Michel Laurent, Singer and Interpretor of “My Queen of Sheba”, Passes Away at 78

Singer Michel Laurent died on May 5 at the age of 78, AFP journalist Jean-François Guyot announced on Twitter. He is notably the author, composer and performer of “My Queen of Sheba” and “Sing Sing Barbara”. He appears on the “photo of the century” grouping 46 French stars of the yé-yé 1966 for the magazine “Salut les amis”. He is seated in the 4th row, next to Michel Berger.

Michel Laurent, whose real name is Michel Taïeb, was born in Tunisia on December 25, 1944. He had several successes with variety/rock records from 1963. His 2nd single, “Le Pantin”, became the hit that lasted the longest in the history of the show “Hi guys”.

In 1967, after 7 albums, he launched himself under the name of Laurent into compositions inspired by classical music, his first love. Her song “My Queen of Sheba” is a huge success. It has been recorded by over 250 performers worldwide and has sold over 50 million copies. It is particularly popular in Japan. Sylvie Vartan did a cover of it in 1973. “Like a clown”, “The hill of the winds”, “My cathedral” and, above all, “Sing Sing Barbara”, which remained at the top of the hit parade in Italy for six years, followed. consecutive months.

Michel Laurent has also written and composed for other artists, such as Sheila, Karen Cheryl and Dalida. He retired from showbiz in the late 80s.