The trusted and official details about LARA FABIAN:
Lara Fabian (born Lara Crokaert January 9, 1970 in Etterbeek, Belgium) is an international Belgian-Italian singer, known for her vocal prowess and skilled technique. She sings in French, Italian and Spanish, in addition to English, and is fluent in them all. She has also sung in Portuguese, and once in German in 1988 for a version of "Croire" ("Glaub"), although she speaks neither language fluently. She also speaks a little Dutch (Flemish). She has sold over 12 million records worldwide so far. She became a Canadian citizen in 1994 at the time she began her career in Quebec.
Early life
Lara Fabian was born to a Flemish father and a Sicilian mother. Her name was inspired by her parents' appreciation of the theme song of the film Doctor Zhivago. Although born in Etterbeek (Belgium), she spent her first five years in her mother's hometown of Catania in Sicily, learning Italian as a first language, before moving back to Brussels in Belgium. Fabian began singing, dancing, and taking piano lessons at a very young age and began formal music lessons at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels at age eight. She began writing and performing her own songs during her ten years study at the conservatory. Before pursuing a full-time career in music, Fabian studied to be a lawyer. Fabian's songs were greatly influenced by both her classical vocal and music theory training and by contemporary artists such as Barbra Streisand and Queen.
Music career
1986-1993: Early music career
See also: Lara Fabian (French album)
During the 1980s, Lara Fabian entered a number of European competitions and won several prizes. A consequence of winning one of these contests in 1986 was the release of her first ever single, "L'Aziza est en pleurs" / "Il y avait". Both were written by the Belgian composer Marc Lerchs as a homage to the deceased French singer Daniel Balavoine.
In 1988, the RTL TV channel in Luxembourg invited Lara to represent the country at the 33rd Eurovision Song Contest, held that year in Dublin, Ireland. The song presented to Lara was a composition made by Jacques Cardona and Alain Garciac entitled "Croire" (Trust) and reached a respectable fourth place that night. The winning song that year was titled "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi" and launched the career of its performer, Fabian's fellow francophone artist, Céline Dion, who sang on behalf of Switzerland. Fabian's "Croire" became a hit single that year in Europe selling nearly 500,000 copies.
In 1990, Fabian travelled to Canada to promote her third single Je Sais and fell in love with the province of Quebec. In 1991, with two suitcases and $1,000 in her pocket, Fabian and her friend and musical collaborator, Rick Allison, moved to Montreal, Canada to embark on a career in North America. They began their own music label and publishing company, Productions Clandestines. Rick first met Lara in a jazz bar in Brussels some years previously and was impressed by Fabian's vocals on Ella Fitzgerald's "Summertime". The pair worked steadily on writing and recording songs.
In August 1991, Fabian's self-titled French-language debut album, Lara Fabian, was released in Canada and sold over 100,000 copies. This debut album went on to be certified Gold in 1993 and then certified platinum the following year. The success of the album's upbeat Dance-pop singles such as "Le jour où tu partira", "Les murs", and "Qui pense à l'amour" gave Fabian the radio exposure she needed. She received several nominations at the 1993 ADISQ awards and a poll published around that time revealed that she was considered Quebec's most promising singer.
1994-1996: Breakthrough album: "Carpe diem"
See also: Carpe diem (Lara Fabian album)
Fabian's constant touring in Quebec helped her 1994 album Carpe diem to become her breakthrough album. The album went Gold less than three weeks after its release, and spawned three hit singles: "Tu t'en vas", "Si tu m'aimes", and "Leïla". The following year, the album went Triple Platinum and Fabian's SRO tour attracted more than 150,000 fans. The success of Carpe diem was recognized at the 1995 ADISQ gala. Fabian received two Félix awards: Best Show Of The Year and Best Female Singer Of The Year (a category that is voted upon by the public).
In January 1995, Serge Lama requested that Fabian join him on the stage of the Paris venue Palais des Congrès to perform "Je suis malade", which she had recorded on Carpe diem. Impressed by the audience's response to their duet, Lama immediately asked Fabian to sing the song once more on her own, this delighted the audience.
In 1996, Walt Disney Studios immortalized Lara's voice when they asked her to voice the character of Esmeralda in the French version of the animated feature The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Disney also included Fabian's French version of the song "Que Dieu aide les exclus" (God Help The Outcasts) on the film's English soundtrack album beside Bette Midler's version. This was a unique move for the company.
1997-1999: Mainstream international success: "Pure" and first "Live"
See also: Pure (Lara Fabian album) and Live 1999 (Lara Fabian album)
After the success of Carpe diem, Fabian signed a contract with the French Polydor label for several albums and Pure was released in June 1997. Pure sold over two million copies in France alone and the album went platinum in less than two weeks. The album spawned several hit singles: "Tout", "Je t'aime", "Humana" and the anti-homophobia anthem "La Différence". "Tout", "Je t'aime" and "Humana" each sold more than one million copies. Fabian was again bestowed with awards, being awarded a Félix for Popular Album Of The Year at the 1997 ADISQ gala and was also nominated for two Juno Awards in the Best Female Singer and Best Selling French Album categories.
This recognition once again attracted the attention of movie studios. The producer of Daylight (starring Sylvester Stallone) asked Fabian and Rick Allison to write a song for the movie. They created the French song, "Tant qu'il y aura de l'amour". For the film this was performed in English by Donna Summer and Bruce Roberts.
In January 1998, Fabian sang a duet with Johnny Hallyday at a benefit concert given for the Restos du Coeur in France. The pair would later perform this duet again at the Stade de France in front of 240,000 fans as part of Hallyday's concert tour. Fabian's own tour during this time had two sold-out shows at L'Olympia (France). A month later, on that very same stage, Lara was given the Discovery Of The Year award during the Victoires de la Musique Gala. Also in 1998, Polydor released Fabian's Canadian hit album Carpe diem in Europe and her international popularity was secured, as exemplified by the decision of the famous Grévin Wax Museum to unveil Fabian's wax effigy, as a Quebec City museum had already done. This made her the first female Canadian singer ever to be honoured by the Paris institution.
Lara spent most of Fall 1998 in France, where she embarked on an extensive tour of 24 cities including Paris, Lyon, Marseilles, Geneva and Monaco. During this sold-out concert tour, Lara performed for audiences of more than 150,000. In November 1998, Lara received the Félix Award for Artist With The Most Recognition Outside Quebec at the ADISQ Gala. In December, Lara was chosen Revelation Of The Year by the magazine Paris Match, which put her on its cover to mark this occasion.
In March 1999, Fabian released her first live album, simply named Live, which debuted at #1 on the French charts. This helped solidify the international buzz around her and she received an international recording contract from Sony Music.
In May 1999, Fabian was honoured at the World Music Awards in Monaco, where she was given the award for Best Selling Record for the Year 1998 for her album Pure. In July 1999, with over 6 million records sold across Europe, Polydor released Fabian’s self-titled debut album from 1991. This European version of the album contained slight modifications, such as a new album cover and the addition of the hit single "Croire".
[edit] 1999-2001: Extension of success to the US and Latin America: "Lara Fabian"
See also: Lara Fabian (2000)
In the summer of 1999, Fabian crossed the Atlantic to record her first English-language album, Lara Fabian, in New York and San Francisco for the Sony label. The songs were written and produced with the help of her partner Rick Allison as well as Dave Pickell, Walter Afanasieff, Glen Ballard and Patrick Leonard.
The Dance-pop song, "I Will Love Again", her first English single, reached #1 on the U.S.A. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play. It also peaked #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 Adult Contemporary) as well as appearing on several other international charts. A follow-up ballad, "Love By Grace", became a moderate Adult Contemporary chart hit peaking at #24. The third single, the Dance-pop song, "I Am Who I Am" remixed by Hex Hector became an underground club hit, but did not chart. Meanwhile in Europe, the single "Adagio" charted at #5 on the French singles chart and #3 on the Belgian singles chart.
The album itself debuted at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers new album chart, reached #1 on the French album chart and #2 on the Belgian album chart. For the Asian version of the album, Fabian collaborated with American-Taiwanese pop star, Lee Hom Wang on the song "Light of my life".[1]
During this period, Fabian recorded songs for several Hollywood motion picture soundtracks such as "The Dream Within" for the Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within soundtrack and, "For Always" for the AI:Artificial Intelligence soundtrack. The "AI: Artificial Intelligence" Soundtrack has two versions of the song "For Always". One version is of Fabian solo, the other version is a duet with singer Josh Groban. Fabian has also ventured into acting, appearing in the film De-Lovely, performing Cole Porter's So In Love with Mario Frangoulis. This song appears on the movie soundtrack. Also, Fabian's "Givin' Up On You" appears on the soundtrack "Songs From Dawson's Creek, Vol. 2".
2001-2003: Return to French roots: "Nue", "Live 2002" and "En toute intimité"
See also: Nue (Lara Fabian album), Live 2002 (Lara Fabian album), and En Toute Intimité (Lara Fabian album)
Nue (Naked) was Fabian's fourth French album and was released in the Fall of 2001 in both Québec and France, making her return to her French singing roots. Her experiences surrounding her first English album were intense and, although critically praised, personally exhausting. "Nue" is the documentaion by Fabian and her partner and producer, Rick Allison, of her emotional ride in the preceding few years. It is an album that gave listeners a much more vulnerable and fragile perception of Fabian although presented with an exceptional vocal strength. Her first single released in the summer of 2001 was the anthem "J'y crois encore" which was a top 20 French hit and was followed by the release of the album later that month. The album reached #1 in Belgium and #2 in France but had little impact in Québec. Other singles followed, such as Fabian's personal favourite, "Immortelle", a strong song that remains constantly present in Fabian's live concerts. "Aimer Déjà" was also released as a single and in 2002 "Tu es mon autre" (a duet with fellow Belgian friend and singer Maurane), was nominated for song of the year and reached the top 5 in France. This has become another trademark song in Fabian's career and she has performed it many times with many other artists, including Rick Allison during her 2001/2002 tour. In addition, this album was also released in Portugal and reached the top 10 on the album charts during the Fall of 2001 as a consequence of the tremendous success of Fabian's previous English album.
