The 'French Elvis', Johnny Hallyday, has died at the age of 74

An icon of French pop music, Johnny Hallyday, has died at the age of 74.

Hallyday was known by many as France's answer to Elvis Presley, as indeed it was the Elvis film 'Loving You' that inspired the 14-year-old Jean-Philippe Smet to pick up a guitar in 1957.

While his success never really translated to audiences outside of his home country, he sold 100 million albums in France over the course of his 60-year-long career.

In recent years he had been battling colon cancer and his wife Laeticia Boudou confirmed today that he passed away yesterday. He is survived by his four children.

RIP.

Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures… more