Richard Clayderman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Clayderman
|
|
|---|---|
Clayderman in 2006
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Philippe Pagès |
| Born | 28 December 1953 |
| Origin | Paris, France |
| Genres | Easy listening Romantic |
| Occupation(s) | Pianist |
| Instruments | Piano |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Labels | Delphine Records |
Richard Clayderman is a famous French pianist. His real name is Philippe Pagès. He was born in Paris, France, on December 28, 1953. He is known for playing beautiful, romantic piano music.
Clayderman has released many albums. He plays his own songs, popular music, movie tunes, and classical pieces. He makes them sound easy to listen to.
Contents
Early Life and Music
Richard Clayderman learned to play the piano from his father. His dad was an accordion teacher. Richard started playing at a very young age.
When he was twelve, he got into the Conservatoire de Paris. This is a famous music school. He did very well there as a teenager. He wanted to be a classical pianist. However, his father became ill. This caused money problems for his family.
To earn money, he worked as a bank clerk. He also played piano for different bands. He even played for famous French singers.
The Story of "Ballade pour Adeline"
In 1976, something special happened. A French music producer named Olivier Toussaint and his partner Paul de Senneville invited him to record a song. Paul de Senneville had written a gentle piano song. He wrote it for his baby daughter, Adeline.
Philippe Pagès, who was 23 years old, was one of 20 pianists who tried out for the job. He got it! Olivier Toussaint said he was a "good musician with a soft touch." He also said Philippe looked good.
A New Name and a Hit Song
Philippe Pagès changed his name to Richard Clayderman. He used his great-grandmother's last name. This was so people outside France could say his name easily.
The song was called "Ballade pour Adeline". It became a huge hit! It sold 22 million copies in 38 countries. This song was very popular in China. It was played everywhere, especially when China first opened up to the West. It is still loved in China today.
Richard Clayderman's Success
Richard Clayderman has recorded over 1,300 different songs. He created a new romantic style of music. His music mixes his own songs with classic tunes and pop songs.
By 2006, he had sold about 70 million records. He earned 267 gold albums and 70 platinum albums. This means his music sold a lot! He is very popular in Asia. The Guinness Book of World Records calls him "the most successful pianist in the world."
See also
In Spanish: Richard Clayderman para niños
