TODAY in the PAST: February 4rd, 1900
February 4rd, 1900 – Jacques Prévert is Born
On February 4th, 1900, French poet and screenwriter Jacques Prévert is born in Neuilly-sur-Seine near Paris. His famous poem “Les Feuilles mortes” (Autumn Leaves) was made into a song known all over the world and sang by Édith Piaf, Yves Montand, Nat King Cole, Doris Day, and so many more. He died on April 11th, 1977 in Omonville-la-Petite, a small village in Normandy where he spent the last years of his life. This was his house and is open to the public. His home is a frequent field trip destination for school-age children – Jacques Prévert is a big part of the French curriculum (some of you may even remember a few poems you learn in elemantary school!).
Jacques Prévert’s House in Omonville-la-Petite, Normandy
To remember Jacques Prévert, we selected the song Serge Gainsbourg wrote to pay tribute to Prévert’s beloved poem & song “Les Feuilles Mortes” (The Automn Leaves). Enjoy!
Serge Gainsbourg Tribute to Jacques Prévert (with English Subtitles)
La Chanson de Prévert (The Song of Prevert)