Blanchard Gérard

Blanchard Gérard grew up in Normandy, where local folk music shaped his approach to songwriting. He took up guitar early and found inspiration in the work of French singers like Georges Brassens and Jacques Brel.

His song 'Elle voulait revoir sa Normandie' became something of an anthem for Norman expatriates. He also recorded 'Rock Amadour' and worked with musicians including Jean-Pierre Guignon and Olivier Bergeron.

Gérard faced some criticism for sticking to traditional Norman themes in an era when commercial pop was ascendant. He kept at it anyway, releasing several albums that found an audience in his home region.