Who Is Charles Aznavour? Age, Biography and Wiki
Charles Aznavour was born on May 22, 1924, in Paris, France, to Armenian parents. He became one of France's most iconic singers and songwriters, renowned for his emotive voice and complex lyrics that transcend linguistic barriers. He began his career in the 1940s, achieving international fame over the decades. Aznavour passed away on October 1, 2018, but his music continues to be celebrated. By 2025, he would have been 101 years old.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 22, 1924 |
| Age | 94 Years |
| Birth Place | Paris, France |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 1 October, 2018 |
| Died Place | Mouriès, Bouches-du-Rhône, France |
Popularity
Charles Aznavour's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his life, Charles Aznavour was known for his unique physical traits, standing at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. He had a slender build, which he maintained well into his later years, with an estimated weight of around 150 lbs (68 kg) during the peak of his career. His distinctive features and stage presence contributed significantly to his charm and appeal as a performer.
At the start of autumn 2006, Aznavour initiated his farewell tour, performing in the United States and Canada, and earning very positive reviews. Aznavour started 2007 with concerts all over Japan and Asia.
The second half of 2007 saw Aznavour return to Paris for over 20 shows at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, followed by more touring in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the rest of France.
Aznavour had repeatedly stated that this farewell tour, health permitting, would likely last beyond 2010; after that, however, Charles Aznavour continued performing worldwide throughout the year. At 84, 60 years on stage made him "a little hard of hearing".
In his final years he would still sing in multiple languages and without persistent use of teleprompters, but typically he would stick to just two or three (French and English being the primary two, with Spanish or Italian being the third) during most concerts.
On 30 September 2006, Aznavour performed a major concert in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, to start off the cultural season "Arménie mon amie". Then Armenian president Robert Kocharyan and his French counterpart Jacques Chirac, at the time on an official visit to Armenia, were in front-row attendance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Aznavour was a private individual, he was married to Ulla Thorsell from 1967 until his passing, and the couple had one daughter together. He also had two children from previous relationships. Aznavour's family remained a core part of his life, influencing both his personal and professional journeys. As of 2025, discussions about his romantic interests or future relationships are purely hypothetical, given his passing.
He was named Shahnour (or Chahnour) Vaghinag (Vaghenagh) Aznavourian, by his parents, Armenian immigrants Michael (Misha) Aznavourian (from present-day Akhaltsikhe, Georgia) and Knar Baghdasarian, from Adapazarı (in present-day Sakarya, Turkey).
He had one older sister, Aïda, born in January 1923 in Thessaloniki, Greece before their family moved to France. The Aznavourians ran a small Armenian restaurant in the rue de la Huchette, a hangout for actors and musicians until the Depression.
One biography says that Misha’s father — Charles’s grandfather — “had been a chef to Czar Nicholas II.” But Aznavour himself gave a laugh about it: “My grandfather,” he said, “was a chef for the governor of Tiflis, in Georgia.
The czar used to eat there every 150 years.” Charles's parents introduced him to performing at an early age, and he dropped out of school at age nine, and took the stage name "Aznavour".
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Charles Aznavour's net worth was estimated to be between $200 million to $300 million, making him one of the wealthiest musicians in France. His earnings were primarily derived from his extensive music career, which spanned seven decades, encompassing album sales, concert tours, and royalties. His lasting legacy continues to cultivate ongoing financial benefits posthumously, with music sales and rights generating income for his estate.
Career, Business and Investments
Aznavour's career is marked by his vast discography, including over 1,000 songs in multiple languages, along with collaborations with numerous artists across genres. From recording studios to concert stages, he captivated audiences worldwide. Beyond music, Aznavour also ventured into acting, appearing in several films.
Later in his career, he invested in various business endeavors, including the establishment of a music publishing business and philanthropic efforts that supported causes close to his heart, particularly related to the Armenian community. Aznavour's legacy also lives on through the continued popularity of his songs and the artists inspired by his work.
Charles Aznavour (born Shahnur Vaghinak Aznavourian; 22 May 1924 – 1 October 2018) was a French singer and songwriter of Armenian descent. Aznavour was known for his distinctive vibrato tenor voice: clear and ringing in its upper reaches, with gravelly and profound low notes.
In a career as a singer and songwriter, spanning over 70 years, he recorded more than 1,200 songs interpreted in 9 languages – namely French, English, Italian, Spanish, German, Armenian, Neapolitan, Russian, and, later in his career, Kabyle. Moreover, he wrote or co-wrote more than 1,000 songs for himself and others.
Aznavour is regarded as one of the greatest songwriters in history and an icon of 20th-century pop culture.
Social Network
Though social media was not prominent during his active years, Charles Aznavour has a posthumous social presence. His music is still widely shared on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify, where fans continue to discover his timeless work. Various fan pages and tribute accounts celebrate his contributions, ensuring that new generations are introduced to his artistry.
In October 2016, Aznavour joined other prominent Armenians on calling the government of Armenia to adopt "new development strategies based on inclusiveness and collective action" and to create "an opportunity for the Armenian world to pivot toward a future of prosperity, to transform the post-Soviet Armenian Republic into a vibrant, modern, secure,
peaceful and progressive homeland for a global nation."
Education
Education played a vital role in Aznavour's formative years, although he faced challenges early on, including a lack of formal education due to his commitment to his musical career. He was largely self-taught, honing his craft through experience rather than traditional schooling. His upbringing in a multicultural environment enriched his artistic expression, which resonated with audiences globally.