Also in 2002, Fabian contributed to the World Soccer Championship CD release with the song "World At Your Feet" written and produced by Gary Barlow.
Towards the end of 2002, Fabian released her second live album, Live 2002, from her latest tour together with a DVD showcasing concerts recorded in December 2001 in Belgium at the Forest National and at Le Zénith in Paris.
By early 2003, Fabian was once again touring. This time the concert was presented in a more intimate and acoustic atmosphere at the Casino de Paris every Monday night. An acoustic set that became her transition towards a new Lara Fabian that the public was on verge of knowing and worshiping. During this tour, Maurane and Daniel Lavoie both appeared as guests, duetting with Fabian on "Tu es mon autre" and "Je suis mon coeur" respectively. These acoustic concerts were released as a live CD and DVD at the end of 2003, under the title En toute intimité.
2004: Second English language release: "A Wonderful Life"
See also: A Wonderful Life (Lara Fabian album)
In 2004, Fabian released her second English album, A Wonderful Life. The project was commercially unsuccessful but critically-praised. The album did not come close to the success of her previous English debut effort but created a path for a sound and musical change that would trademark Fabian's future musical style. The more organic sound is due to the work of French guitarist Jean-Félix Lalanne, and also working with producers such as Desmond Child, Anders Bagge and the British team True North (composed of Take That singer Gary Barlow and Elliot John Kennedy). The centrepiece of this record, as Fabian stated on a promotional interview for this album, is "Review My Kisses". This song was written by Desmond Child and planned to be recorded initially by Fabian herself. It was recorded by LeAnn Rimes in 2002 for her album "Twisted Angel".
The first single release (though only for radio) was "The Last Goodbye" in the US and most other countries (except France). The video premiered on Portuguese talk show "Herman Sic" one day before the album was released. In the meantime, Fabian decided to release a different song in France, considering that "The Last Goodbye" was too "American" for an audience that was more used to her own songwriting. She released (with a video as well) the song "No Big Deal". Neither of the songs achieved massive or moderate, partly attribuatble to Fabian's personal decision to withdraw from the project and also due to conflicts with Sony Music. The album was not promoted and its release was cancelled in the United States.
At least one song from the album, "I Guess I Loved You", saw some moderate success when included on a Brazilian soap opera. Brazil is still one of the countries with a strong passion for Fabian's music, and therefore this song was chosen for the soundtrack of "Senhora do Destino" (Lady Of Destiny) almost gaining the same popularity that "Love By Grace" did when similarly chosen in 2001. The song also gained some popularity in Portugal for the same reasons, though it was never officially released or promoted.
For the rest of 2004 Fabian was in almost complete seclusion from the music scene, having left her second English record aside. Newspapers began speculating about a serious disease that had affected her. The drama became so exaggerated that Fabian herself was forced to appear on a short interview in Québec later that year explaining some of the reasons she withdrew from the public eye and also why she had returned to her native Belgium, leaving Québec (where she had lived in Westmount for nearly 15 years).
2005-2006: A new musical direction: "9" and "Un Regard 9"
See also: 9 (Lara Fabian album) and Un regard 9 Live
In March 2005, Fabian re-appeared on the music scene in France (and also in Canada) with her fifth French album, 9. This title symbolically resembles "a change" and "a rebirth[...]the end of a period of time in one's life and simultaneously the beginning of another". It marked a completely different direction in Fabian's musical and personal life. The album is performed differently, with smoothness, serenity and with a lot of joy, far from the in-depth and dramatic vibes of earlier recordings. Critics that had often given bad reviews of Fabian's vocal abilities, claiming that she "screamed", or that she was just attempting to be another Celine Dion finally saw a singer who no longer used her vocal power to reach her audience.
9 yielded the hit single "La Lettre", a song co-written by Fabian and composed by her new partner, Jean-Félix Lalanne. He is responsible, along with Fabian herself for the composition and production of the album's 11 tracks. Other singles from 9 were "Ne lui parlez plus d'elle", "Un Ave Maria", "Il ne manquait que toi" (a song written by Lara and inspired by Lalanne) and the gospel-infused "L'homme qui n'avait pas de maison".
The success of 9 was cemented by a huge tour titled "Un regard 9". This tour reached France, Belgium, Switzerland, Lebanon, Russia, Quebec, Turkey, Luxembourg, Mauritius, French overseas territories in the Caribbean and Oceania and totalled more than 60 concerts. Lara also performed in Portugal for the first time, showcasing songs from her two English records and a few French songs such as "La Lettre".
In October 2006, Lara released a CD and DVD of this tour, both titled Un regard 9 Live. Both the CD and DVD were recorded during Fabian's concerts on 29 March 2006 at Le Zénith in Paris. The CD presents 15 live performances plus a brand new song, "Aime", which was recorded in a studio in Montreal. This song has been recorded in both English and French, though the latter version is the only one officially released so far. "Aime" was initially performed live during a few concerts in Belgium as gift for her native Belgium fans but the enthusiastic response and feedback prompted Fabian to record the song and include it on a forthcoming release. On TV shows, where Lara promoted the song as a single, one can see the audience putting their hands in the air in the shape of a heart, a sign Lara made during her tour and that has now became a symbol for the song and its meaning.
2006-2007: An Italian collaboration and live concerts in Europe
According to messages left by Lara Fabian on her official site in 2006, her next studio album was to be her first Italian-language project. Few details have been released except that she has been working with Neapolitan singer and songwriter Gigi D'Alessio, who appeared once at one of her shows, and whose performance is included as a bonus on Fabian's recent live DVD, Un regard 9 Live. The two artists recorded a song called "Un Cuore Malato" (Ill heart), which they performed live during the fourth night of the 2007 Sanremo festival on Rai Uno, the main Italian public channel. There is also a French/Italian version of this duet "Un Coeur Blessé" and this was released to French radio in Summer 2007.
In June 2007, Fabian worked in Rome and Los Angeles to record sessions for her Italian album. In the meantime, the single "Un Cuore Malato" (with Gigi D'Alessio) reached the top of the Italian charts and #16 in France. As part of her time in Los Angeles, Fabian worked with David A. Stewart (musician and record producer known for his work with Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard (former Alanis Morissette producer and writing partner) on a "multilingual" album which is reputed to include songs in English, Spanish, French, Italian and a few other languages (resembling albums by singers such as Josh Groban, Mario Frangoulis and Russell Watson with whom Fabian has recorded before). This album is expected to be released in late 2008. Fabian revealed some time ago that she wrote a song with Dave Stewart called "Between Hatred And Love" and a few tracks with Glen Ballard for to this project. Ballard had previously composed a track for Fabian titled "Ivy" and this was released as a b-side for the single "Adagio" in 1999.
Also in 2007, Fabian was in Québec to perform a two night concert at the Olympia de Montreal (re-opening this theatre after its long renovation) presenting her Quebec fans with some of the atmosphere of her 2005-2006 European Un regard 9 tour. In addition, Fabian performed private acoustic sessions in countries such as Portugal, Turkey and Russia. On the 14th October 2007, Fabian was a surprise guest at the only concert Gigi D'Alessio gave in France at the famous Olympia in Paris, just a few days before the birth of her daughter. Fabian surprised everyone by appearing and performing their successful duet "Un Cuore Malato". The concert was broadcasted through an Italian TV channel.
2009: Return to the music scene: "Toutes les femmes en moi"
See also: Toutes les femmes en moi
Lara Fabian returned to the music scene a few months after her daughter's birth in 2007 and has been doing some concerts in countries such as Ukraine, Russia and Greece. In Greece she was a guest in a concert by Greek tenor Mario Frangoulis, with whom Fabian had previously duetted on the song "So In Love" featured in the movie "De-Lovely" in 2004. Fabian has also made a few TV appearances (such as 60th Anniversary of Israel where Lara performed a Hebrew song and dueted with Israeli singer Noa).
On an interview for Russian radio station "Silver Rain", prior to a concert in Moscow, Fabian expressed how much she loved and admired the late singer Grégory Lemarchal and claimed he was her favourite Star Academy participant from all seven editions done so far. She was also asked about what she thought of the talent shows that have brought so many people to the world of music. Fabian responded with "Who are we to judge? [...] These young people don't know how this machinery works, but we can't kill their dreams, can we?". In addition to the interview, she performed Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" specially for LeMarchal during her Moscow concert.
During 2008, Fabian was in Belgium preparing to record a brand new French album with famous pianist Mark Herskowitz, who had also composed and arranged the hidden instrumental track featured on the 2001 album "Nue". The album will be partly recorded in Montreal, Canada.[2] No further details have been revealed regarding her anticipated Italian album. It is highly suspected, however, that the new French album may be the so-called "multilingual" project previously mentioned, considering the fact that songs in Spanish, Italian, and English are said to be included on it.
Fabian confirmed the release of this much anticipated new album, Toutes les femmes en moi, on her official website on 20 October 2008. Fabian stated on her website that Toutes les femmes en moi is "daring" and that "Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Klezmer, Tango, Neo Classic, White Soul [and Gospel] come close without disturbing each other...". According to Fabian's official website the album will be released on May 26 2009. The first single release from this album is Soleil, Soleil, a cover of the Nana Mouskouri song, which was sent to French radios on March 11 2009. Fabian will be promoting the album during the next few months before starting a new tour later this year.
