Raymond Lévesque

Raymond Lévesque (October 7, 1928 – February 15, 2021) was a Canadian singer-songwriter and poet from Quebec. One of the pioneers of the chansonnier tradition in Quebec, he was best known for writing "Quand les hommes vivront d'amour", one of the most famous pop standards in French-language popular music. he began writing songs in the 1940s and started performing in various cabarets around Montreal. He had his first significant breakthrough in 1947, when he was invited to perform several of his songs on CKAC radio by Fernand Robidoux. In 1968, he also began to write poetry and plays, and became politically active in the Quebec separatist movement.

Later life Lévesque received a lifetime achievement award from the Prix Félix in 1980.

Lévesque was awarded the Prix Denise-Pelletier in 1997. He was named a winner of the Governor General's Performing Arts Award in 2005, but declined the honour due to his sovereignist views.

In 2016, a new song written by Lévesque, titled "Les jours d'amour", was recorded and released by singer Marie-Josée Longchamps. He died on February 15, 2021, in Montreal. He was 92, and had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec in the time leading up to his death.

Discography Albums 1962 – Chansons et monologues 1965 – Raymond Lévesque à la Butte-à-Mathieu 1967 – Après 20 ans 2005 – Raymond Lévesque – Collection Québec Info Musique 1971 – Au fond du chaos

Plays • 1968-Médée 1970 – Bigaouette 2000 – Le petit Lalonde