Annie Cordy

Actor and vocalist Annie Cordy may not be a household name outside central Europe, but she enjoyed one of the longest enduring careers of any female performer of the post-World War II era. As a teenager, she won numerous talent competitions, including the Grand Prix de la Chanson. In 1952, Cordy made her debut in operetta and also embarked on a solo recording career, enjoying a string of hits in France. As of 2006 she had recorded some 500 songs in addition to appearing in many dozens of movies and countless stage performances. Some 60 years after her debut, Cordy remained among the favorite veteran performers in France. ~ Bruce Eder