Friday, April 10, 2009
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Lara Fabian (born Lara Crokaert January 9, 1970 in Etterbeek, Belgium) is an international Belgian-Sicilian francophone singer, known for her vocal prowess and skilled technique. She often sings in Italian, Spanish, and English in addition to French. She has also sung once in Portuguese, though she is not fluent in the language, and also once in German back in 1988 for a German version of "Croire" ("Glaub"). She does not speak German either. She has sold over 12 million records worldwide so far. She also possesses a Canadian citizienship achieved in 1994 at the time she began her career in Québec.
Early life
Lara was born to a Flemish father and a Sicilian mother. Her name comes from her parents' inspiration of the theme song of the film Doctor Zhivago. Although born in Etterbeek (Belgium), she spent her first five years in Catania, learning Italian as a first language, before moving back to Belgium, in Brussels. Lara began singing, dancing, and taking piano lessons at a very young age and began formal music lessons at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels at age eight. Lara began writing and performing her own songs during her ten years study at the conservatory. Lara's songs were greatly influenced as much by her classical vocal and music theory training as contemporary artists as Barbra Streisand and Queen. During this time, Lara entered a number of European competitions and won several prizes. A consequence of winning one of those contests was the release of her first ever single " L'Aziza est en pleurs" / Il y avait " (written by the Belgian composer Marc Lerchs) a homage to the deceased French singer Daniel Balavoine, in the year of 1986.
1988-1993: Early music career
Album CoverIn 1988, the RTL TV channel in Luxembourg invited Lara to represent the country at the 33rd Eurovision Song Contest, held that year in Dublin, Ireland. The song presented to Lara was a composition made by Jacques Cardona and Alain Garciac entitled Croire (Trust) and reached a respectful fourth place that night. The winning song belonged to Switzerland, whose singer was no other than Céline Dion with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi. "Croire" became a big seller single that year in Europe reaching nearly 500.000 copies. Lara still performs Croire live today.
Upon finishing her studies (Lara was originally planing to devote her life to child criminology), in 1990 Lara travelled to Canada to promote her third single Je Sais and fell in love with the province of Quebec. In 1991, with two suitcases and $1,000 in her pocket, Lara moved to Montreal, Canada to embark on a career in North America. She began her own music label and publishing company, Productions Clandestines. She didn't leave Brussels all by herself, as her then friend and music collaborator Rick Allison had also left his native Belgium and travelled with Lara to an adventure which became Lara's rise to fame and her career so far. Rick first met Lara in a jazz bar in Brussels some years prior and was impressed by Lara's vocals on Ella Fitzgerald's Summertime. The pair worked steadily on writing and recording songs.
In 1991, Fabian's self-titled French-language debut album,Lara Fabian, which had been recorded earlier in Belgium, was released in Canada in August 1991 and sold over 100,000 copies. The debut album went on to be certified Gold in 1993 and then certified platinum the following year. The success of such upbeat Dance-pop singles like Le Jour Où Tu Partira, Les Murs, and Qui Pense à l'Amour gave Lara the exposure she needed on the radio. Lara received several nominations at the 1993 ADISQ awards and a poll published around that time revealed that Lara was considered Quebec's most promising singer.
1994-1996: Lara's breakthrough album
Carpe DiemHer constant touring in Quebec helped her 1994 album Carpe Diem to be her breakthrough album. The album went gold in less than three weeks of its release, and had three hit singles:Tu t'en vas, Si tu m'aimes, and Leïla. The following year, the album went triple platinum and Lara’s SRO tour attracted more than 150,000 fans. This success was recognized at the 1995 ADISQ gala in which Lara received two Félix awards: Best Show Of The Year and Best Female Singer Of The Year, a category that is voted upon by the public).
In January 1995, Serge Lama requested for Lara to join himself on the stage of the Paris venue Palais des Congrès to perform "Je suis malade", which she renewed on her Carpe Diem album. Impressed by the audience's response to his and Lara's duet, Serge right away asked Lara to sing the song once more on her own, which again delighted the audience.
In 1996, Walt Disney Studios immortalized Lara's voice when they asked her to do the voice for the character Esmeralda and sing a song for the animated feature The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Disney also included Lara's French version of the song on the film’s (English) soundtrack album beside that of Bette Midler's version, which was a unique move for the company.
1997-1999: Mainstream international success
Pure Album CoverSee also: Pure (Lara Fabian album)
Lara's 1997 album Pure, was a two million-selling album in France from which came the anti-homophobia anthem "La Difference." The album went platinum in less than two weeks. Lara again was bestowed with awards, being awarded a Félix for Popular Album Of The Year at the 1997 ADISQ gala and was also nominated for two Juno Awards in the Best Female Singer and Best Selling French Album categories.
This recognition once again attracted the attention of movie studios. The producer of Daylight, (starring Sylvester Stallone), asked Lara and Rick Allison to write a song for the movie. The song they created is Tant Qu'Il y Aura de l'Amour, the French version of the song performed by Donna Summer and Bruce Roberts.
Lara then signed a contract with the French Polydor label for several albums, and Pure was released in June 1997. Upon its release, Lara's European career skyrocketed. Sales of Pure hit the 2 million mark, while the singles Tout, Je T'Aime, and Humana each sold more than 1 million copies. In January 1998, Lara sang a duet with Johnny Hallyday at a benefit concert given for the Restos du Coeur in France. Lara's own tour during this time had two sold-out shows at L'Olympia (France). A month later, on that very same stage, Lara was given the Discovery Of The Year award during the Victoires de la Musique Gala. Soon after, Polydor released "Carpe Diem" in Europe.
After a sold-out two-night stint at the Paris Palais des Sports in April, Lara was even more in demand. Once again she was invited to perform with Johnny Hallyday during several concerts given at the Stade de France in front of 240,000 fans. The following fall, Lara undertook a European tour that reached audiences of more than 100,000.
Live Album 1998Lara's popularity is perhaps exemplified by the famous Grévin Wax Museum's decision to unveil her wax effigy, as a Quebec City museum had already done. She thus became the first female Canadian singer ever to be honoured by the Paris institution.
In November 1998, Lara received the Félix Award for Artist With The Most Recognition Outside Quebec at the ADISQ Gala. In December, Lara was chosen Revelation Of The Year by the magazine Paris Match, which put her on its cover to mark this occasion.
Lara spent most of fall 1998 in France, where she embarked on an extensive tour of 24 cities including Paris, Lyon, Marseilles, Geneva and Monaco. During this sold-out concert tour, Lara performed for audiences of more than 150,000. In May 1999, Lara was honoured at the World Music Awards in Monaco, where she was given the award for Best Selling Record for the Year 1998 for her album Pure.
In July 1999, with over 6 million records sold across Europe, Polydor released Lara’s eponymous (her self-titled debut from 1991) album. The European version of this early album contained slight modifications, such as a new album cover and the addition of the song Croire.
Lara released a live album, Lara Fabian Live, which debuted at #1 on the France charts in 1998. This helped solidified the international buzz around her and she received an international recording contract from Sony Music, which released her self-titled, English-language album, "Lara Fabian", in 2000.
2000-2001: Extension of success to the U.S./Latin America
International Album CoverSee also: Lara Fabian (2000)
In the summer of 1999, Lara crossed the Atlantic to record her first English-language album in New York and San Francisco for the Sony label. The songs were written and produced with the help of her partner Rick Allison and Dave Pickell as well as with Walter Afanasieff, Glen Ballard and Pat Leonard.
The Dance-pop song, I Will Love Again, her first English single, reached #1 on the U.S.A. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play. It also peaked #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 Adult Contemporary), and the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers new album chart. A follow-up ballad, Love By Grace, became a moderate Adult Contemporary chart hit peaking at #24. The third single, the Dance-pop song, I Am Who I Am remixed by Hex Hector did become an underground club hit, but barely missed the charts.
Lara has recorded songs for several Hollywood motion picture soundtracks such as "The Dream Within" for the Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within soundtrack and, "For Always" for the AI:Artificial Intelligence soundtrack. Lara has also ventured into movies, appearing in the film De-Lovely, performing Cole Porter's So In Love with Mario Frangoulis, and the song appears on the movie soundtrack as well. Lara also appears on the soundtrack "Songs From Dawson's Creek, Vol. 2".
2001-2002: Return to the French roots with "Nue"
Nue Album CoverSee also: Nue (Lara Fabian album)
"Nue" (Naked) was Lara's fourth French album to be released in the Fall of 2001 in both Québec and France, making her return to her French singing roots. Her rollercoaster experience surrounding her first English recording album was so intense and, although critically praised, personally exhausting. Her emotional ride through the last previous years was somehow documented in a very personal record to which Lara, alongside her partner and producer Rick Allison, called "Nue". An album that undressed Lara from all the bad remarks she had suffered over the years as an artist and presented a much more vulnerable and fragile yet with an exceptional vocal strength to open up her heart and mind. Her fist single released in the summer that year was the anthem "J'y Crois Encore", a top 20 French hit followed by the release of the album later that month. The album reached #1 in Belgium and #2 in France (but saddly did little impact in her home beloved Québec). Other singles followed, such as the Lara's personal favourite track "Immortelle" (a strong song that remains constantly present in Lara's live concerts), "Aimer Dejá" and the nominated song of the year in 2002 hit "Tu Es Mon Autre" (a duet with fellow Belgian friend and singer Maurane), which scored the top 5 in France. This has become another trademark song in Lara's carear as she has performed it so many time with so many other artists (including Rick Allison during her 2001/2002 tour).
