Jean Gabilou

Jean Gabilou (born Gabriel Lewis Laughlin on 28 February 1944) is a Tahiti based singer who represented France in the Eurovision Song Contest 1981.

Early life Born into a family of ten children, he grew up in Papeete, Tahiti until the age of 13, before moving to Faa'a with his family. He is of Polynesian descent.

In 1963, a friend, Raoul Robert, asked him to sing a melody at the Matavai Hotel. He then interpreted two waltzes and the religious song "When The Saints Go Marching In" in rock version. The same evening he received his first contract, for 60 francs an hour. He first worked with the Vernaudon brothers for two years, then started performing at the Pitate Club with the Hars Brothers for another two years. Laughlin was then approached by Petiot, a guitarist for a group called The Barefoot Boys, which he joined at the age of 23. However, in 1968, Laughlin left the group.

In 1983, he celebrated his twenty-year career in Papeete. In 1985, he married Moeata Sasson, ) in a duet with New Caledonian singer Claudia Haustien.

Later life In 1993 he returned on stage with "Hei No". However, in 1995, feeling ill, Gabilou went to a medical clinic in Papeete where he was diagnosed with having paralyzed vocal cords. Despite the bad news, he fought to regain his voice and left for France where he met speech therapist Dr Veil.

Discography 2007 - Le Fafaru 2006 - Avini Ute 2005 - Homai-Heiatea 2004- Keanu 2003 - Poerava 2001 - Fakateretere 1999 - Barefoot, en souvenir de Joe Garbutt 1997 - Rohipehe 1996 - Na oe Vairea 1994 - Mama Ella 1992 - Hei No Tamatoa 1990 - Nohoarii 1989 - Hianau 1988 - Esther et Gabilou, leurs plus grands succès