22 July 2004(2004-07-22) (aged 71) Rayol-Canadel, France
Genres
Pop
rock
jazz
Occupations
Musician
singer
actor
Instruments
Guitar
vocals
Years active
1950–2004
Musical artist
Alexandre "Sacha" Distel (29 January 1933 – 22 July 2004) was a French musician and singer who had hits with a cover version of "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" in 1970, which reached No 10 in the UK Charts,[1][2] "Scoubidou", and "The Good Life". He was made Chevalier (Knight) of the Légion d'honneur in 1997.[3] He had also scored a hit as a songwriter when Tony Bennett recorded Sacha's song for The Good Life in 1963. It peaked at #18 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and Top 10 on the Easy Listening chart.
Career
Distel was the son of Russian-French émigré Léonide Distel who was born in Odessa (Russian Empire) and French-Jewish pianist Andrée Ventura (1902–1965), born in Constantinople.[4] His uncle was bandleader Ray Ventura.[5] After Ventura settled in Paris with his orchestra Les Collégiens, Distel gave up piano and switched to guitar.[6]
As well as his musical career he also did some acting, primarily on French television. He had a cameo appearance in the 1960 film Zazie dans le Métro.
Personal life
Distel was involved with actress Brigitte Bardot in 1958, having invited her to his birthday party in Saint-Tropez.[8] The relationship ended in 1959.[8] He married champion Olympic skier Francine Bréaud in 1963.[8] Distel publicly stated that he remained faithful to his wife: "Anything I want in a woman I can get at home."[8]
Death
Distel died of cancer at the age of 71 on 22 July 2004 at his mother-in-law's home in Rayol-Canadel, near Saint-Tropez, France.[9]