In addition, this album was also released in Portugal (having reached the top 10 on the album charts during the fall of 2001) as a consequence of her tremendous success of her previous English album, presenting the Portuguese audience with her French singing repertoire.
Towards the end of 2002, Lara released her second live album from her latest tour together with a DVD showcasing two of her recorded concerts in December 2001 in Belgium (at the Forest National and the Zénith of Paris respectively). A double CD set similar to her 1998 Live release it included mostly songs from her latest release "Nue" but it did not exclude under no means, her biggest older hits with a special emphasis for "Je T'aime" which basically was sung almost by the audience in full force leaving a tearful emotional Lara caught by surprise by this moment (a moment that can be witnessed on her same DVD). The duet of "Tu Es Mon Autre" was specially done that night by the two song composers, Lara and her long time collaborator, Rick Allison, as both say to one another before the performance "[...] a song that I wrote for you, and that you wrote for me [...]". The Live album included also two versions of the single "Immortelle", one first as an intro to the concert showing Lara at the piano performing a three minute version of this song and the second version closer to the original studio one where one can see the band leaving the stage towards a on-screen butterfly, a symbol Lara insisted on having seen on stage during this tour, as it also trademarked her album and portrayed a strong significance for the idea of womanhood on her album. There were two new studio recording included on the same album: "Tu Me Manques", a song solely composed by Lara and a cover of Charles Aznavour's "Comme Ils Disent".
At this very same time, Lara was once again touring but in a more intimate and acoustic way at the Casino de Paris every November Monday night. An acoustic set that became her transition towards a new Lara Fabian that the public was on verge of knowing and worshiping. During this tour Maurane and Daniel Lavoie were two of the main performing guests duetting with her on "Tu Es Mon Autre", of course, and "Je Suis Mon Coeur", written for Lara by Lavoie himself. This acoustic also led to another live CD/DVD release in the end of 2003.
2003: Acoustic live sessions: "En Toute Intimité"
En Toute IntimitéIn 2003, Lara released the best-selling European DVD and CD, "En Toute Intimité", which was an intimate, acoustic piano-based collection showcasing Lara performing songs in English, Italian, and French. On the DVD recorded at the mythic Olympia theatre Lara made her homage to Celine Dion's biggest French classic "Pour Que tu M'aimes encore" making it clear how respectful was her appreciation for the Canadian singer despite years of media scrutiny against Lara in comparison to Celine Dion. Besides some of Fabian's most remarkable hits and album tracks, one could find classics such as Dalla's "Caruso" (so often performed by Lara before); Jevetta Stelle's "Calling You" from the Bagdad Café soundtrack; "Mistral Gagnant" of French singer Renauld and a medley from the worldwide known French musical "Starmania". Lara had the chance to not only interpret the songs but she also took advantage of the intimacy in the room and closeness with the audience to play a role and share her passion for acting. The result, according to many who attended the tour, was amazing. Somey may even consider that the hightlight of this concert was Lara's new rendition of Lama's "Je Suis Malade". A song that has been so popularized by Lara herself ever since she released it on her "Carpe Diem" nine years before. This time around her performance was a beautiful mixture of a spoken monologue and theatrical singing accompanied by her pianist alongside. As the second verse comes in she begins singing it in a very smooth and hearfelt way opposite to the previous dramatic belting performances from the past. The unexpected happens towards the final secction of the song everything stops. Pierre Grimard, the pianist leaves the set, Lara looks down and grabs the micro and then with her arms down she moves further near the audience and begins belting out with no micro in pure accapella delivering what may be her best performance of this song so far. As she hits the final note the audiece rises and gives her a tremendous standing ovation as she finishes falling down on the floor.
2004: Second international English release "A Wonderful Life"
A Wonderful LifeSee also: A Wonderful Life (Lara Fabian album)
In 2004, Lara released her second English album A Wonderful Life. The project was commercially disastrous but critically-praised. The album did not surpass the success of her previous English debut effort, but created a path for a sound and musical change that would trademark Lara's music onwards. The more organic sound is due to the exceptional work of French guitarist Jean-Félix Lalanne, and also working with producers such as Desmond Child and the British team True North (composed of Take That singer Gary Barlow and fellow mate Elliot Kennedy) among others. The center piece of this record, as Lara stated on a promotional interview for this album, is "Review My Kisses", a song written by Desmond Child and planned to be recorded initially by Lara herself but was somehow left aside. Later in 2002, it was LeAnn Rimes who ended up recording it for her album "Twisted Angel." Lara ended up recording it for "A Wonderful Life" afterwards. The first single release (though only for radio) was "The Last Goodbye" in the US and most other countries (except France). The video premiered on Portuguese talk show "Herman Sic" one day before the album was released. In the meantime, Lara decided to release a different song in France, considering that "The Last Goodbye" was too "American" for an audience that was more used to her own songwriting. She released (with a video as well) the song "No Big Deal." Nevertheless, neither of the songs achieved massive or moderate success caused by Lara's personal decision to withdraw from the project, and also due to conflicts with Sony Music. This led to a lack of promotion for the album, as well as a cancellation of the album's release in the United States.
Senhora do Destino soundtrackAt least one song from the album saw some light and shining moments when included on a Brazilian soap opera, "I Guess I Loved You." Brazil is still one of those countries strongly passionate for Lara's music, and therefore this song was chosen for the soundtrack of "Senhora do Destino" (Lady Of Destiny) almost gaining the same popularity that "Love By Grace" did back in 2001. The song also gained some popularity in Portugal for the same reasons, though it was never officially released or promoted.
Lara was almost in complete seclusion for the rest of 2004 from the music scene, having left her second English record aside. Newspapers began speculating about a serious disease that had affected Lara. The drama was so big and so exaggerated that Lara herself proved to be well enough to appear on a short interview in Québec later that year, explaining some of the reasons she withdrew from the public eye and also why she left Québec (where she lived for nearly 15 years) and returned to her native Belgium.
2005: "9" (Neuf)
"9" album coverSee also: 9 (Lara Fabian album)
She re-appeared on the music scene in France (and also in Canada) with a brand new record, an album that marked a completely different direction in Lara's musical and personal life. In early 2005 she released her 5th French album "9", a title that symbolically resembles "a change," "a rebirth [...]the end of a period of time in one's life and simultaneously the beginning of another." Lara sang differently, with smoothness, serenity and with a lot of joy. This was far from the in-depth and dramatic vibes of earlier recordings. Critical voices that had so often given bad reviews for Lara's vocal abilities, claiming that she "screamed," or that she was just attempting to "become" another Celine Dion finally saw a Lara that no longer used her vocal power to reach her audience. The album yielded the hit single "La Lettre," a song co-written by Lara and composed by her new-found partner and lover at the time, Jean-Félix Lalanne. He would, in fact, be the other element responsible for the composition and production of the album's 11 tracks with Lara herself. Other singles featured were "Ne Lui Parlez Plus D'Elle," "Un Ave Maria", "Il Ne Manquait Que Toi" (a song written by Lara and inspired by Lallane) and the gospel-infused "L'Homme Qui N'Avait Pas De Maison." The success of this album was then followed by a huge tour called "Un Regard 9" in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Lebanon, Russia, Quebec, Turkey, Luxembourg, Mauritius, French overseas territories of the Caribbean and Oceania (more than 60 concerts), and a summer tour. Lara also performed in Portugal for the first time, showcasing songs from her two English records and a few French songs like "La Lettre."
2005-2006: Un Regard 9
Un Regard 9See also: Un regard 9 LIVE
In the meantime, Lara has just released her new live CD/DVD "Un Regard 9 LIVE." Recorded in March 2006 at the Zenith in Paris, the CD presents 15 live performances plus a brand new song, "Aime," recorded in a studio in Montreal. This song has been recorded in both English and French, though the latter version is the only one officially released so far. It was initially presented live during a few concerts in Belgium as gift for her native Belgium fans, but the enthusiastic response and feedback was so huge that Lara felt she should record the song and include it on a forthcoming release. On TV shows, where Lara has been promoting the song as a single, one can see the audience putting their hands in the air in the shape of a heart, a sign Lara made during her tour and that has now became a symbol for the song and its meaning. The entire live concert features songs from Lara's latest studio album "9" and old songs all performed acoustically. Certain songs like "Tout" for instance were completely re-arranged to fit with this new sound and the concept of the show. A stand-out moment during the concert is the homage Lara makes to her idol Barbra Streisand, singing "Papa Can You Hear Me" and "A Piece Of Sky" both taken from Streisand's 1983 movie "Yentl." These two songs had been previously performed in medley by Lara, back in 1997, during a concert in Québec at the time Pure was released. This time around, these songs get the chance to fully showcase Lara's amazing vocals on a record. On the DVD one can find track that were intentionally left off from the CD, like "Je T'Aime" or even two English songs taken from Lara's two English records, "Broken Vow" and "I Guess I Loved You". According to Lara, these tracks had a more visual aspect on them than just being simply listened on a record. Therefore they are shown on the DVD and not the CD. Another amazing example presented on this DVD is the almost 10 minute performance of "Humana", a track and single taken off 1997 album Pure, which went longer than expect in running time during the concert due to the public's enthusiasm that took over during the performance and during 10 minutes besides Lara's normal vocal performance one ends up having the audience singing to the song all over during four or five minutes longer while Lara, caught by surprise with this reaction, jumps with joy motivating the audience to continue singing.
