Gribouille, the Forgotten: A Tale of Lesbian Artists in Paris
Marie Françoise Gaité, better known as Gribouille, was a talented performer who unfortunately remains largely forgotten in the annals of history. Born in 1941, Gribouille began her artistic journey by performing in the streets of Lyon before eventually making her way to Paris at the age of 16. It was in the capital city that she gained recognition for her unique talent of drawing chalk art on the sidewalks.
One fateful day, Gribouille caught the attention of renowned artist Jean Cocteau, who was captivated by her presence. Cocteau, mistaking her for a “pretty young girl full of music who sometimes looked like a pretty boy,” became intrigued by her and decided to introduce her to the famous Parisian cabaret, Boeuf sur le Toit, where he himself was a regular.
At the Boeuf sur le Toit, Gribouille’s performances mesmerized the audience. She recorded songs with Michel Breuzard and collaborated with esteemed composers such as Charles Dumons and Jacques Debronckart. However, it was in the 1960s that Gribouille truly made her mark, writing her most famous texts, including “Mathias,” “Grenoble,” “She’s Waiting for You,” and “Ostend.” Her androgynous appearance, deep voice, and personal, ambiguous songs resonated deeply with the lesbian community, making her a beloved figure among them.
Gribouille’s story is not an isolated one. The lesbian community has a long history of finding solace and freedom within the confines of cabarets. The group Namoro, composed of Bili Bellegarde and Mascare, recently released their EP “Sweet Bugger,” which explores the love between two women who support and grow old together. Their music pays homage to heroines such as Suzanne Malherbe, Audrey Lorde, Colette Magny, and Nathalie Barnet.
Billie Bellegarde and Mascare perform at La Bouche, a thriving queer cabaret in Paris. This establishment is part of a lineage of lesbian artists who have found immense liberation within the cabaret scene. Dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, the lesbian repertoire flourished alongside the shady and vibrant atmosphere of Paris during the Roaring Twenties.
To delve deeper into the rich history of lesbian artists and their impact on the music scene, one can explore various music programming and archives. Notable mentions include “Affair” and “Sweet Bugger” by Namoro, “Open” by Suzie Solidor, “Boyish” by Colette Mars, “It’s the Wind” by Nicole Louvier, and “The Blue Stream” by Anne Sylvester. Additionally, the Association of LGBT Journalists offers a program called “Out the Show,” which features interviews and performances by artists such as Lea Lootgieter.
For those interested in further exploration, “The Lesbian Underwear of the Song” by Lea Lootgieter and Pauline Paris is a recommended read. This book, published by editions iXe in 2019, delves into the intricate world of lesbian artists and their contributions to music. Another valuable resource is “Interlope Songs (1906/1966)” by Martin Penet, a double CD set accompanied by a booklet that traces sixty years of homo, lesbian, and trans culture.
Gribouille and the lesbian artists who have graced the cabarets of Paris may have been forgotten by mainstream history, but their impact on the music scene and the LGBTQ+ community remains significant. It is through the celebration and recognition of their artistry that their legacies can be preserved and appreciated for generations to come.
How did lesbian artists like Gribouille and Suzy Solidor challenge societal conventions and pave the way for future LGBT artists in Paris
An album paying homage to Gribouille and other lesbian artists who have been largely forgotten by history.
The album, titled “Lesbian Artists of Paris: A Hidden Heritage,” brings to light the untold stories and contributions of these artists. Through their music and performances, these women defied societal conventions and found a space of acceptance and expression in the cabaret scene.
In addition to Gribouille, the album features songs by other forgotten lesbian artists such as Suzy Solidor, Marie Maginot, and Lucienne Boyer. Each song tells a unique story and represents a different aspect of the lesbian experience in Paris.
Through their music, these artists challenged notions of gender identity and sexuality, paving the way for future generations of LGBT artists. Despite facing discrimination and erasure, they stood proud and unapologetically embraced their identities, making significant contributions to the artistic and cultural landscape of Paris.
Unfortunately, the stories of these lesbian artists have largely been overshadowed and forgotten. Their experiences and struggles have been erased from the mainstream narrative, but the release of this album seeks to rectify that.
By shedding light on the lives and accomplishments of these artists, “Lesbian Artists of Paris: A Hidden Heritage” seeks to give them the recognition they deserve. Their stories deserve to be told and celebrated, and their music deserves to be heard.
Gribouille, in particular, remains an important figure in the history of lesbian artists. Her unique and androgynous image, as well as her deeply personal and ambiguous songs, resonated with the lesbian community and continue to inspire artists today.
It is through projects like this album that we can ensure the stories and contributions of lesbian artists are not forgotten. By remembering and celebrating these artists, we honor their legacy and pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse artistic community.
