. It was one of the best-selling instrumental albums ever. Legrand was a very skilled jazz and classical pianist. He was also a talented arranger and conductor. He performed with orchestras all around the world.
Later Years and Passing
Michel Legrand passed away in Paris, France, on 26 January 2019. He was 86 years old.
See also
In Spanish: Michel Legrand para niños