2006-present: The "Italian" adventure
According to recent messages left by Lara on her official site, www.lara-fabian.fr, her next studio album will be her first Italian-language project. Few details have been released thus far, except that she has been working with Neapolitan singer and songwriter Gigi D'Alessio, who appeared once at one of her shows, and whose performance is included as a bonus on Lara's recent Live DVD. The two have recorded a song called "Un Cuore Malato" ("ill heart"), which they performed live during the fourth night of the 2007 Sanremo festival on Rai Uno, the main Italian public channel. Lara's Italian album is expected to be released around spring of the same year.
It has now been confirmed that there is a French/Italian version for this duet (Un Coeur Blessé) and that such version will be released during summer (now confirmed to be on the 28th May) in France to radio and TV performances will follow to promote this single.
Lara will working in Rome and Los Angeles until June 2007 to further writing and recording sessions for her Italian album. In the meantime, her current single "Un Cuore Malato" (with Gigi D'Alessio) has reached the top of the Italian charts and reached the top 20 in France (#16).
2007 - 2008: Working with Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard on "multilingual" album for 2008/09
Since early June Lara has been working in Los Angeles alongside with Dave Stewart (off British band Eurythmics) and former Alanis Morissette producer and writing partner, Glenn Ballard on Lara's so aforementioned "multilingual" record which will include songs in English, Spanish, French and Italian and maybe a few other languages (resembling some of the recorded albuns by singers such as Josh Groban, Mario Frangoulis or even Russell Watson with whom she has recorded before). This album is expected to be released somewhere around 2008 or 2009. Lara will return to Los Angeles next year now to finish the recording process around this record.
Lara revealed some time ago , related to this project, that she wrote a song with Dave Stewart called "Between Hatred And Love" and a few tracks with Glen Ballad, who had previously composed a track for Lara titled "Ivy" and released as a b-side for the single "Adagio" in 1999.
Other current career activities:
The birth of an actress (French theatre and a possible big break into Hollywood)
On a recent press release, Lara confirmed that she will start acting on a French play with two other famous French actors. Her role will be of a man, whose character Lara hasn't so far revealed. Lara expressed excitement on this new adventure she is embarking on a new adventure; an adventure that as she states "acting is related to being a singer, as interpretating a song makes a singer become a small actor on a song". And it seems as well that theatre isn't the only acting experience Lara will undertake in the near future: she was surprisingly asked about her expected audition to a upcoming American film in Hollywood she might be in, an issue that was supposed to be kept secret for a while.
Live Performances and Tours
As far as concerts are concerned, Lara has been in Québec to perform a two night concert at the Olympia de Montreal (re-opening this theatre room that had been in renovation for quite some time and it was also Lara's very first stage she performed in when she first came to Québec in the early 90s) presenting her Quebec fans a little bit of the vibe and feel around her European Un Regard 9 tour 2005-2006. After that, we found Lara performing in countries such as Portugal, Turkey and Russia (just to mention some) with private acoustic sections to delight of her fans.
On a recently given interview for a Russian radio Silver Rain, prior to her concert in Moscow, Lara expressed how much she loved and admired the deceased talented young singer Grégory LeMarchal and claimed he was her favourite Star Academy participant from all six editions done so far. She was also asked about what she thought of all these sort of shows that has brought out so many people to the world of music, she just said "Who are we to judge? [...] These young people don't know how this machinery works, but we can't kill their dreams, can we?". In addition, Lara performed Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" specially for LeMarchal during her concert ending her performance in tears.
Until this present moment she is still promoting her latest single alongside Gigi D'Alessio but also she will be expected to be part of the "Festival Bar", in the small town of Catane in Sicile (Italy), where Lara enjoyed 5 years of her childhood. This is to be held on the forthcoming 29th June.
On the 14th October, Lara was a surprise guest on the only concert Gigi gave in France at the famous Olympia in Paris. Just a few days before the birth of her daughter Lara surprised everyone by appearing and performing with Gigi their successful duet "Un Cuore Malato". The concert was broadcasted through an Italian TV channel to which Lara informed of the fact that in only a few days the end of her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter would happen.
Personal Life: love and pregnancy (fulfillment of a dream)
During the summer time Lara will spend a few weeks in Québec with her now fiancé Gerald Pullicino (who had previously recorded her "Un regard 9" DVD in 2006 and Celine Dion's "Au Coeur Du Stade" DVD back in 1999) enjoying the summer where she feels better and closer to her friends.
Lara announced on June 25, 2007 through her official website, that she is 5 months pregnant, expecting a baby girl. This is the fulfillment of a long time dream that has surrounded her over the years and also given a lot of buzz on the media since she has so often been asked about it.
After several rumours stating different dates for the birth of Lara's daughter, finally on the 20th November, Belgian singer Maurane, a very close friend of Lara (both shared vocals on the single "Tu Es Mon Autre" in 2002), revelead during her concert at the Cirque Royal that night that "...litle Lou was born this morning!". Lara has spent the last few days at the Edith Cavell Hospital, in Uccle (Belgium). Lou is the name of the little baby girl born on the 20th November 2007. Lara's longtime dream finally saw its light.
Albums
Lara Fabian (1991) - French debut album
Carpe Diem (1994)
Pure (1997)
Lara Fabian Live (1998)
Lara Fabian (2000) - English debut album
Nue (2001)
Live (2002)
En Toute Intimité (2003) - CD
A Wonderful Life (2004)
9 (2005)
Un regard 9 LIVE (2006)
Italian language Album Project/ TBA (2008)
Multi-lingual Album Project/ TBA (2008/9?)
CD Box Sets releases
De la Revelation a la Consecration
Lara Fabian- 2 (three different versions)
Lara Fabian- 3 (two different versions)
Long Box 3 CD Box Set (Title Unknown at this time)
Les Chansons De Lara Fabian
DVD and VHS releases
From Lara With Love
Intime
Live (2000)
Live and Intime (Limited Edition)
En Tout Intimite (2003)
DVD Box (Intime/Live 2002/En Tout Intimite)
9 (2005)
Un regard 9 (CD + DVD capbox)
Singles
1986
L'Aziza Est En Pleurs
1988
Croire (Eurovision Song Contest Luxembourg entry)
1989
Je Sais
1990
L'Amour Voyage (duo with Frank Olivier)
1991-1993
Qui Pense A L'Amour
Je M'Arreterai Pas De T'aimer
Reveille-Toi Brother
1994-1995
Je Suis Malade
Tu T'En Vas
Si Tu M'aimes
Leila
1997-1998
Tout #4 FR
Je T'Aime #6 FR
Si Tu M'aimes (Re-release for the French market) #6 FR
Humana #15 FR
La Différence #10 FR
1999
Requiem Pour Un Fou (with Johnny Hallyday) #9 FR
1999-2001
Adagio #5 FR
I Will Love Again (Otro Amor Vendrá - Spanish version) #16 FR/#32 US
I Am Who I Am #67 FR
Love By Grace
Meu Grande Amor (Portuguese version of "Si Tu M'aimes")
For Always (w/ Josh Groban off the "Artificial Intelligence" OST)
The Dream Within (off the "Final Fantasy" OST)
Quédate (for the South American market)
2001-2002
J'y Crois Encore #17 FR
Immortelle #10 FR
Aimer Dejá #32 FR
Tu Es Mon Autre (w/ Belgian singer Maurane) #5 FR,#23 SWI
2003:
Bambina (guitar/voice version with Jean-Félix Lalanne) #31 FR
2004:
The Last Goodbye (radio release)
No Big Deal (French radio release)
I Guess I Loved You (Brazilian radio hit)
2005-2006:
La Lettre #11 FR, #11 BEL, #62 SWI
Ne Lui Parlez Plus D'Elle (radio release)
Un Ave Maria (radio release)
Il Ne Manquait Que Toi (radio release)
L'Homme Qui N'Avait Pas De Maison #26 FR
2006:
Aime #26 FR, #9 BE
2007:
Cuore Malato (w/ Italian singer Gigi d'Alessio) [Single release off Gigi's album "Made in Italy" May 2007]#16 FR, #8 BEL
Trivia
Lara studied to be a lawyer before pursuing a full-time career in music.
Lara was at the center of a bidding war among US record labels after her hit album Pure. She signed with Sony Records at the persuasion of mogul Tommy Mottola and his promise to spare no expense in helping her achieve international success for her English language debut.
Lara is fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, and English.
Lara has recorded several of her songs in Spanish. Thus, several of them have become hits in Latin America and American Latin-Pop format radio stations.
Lara can speak a little Dutch (Flemish).
Lara resided in the rich district of Westmount, Quebec until 2004 when she returned to her native Belgium.
There are different international versions of Lara's self-titled 2000 English debut. There is a version each for Canada, France, Japan, America, and South America. The albums vary greatly from each other because of different song tracks or cover art work.
The "AI: Artificial Intelligence" Soundtrack has two versions of Lara's song "For Always". One version is of Lara solo, the other version is a duet with singer Josh Groban.
Lara revived the song "Review my Kisses" on her 2004 second English-recording album "A Wonderful Life" originally sung by [LeAnn Rimes for her 2002 album "Twisted Angel"], but was proposed to sing it before LeAnn Rimes recorded it.
Her songs "Adagio" and "Broken Vow" were revived by Filipino singers, Mark Bautista and Sarah Geronimo. Also Josh Groban has covered Broken Vow for his 2003 album "Closer".
Lara has expressed interest in having a family.
Lara has collaborated with American-Taiwanese pop star, Lee Hom Wang.
On Lara's 2000 debut album, there is a song produced by the duo Louis Biancaniello and Sam Waters, who became the producer team behind the sound of the initial hits for American female singer Anastacia. One can see the similarities in sound and production between Lara's "Till I Get Over You" and Anastacia's "I'm Outta Love" on Anastacia's 2000 debut album "Not That Kind".
