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All Music Guide:
A pop artist who made his name in Belgium with a career that spanned four decades, Frédéric François (born Francesco Barracatto in June 1950) was born in Italy and relocated with family to Belgium while still a toddler. He began his career very early in life, singing songs at local establishments at the age of 12. His first single saw the light of day in 1971, the first of many released over the next two decades. While collections of his work were available throughout that time, his first "official" album release came in 1993. A string of full-lengths followed, with 2007 seeing his album Merci la Vie achieve European chart success, success, that over the years, François had become quite accustomed to.
Wikipedia:
Frédéric François (born Francesco Barracato, 3 June 1950) is a Belgian – Italian singer, born in Sicily, near Palermo.
Biography
In 1952, his family left his village to settle in Wallonia, Tilleur (province of Liege, Belgium). When he was 12, he bought a guitar and sang at night in cabarets after work at the mine, with his father. François Barra was his first stage name in 1970. Then he had many successes under his current name from the following year.
Frédéric François now lives in Antheit, near Huy (province of Liege). Artist singing mostly in French, some in French/Italian and Spanish languages, Frédéric François is well known for his chansons (love songs). He has released songs on singles, albums and compilations.