Lara has also contributed for the 2002 World Soccer Championship CD release with the song "World At Your Feet" written and produced by Gary Barlow.
Lara has written for other artists such as French female singers Chimène Badi, Nolwenn Leroy and Myrial Abel. She also composed for Daniel Levy and is said to be currently working with a former contestant from "Nouvelle Star 3" Roland. She has often praised the voice and talent of also successful female singer Amel Bent, who was also a contestant at that show.
Lara has recently admitted to be scared of all sorts of reptiles and birds. During a TV performance done "in momentum" while singing some of her tunes in medley alongside the presentor at the piano some parallel intentional disturbing moments appeared. One of them was a man carrying a dangerous snake. Lara freaked out and ran off the set to hide behind the cameras.
Lara has recently revealed to be found of Peter Cincotti's latest album "East Of Angel Town" and also Amel Bent's latest release "À 20 Ans"
Lara Fabian (born Lara Crokaert January 9, 1970 in Etterbeek, Belgium) is an international Belgian-Sicilian francophone singer, known for her vocal prowess and skilled technique. She often sings in Italian, Spanish, and English in addition to French. She has also sung once in Portuguese, though she is not fluent in the language, and also once in German back in 1988 for a German version of "Croire" ("Glaub"). She does not speak German either. She has sold over 12 million records worldwide so far. She also possesses a Canadian citizienship achieved in 1994 at the time she began her career in Québec.
Early life
Lara was born to a Flemish father and a Sicilian mother. Her name comes from her parents' inspiration of the theme song of the film Doctor Zhivago. Although born in Etterbeek (Belgium), she spent her first five years in Catania, learning Italian as a first language, before moving back to Belgium, in Brussels. Lara began singing, dancing, and taking piano lessons at a very young age and began formal music lessons at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels at age eight. Lara began writing and performing her own songs during her ten years study at the conservatory. Lara's songs were greatly influenced as much by her classical vocal and music theory training as contemporary artists as Barbra Streisand and Queen. During this time, Lara entered a number of European competitions and won several prizes. A consequence of winning one of those contests was the release of her first ever single " L'Aziza est en pleurs" / Il y avait " (written by the Belgian composer Marc Lerchs) a homage to the deceased French singer Daniel Balavoine, in the year of 1986.
1988-1993: Early music career
Album CoverIn 1988, the RTL TV channel in Luxembourg invited Lara to represent the country at the 33rd Eurovision Song Contest, held that year in Dublin, Ireland. The song presented to Lara was a composition made by Jacques Cardona and Alain Garciac entitled Croire (Trust) and reached a respectful fourth place that night. The winning song belonged to Switzerland, whose singer was no other than Céline Dion with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi. "Croire" became a big seller single that year in Europe reaching nearly 500.000 copies. Lara still performs Croire live today.
Upon finishing her studies (Lara was originally planing to devote her life to child criminology), in 1990 Lara travelled to Canada to promote her third single Je Sais and fell in love with the province of Quebec. In 1991, with two suitcases and $1,000 in her pocket, Lara moved to Montreal, Canada to embark on a career in North America. She began her own music label and publishing company, Productions Clandestines. She didn't leave Brussels all by herself, as her then friend and music collaborator Rick Allison had also left his native Belgium and travelled with Lara to an adventure which became Lara's rise to fame and her career so far. Rick first met Lara in a jazz bar in Brussels some years prior and was impressed by Lara's vocals on Ella Fitzgerald's Summertime. The pair worked steadily on writing and recording songs.
In 1991, Fabian's self-titled French-language debut album,Lara Fabian, which had been recorded earlier in Belgium, was released in Canada in August 1991 and sold over 100,000 copies. The debut album went on to be certified Gold in 1993 and then certified platinum the following year. The success of such upbeat Dance-pop singles like Le Jour Où Tu Partira, Les Murs, and Qui Pense à l'Amour gave Lara the exposure she needed on the radio. Lara received several nominations at the 1993 ADISQ awards and a poll published around that time revealed that Lara was considered Quebec's most promising singer.
1994-1996: Lara's breakthrough album
Carpe DiemHer constant touring in Quebec helped her 1994 album Carpe Diem to be her breakthrough album. The album went gold in less than three weeks of its release, and had three hit singles:Tu t'en vas, Si tu m'aimes, and Leïla. The following year, the album went triple platinum and Lara’s SRO tour attracted more than 150,000 fans. This success was recognized at the 1995 ADISQ gala in which Lara received two Félix awards: Best Show Of The Year and Best Female Singer Of The Year, a category that is voted upon by the public).
In January 1995, Serge Lama requested for Lara to join himself on the stage of the Paris venue Palais des Congrès to perform "Je suis malade", which she renewed on her Carpe Diem album. Impressed by the audience's response to his and Lara's duet, Serge right away asked Lara to sing the song once more on her own, which again delighted the audience.
In 1996, Walt Disney Studios immortalized Lara's voice when they asked her to do the voice for the character Esmeralda and sing a song for the animated feature The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Disney also included Lara's French version of the song on the film’s (English) soundtrack album beside that of Bette Midler's version, which was a unique move for the company.
1997-1999: Mainstream international success
Pure Album CoverSee also: Pure (Lara Fabian album)
Lara's 1997 album Pure, was a two million-selling album in France from which came the anti-homophobia anthem "La Difference." The album went platinum in less than two weeks. Lara again was bestowed with awards, being awarded a Félix for Popular Album Of The Year at the 1997 ADISQ gala and was also nominated for two Juno Awards in the Best Female Singer and Best Selling French Album categories.
This recognition once again attracted the attention of movie studios. The producer of Daylight, (starring Sylvester Stallone), asked Lara and Rick Allison to write a song for the movie. The song they created is Tant Qu'Il y Aura de l'Amour, the French version of the song performed by Donna Summer and Bruce Roberts.
Lara then signed a contract with the French Polydor label for several albums, and Pure was released in June 1997. Upon its release, Lara's European career skyrocketed. Sales of Pure hit the 2 million mark, while the singles Tout, Je T'Aime, and Humana each sold more than 1 million copies. In January 1998, Lara sang a duet with Johnny Hallyday at a benefit concert given for the Restos du Coeur in France. Lara's own tour during this time had two sold-out shows at L'Olympia (France). A month later, on that very same stage, Lara was given the Discovery Of The Year award during the Victoires de la Musique Gala. Soon after, Polydor released "Carpe Diem" in Europe.
After a sold-out two-night stint at the Paris Palais des Sports in April, Lara was even more in demand. Once again she was invited to perform with Johnny Hallyday during several concerts given at the Stade de France in front of 240,000 fans. The following fall, Lara undertook a European tour that reached audiences of more than 100,000.
Live Album 1998Lara's popularity is perhaps exemplified by the famous Grévin Wax Museum's decision to unveil her wax effigy, as a Quebec City museum had already done. She thus became the first female Canadian singer ever to be honoured by the Paris institution.
In November 1998, Lara received the Félix Award for Artist With The Most Recognition Outside Quebec at the ADISQ Gala. In December, Lara was chosen Revelation Of The Year by the magazine Paris Match, which put her on its cover to mark this occasion.
Lara spent most of fall 1998 in France, where she embarked on an extensive tour of 24 cities including Paris, Lyon, Marseilles, Geneva and Monaco. During this sold-out concert tour, Lara performed for audiences of more than 150,000. In May 1999, Lara was honoured at the World Music Awards in Monaco, where she was given the award for Best Selling Record for the Year 1998 for her album Pure.
In July 1999, with over 6 million records sold across Europe, Polydor released Lara’s eponymous (her self-titled debut from 1991) album. The European version of this early album contained slight modifications, such as a new album cover and the addition of the song Croire.
Lara released a live album, Lara Fabian Live, which debuted at #1 on the France charts in 1998. This helped solidified the international buzz around her and she received an international recording contract from Sony Music, which released her self-titled, English-language album, "Lara Fabian", in 2000.
2000-2001: Extension of success to the U.S./Latin America
International Album CoverSee also: Lara Fabian (2000)
In the summer of 1999, Lara crossed the Atlantic to record her first English-language album in New York and San Francisco for the Sony label. The songs were written and produced with the help of her partner Rick Allison and Dave Pickell as well as with Walter Afanasieff, Glen Ballard and Pat Leonard.
The Dance-pop song, I Will Love Again, her first English single, reached #1 on the U.S.A. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play. It also peaked #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 Adult Contemporary), and the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers new album chart. A follow-up ballad, Love By Grace, became a moderate Adult Contemporary chart hit peaking at #24. The third single, the Dance-pop song, I Am Who I Am remixed by Hex Hector did become an underground club hit, but barely missed the charts.
Lara has recorded songs for several Hollywood motion picture soundtracks such as "The Dream Within" for the Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within soundtrack and, "For Always" for the AI:Artificial Intelligence soundtrack. Lara has also ventured into movies, appearing in the film De-Lovely, performing Cole Porter's So In Love with Mario Frangoulis, and the song appears on the movie soundtrack as well. Lara also appears on the soundtrack "Songs From Dawson's Creek, Vol. 2".
2001-2002: Return to the French roots with "Nue"
Nue Album CoverSee also: Nue (Lara Fabian album)
"Nue" (Naked) was Lara's fourth French album to be released in the Fall of 2001 in both Québec and France, making her return to her French singing roots. Her rollercoaster experience surrounding her first English recording album was so intense and, although critically praised, personally exhausting. Her emotional ride through the last previous years was somehow documented in a very personal record to which Lara, alongside her partner and producer Rick Allison, called "Nue". An album that undressed Lara from all the bad remarks she had suffered over the years as an artist and presented a much more vulnerable and fragile yet with an exceptional vocal strength to open up her heart and mind. Her fist single released in the summer that year was the anthem "J'y Crois Encore", a top 20 French hit followed by the release of the album later that month. The album reached #1 in Belgium and #2 in France (but saddly did little impact in her home beloved Québec). Other singles followed, such as the Lara's personal favourite track "Immortelle" (a strong song that remains constantly present in Lara's live concerts), "Aimer Dejá" and the nominated song of the year in 2002 hit "Tu Es Mon Autre" (a duet with fellow Belgian friend and singer Maurane), which scored the top 5 in France. This has become another trademark song in Lara's carear as she has performed it so many time with so many other artists (including Rick Allison during her 2001/2002 tour).
In addition, this album was also released in Portugal (having reached the top 10 on the album charts during the fall of 2001) as a consequence of her tremendous success of her previous English album, presenting the Portuguese audience with her French singing repertoire.
Towards the end of 2002, Lara released her second live album from her latest tour together with a DVD showcasing two of her recorded concerts in December 2001 in Belgium (at the Forest National and the Zénith of Paris respectively). A double CD set similar to her 1998 Live release it included mostly songs from her latest release "Nue" but it did not exclude under no means, her biggest older hits with a special emphasis for "Je T'aime" which basically was sung almost by the audience in full force leaving a tearful emotional Lara caught by surprise by this moment (a moment that can be witnessed on her same DVD). The duet of "Tu Es Mon Autre" was specially done that night by the two song composers, Lara and her long time collaborator, Rick Allison, as both say to one another before the performance "[...] a song that I wrote for you, and that you wrote for me [...]". The Live album included also two versions of the single "Immortelle", one first as an intro to the concert showing Lara at the piano performing a three minute version of this song and the second version closer to the original studio one where one can see the band leaving the stage towards a on-screen butterfly, a symbol Lara insisted on having seen on stage during this tour, as it also trademarked her album and portrayed a strong significance for the idea of womanhood on her album. There were two new studio recording included on the same album: "Tu Me Manques", a song solely composed by Lara and a cover of Charles Aznavour's "Comme Ils Disent".
At this very same time, Lara was once again touring but in a more intimate and acoustic way at the Casino de Paris every November Monday night. An acoustic set that became her transition towards a new Lara Fabian that the public was on verge of knowing and worshiping. During this tour Maurane and Daniel Lavoie were two of the main performing guests duetting with her on "Tu Es Mon Autre", of course, and "Je Suis Mon Coeur", written for Lara by Lavoie himself. This acoustic also led to another live CD/DVD release in the end of 2003.
2003: Acoustic live sessions: "En Toute Intimité"
En Toute IntimitéIn 2003, Lara released the best-selling European DVD and CD, "En Toute Intimité", which was an intimate, acoustic piano-based collection showcasing Lara performing songs in English, Italian, and French. On the DVD recorded at the mythic Olympia theatre Lara made her homage to Celine Dion's biggest French classic "Pour Que tu M'aimes encore" making it clear how respectful was her appreciation for the Canadian singer despite years of media scrutiny against Lara in comparison to Celine Dion. Besides some of Fabian's most remarkable hits and album tracks, one could find classics such as Dalla's "Caruso" (so often performed by Lara before); Jevetta Stelle's "Calling You" from the Bagdad Café soundtrack; "Mistral Gagnant" of French singer Renauld and a medley from the worldwide known French musical "Starmania". Lara had the chance to not only interpret the songs but she also took advantage of the intimacy in the room and closeness with the audience to play a role and share her passion for acting. The result, according to many who attended the tour, was amazing. Somey may even consider that the hightlight of this concert was Lara's new rendition of Lama's "Je Suis Malade". A song that has been so popularized by Lara herself ever since she released it on her "Carpe Diem" nine years before. This time around her performance was a beautiful mixture of a spoken monologue and theatrical singing accompanied by her pianist alongside. As the second verse comes in she begins singing it in a very smooth and hearfelt way opposite to the previous dramatic belting performances from the past. The unexpected happens towards the final secction of the song everything stops. Pierre Grimard, the pianist leaves the set, Lara looks down and grabs the micro and then with her arms down she moves further near the audience and begins belting out with no micro in pure accapella delivering what may be her best performance of this song so far. As she hits the final note the audiece rises and gives her a tremendous standing ovation as she finishes falling down on the floor.
2004: Second international English release "A Wonderful Life"
A Wonderful LifeSee also: A Wonderful Life (Lara Fabian album)
In 2004, Lara released her second English album A Wonderful Life. The project was commercially disastrous but critically-praised. The album did not surpass the success of her previous English debut effort, but created a path for a sound and musical change that would trademark Lara's music onwards. The more organic sound is due to the exceptional work of French guitarist Jean-Félix Lalanne, and also working with producers such as Desmond Child and the British team True North (composed of Take That singer Gary Barlow and fellow mate Elliot Kennedy) among others. The center piece of this record, as Lara stated on a promotional interview for this album, is "Review My Kisses", a song written by Desmond Child and planned to be recorded initially by Lara herself but was somehow left aside. Later in 2002, it was LeAnn Rimes who ended up recording it for her album "Twisted Angel." Lara ended up recording it for "A Wonderful Life" afterwards. The first single release (though only for radio) was "The Last Goodbye" in the US and most other countries (except France). The video premiered on Portuguese talk show "Herman Sic" one day before the album was released. In the meantime, Lara decided to release a different song in France, considering that "The Last Goodbye" was too "American" for an audience that was more used to her own songwriting. She released (with a video as well) the song "No Big Deal." Nevertheless, neither of the songs achieved massive or moderate success caused by Lara's personal decision to withdraw from the project, and also due to conflicts with Sony Music. This led to a lack of promotion for the album, as well as a cancellation of the album's release in the United States.
Senhora do Destino soundtrackAt least one song from the album saw some light and shining moments when included on a Brazilian soap opera, "I Guess I Loved You." Brazil is still one of those countries strongly passionate for Lara's music, and therefore this song was chosen for the soundtrack of "Senhora do Destino" (Lady Of Destiny) almost gaining the same popularity that "Love By Grace" did back in 2001. The song also gained some popularity in Portugal for the same reasons, though it was never officially released or promoted.
Lara was almost in complete seclusion for the rest of 2004 from the music scene, having left her second English record aside. Newspapers began speculating about a serious disease that had affected Lara. The drama was so big and so exaggerated that Lara herself proved to be well enough to appear on a short interview in Québec later that year, explaining some of the reasons she withdrew from the public eye and also why she left Québec (where she lived for nearly 15 years) and returned to her native Belgium.
2005: "9" (Neuf)
"9" album coverSee also: 9 (Lara Fabian album)
She re-appeared on the music scene in France (and also in Canada) with a brand new record, an album that marked a completely different direction in Lara's musical and personal life. In early 2005 she released her 5th French album "9", a title that symbolically resembles "a change," "a rebirth [...]the end of a period of time in one's life and simultaneously the beginning of another." Lara sang differently, with smoothness, serenity and with a lot of joy. This was far from the in-depth and dramatic vibes of earlier recordings. Critical voices that had so often given bad reviews for Lara's vocal abilities, claiming that she "screamed," or that she was just attempting to "become" another Celine Dion finally saw a Lara that no longer used her vocal power to reach her audience. The album yielded the hit single "La Lettre," a song co-written by Lara and composed by her new-found partner and lover at the time, Jean-Félix Lalanne. He would, in fact, be the other element responsible for the composition and production of the album's 11 tracks with Lara herself. Other singles featured were "Ne Lui Parlez Plus D'Elle," "Un Ave Maria", "Il Ne Manquait Que Toi" (a song written by Lara and inspired by Lallane) and the gospel-infused "L'Homme Qui N'Avait Pas De Maison." The success of this album was then followed by a huge tour called "Un Regard 9" in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Lebanon, Russia, Quebec, Turkey, Luxembourg, Mauritius, French overseas territories of the Caribbean and Oceania (more than 60 concerts), and a summer tour. Lara also performed in Portugal for the first time, showcasing songs from her two English records and a few French songs like "La Lettre."
2005-2006: Un Regard 9
Un Regard 9See also: Un regard 9 LIVE
In the meantime, Lara has just released her new live CD/DVD "Un Regard 9 LIVE." Recorded in March 2006 at the Zenith in Paris, the CD presents 15 live performances plus a brand new song, "Aime," recorded in a studio in Montreal. This song has been recorded in both English and French, though the latter version is the only one officially released so far. It was initially presented live during a few concerts in Belgium as gift for her native Belgium fans, but the enthusiastic response and feedback was so huge that Lara felt she should record the song and include it on a forthcoming release. On TV shows, where Lara has been promoting the song as a single, one can see the audience putting their hands in the air in the shape of a heart, a sign Lara made during her tour and that has now became a symbol for the song and its meaning. The entire live concert features songs from Lara's latest studio album "9" and old songs all performed acoustically. Certain songs like "Tout" for instance were completely re-arranged to fit with this new sound and the concept of the show. A stand-out moment during the concert is the homage Lara makes to her idol Barbra Streisand, singing "Papa Can You Hear Me" and "A Piece Of Sky" both taken from Streisand's 1983 movie "Yentl." These two songs had been previously performed in medley by Lara, back in 1997, during a concert in Québec at the time Pure was released. This time around, these songs get the chance to fully showcase Lara's amazing vocals on a record. On the DVD one can find track that were intentionally left off from the CD, like "Je T'Aime" or even two English songs taken from Lara's two English records, "Broken Vow" and "I Guess I Loved You". According to Lara, these tracks had a more visual aspect on them than just being simply listened on a record. Therefore they are shown on the DVD and not the CD. Another amazing example presented on this DVD is the almost 10 minute performance of "Humana", a track and single taken off 1997 album Pure, which went longer than expect in running time during the concert due to the public's enthusiasm that took over during the performance and during 10 minutes besides Lara's normal vocal performance one ends up having the audience singing to the song all over during four or five minutes longer while Lara, caught by surprise with this reaction, jumps with joy motivating the audience to continue singing.
2006-present: The "Italian" adventure
According to recent messages left by Lara on her official site, www.lara-fabian.fr, her next studio album will be her first Italian-language project. Few details have been released thus far, except that she has been working with Neapolitan singer and songwriter Gigi D'Alessio, who appeared once at one of her shows, and whose performance is included as a bonus on Lara's recent Live DVD. The two have recorded a song called "Un Cuore Malato" ("ill heart"), which they performed live during the fourth night of the 2007 Sanremo festival on Rai Uno, the main Italian public channel. Lara's Italian album is expected to be released around spring of the same year.
It has now been confirmed that there is a French/Italian version for this duet (Un Coeur Blessé) and that such version will be released during summer (now confirmed to be on the 28th May) in France to radio and TV performances will follow to promote this single.
Lara will working in Rome and Los Angeles until June 2007 to further writing and recording sessions for her Italian album. In the meantime, her current single "Un Cuore Malato" (with Gigi D'Alessio) has reached the top of the Italian charts and reached the top 20 in France (#16).
2007 - 2008: Working with Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard on "multilingual" album for 2008/09
Since early June Lara has been working in Los Angeles alongside with Dave Stewart (off British band Eurythmics) and former Alanis Morissette producer and writing partner, Glenn Ballard on Lara's so aforementioned "multilingual" record which will include songs in English, Spanish, French and Italian and maybe a few other languages (resembling some of the recorded albuns by singers such as Josh Groban, Mario Frangoulis or even Russell Watson with whom she has recorded before). This album is expected to be released somewhere around 2008 or 2009. Lara will return to Los Angeles next year now to finish the recording process around this record.
Lara revealed some time ago , related to this project, that she wrote a song with Dave Stewart called "Between Hatred And Love" and a few tracks with Glen Ballad, who had previously composed a track for Lara titled "Ivy" and released as a b-side for the single "Adagio" in 1999.
Other current career activities:
The birth of an actress (French theatre and a possible big break into Hollywood)
On a recent press release, Lara confirmed that she will start acting on a French play with two other famous French actors. Her role will be of a man, whose character Lara hasn't so far revealed. Lara expressed excitement on this new adventure she is embarking on a new adventure; an adventure that as she states "acting is related to being a singer, as interpretating a song makes a singer become a small actor on a song". And it seems as well that theatre isn't the only acting experience Lara will undertake in the near future: she was surprisingly asked about her expected audition to a upcoming American film in Hollywood she might be in, an issue that was supposed to be kept secret for a while.
Live Performances and Tours
As far as concerts are concerned, Lara has been in Québec to perform a two night concert at the Olympia de Montreal (re-opening this theatre room that had been in renovation for quite some time and it was also Lara's very first stage she performed in when she first came to Québec in the early 90s) presenting her Quebec fans a little bit of the vibe and feel around her European Un Regard 9 tour 2005-2006. After that, we found Lara performing in countries such as Portugal, Turkey and Russia (just to mention some) with private acoustic sections to delight of her fans.
On a recently given interview for a Russian radio Silver Rain, prior to her concert in Moscow, Lara expressed how much she loved and admired the deceased talented young singer Grégory LeMarchal and claimed he was her favourite Star Academy participant from all six editions done so far. She was also asked about what she thought of all these sort of shows that has brought out so many people to the world of music, she just said "Who are we to judge? [...] These young people don't know how this machinery works, but we can't kill their dreams, can we?". In addition, Lara performed Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" specially for LeMarchal during her concert ending her performance in tears.
Until this present moment she is still promoting her latest single alongside Gigi D'Alessio but also she will be expected to be part of the "Festival Bar", in the small town of Catane in Sicile (Italy), where Lara enjoyed 5 years of her childhood. This is to be held on the forthcoming 29th June.
On the 14th October, Lara was a surprise guest on the only concert Gigi gave in France at the famous Olympia in Paris. Just a few days before the birth of her daughter Lara surprised everyone by appearing and performing with Gigi their successful duet "Un Cuore Malato". The concert was broadcasted through an Italian TV channel to which Lara informed of the fact that in only a few days the end of her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter would happen.
Personal Life: love and pregnancy (fulfillment of a dream)
During the summer time Lara will spend a few weeks in Québec with her now fiancé Gerald Pullicino (who had previously recorded her "Un regard 9" DVD in 2006 and Celine Dion's "Au Coeur Du Stade" DVD back in 1999) enjoying the summer where she feels better and closer to her friends.
Lara announced on June 25, 2007 through her official website, that she is 5 months pregnant, expecting a baby girl. This is the fulfillment of a long time dream that has surrounded her over the years and also given a lot of buzz on the media since she has so often been asked about it.
After several rumours stating different dates for the birth of Lara's daughter, finally on the 20th November, Belgian singer Maurane, a very close friend of Lara (both shared vocals on the single "Tu Es Mon Autre" in 2002), revelead during her concert at the Cirque Royal that night that "...litle Lou was born this morning!". Lara has spent the last few days at the Edith Cavell Hospital, in Uccle (Belgium). Lou is the name of the little baby girl born on the 20th November 2007. Lara's longtime dream finally saw its light.
Albums
Lara Fabian (1991) - French debut album
Carpe Diem (1994)
Pure (1997)
Lara Fabian Live (1998)
Lara Fabian (2000) - English debut album
Nue (2001)
Live (2002)
En Toute Intimité (2003) - CD
A Wonderful Life (2004)
9 (2005)
Un regard 9 LIVE (2006)
Italian language Album Project/ TBA (2008)
Multi-lingual Album Project/ TBA (2008/9?)
CD Box Sets releases
De la Revelation a la Consecration
Lara Fabian- 2 (three different versions)
Lara Fabian- 3 (two different versions)
Long Box 3 CD Box Set (Title Unknown at this time)
Les Chansons De Lara Fabian
DVD and VHS releases
From Lara With Love
Intime
Live (2000)
Live and Intime (Limited Edition)
En Tout Intimite (2003)
DVD Box (Intime/Live 2002/En Tout Intimite)
9 (2005)
Un regard 9 (CD + DVD capbox)
Singles
1986
L'Aziza Est En Pleurs
1988
Croire (Eurovision Song Contest Luxembourg entry)
1989
Je Sais
1990
L'Amour Voyage (duo with Frank Olivier)
1991-1993
Qui Pense A L'Amour
Je M'Arreterai Pas De T'aimer
Reveille-Toi Brother
1994-1995
Je Suis Malade
Tu T'En Vas
Si Tu M'aimes
Leila
1997-1998
Tout #4 FR
Je T'Aime #6 FR
Si Tu M'aimes (Re-release for the French market) #6 FR
Humana #15 FR
La Différence #10 FR
1999
Requiem Pour Un Fou (with Johnny Hallyday) #9 FR
1999-2001
Adagio #5 FR
I Will Love Again (Otro Amor Vendrá - Spanish version) #16 FR/#32 US
I Am Who I Am #67 FR
Love By Grace
Meu Grande Amor (Portuguese version of "Si Tu M'aimes")
For Always (w/ Josh Groban off the "Artificial Intelligence" OST)
The Dream Within (off the "Final Fantasy" OST)
Quédate (for the South American market)
2001-2002
J'y Crois Encore #17 FR
Immortelle #10 FR
Aimer Dejá #32 FR
Tu Es Mon Autre (w/ Belgian singer Maurane) #5 FR,#23 SWI
2003:
Bambina (guitar/voice version with Jean-Félix Lalanne) #31 FR
2004:
The Last Goodbye (radio release)
No Big Deal (French radio release)
I Guess I Loved You (Brazilian radio hit)
2005-2006:
La Lettre #11 FR, #11 BEL, #62 SWI
Ne Lui Parlez Plus D'Elle (radio release)
Un Ave Maria (radio release)
Il Ne Manquait Que Toi (radio release)
L'Homme Qui N'Avait Pas De Maison #26 FR
2006:
Aime #26 FR, #9 BE
2007:
Cuore Malato (w/ Italian singer Gigi d'Alessio) [Single release off Gigi's album "Made in Italy" May 2007]#16 FR, #8 BEL
Trivia
Lara studied to be a lawyer before pursuing a full-time career in music.
Lara was at the center of a bidding war among US record labels after her hit album Pure. She signed with Sony Records at the persuasion of mogul Tommy Mottola and his promise to spare no expense in helping her achieve international success for her English language debut.
Lara is fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, and English.
Lara has recorded several of her songs in Spanish. Thus, several of them have become hits in Latin America and American Latin-Pop format radio stations.
Lara can speak a little Dutch (Flemish).
Lara resided in the rich district of Westmount, Quebec until 2004 when she returned to her native Belgium.
There are different international versions of Lara's self-titled 2000 English debut. There is a version each for Canada, France, Japan, America, and South America. The albums vary greatly from each other because of different song tracks or cover art work.
The "AI: Artificial Intelligence" Soundtrack has two versions of Lara's song "For Always". One version is of Lara solo, the other version is a duet with singer Josh Groban.
Lara revived the song "Review my Kisses" on her 2004 second English-recording album "A Wonderful Life" originally sung by [LeAnn Rimes for her 2002 album "Twisted Angel"], but was proposed to sing it before LeAnn Rimes recorded it.
Her songs "Adagio" and "Broken Vow" were revived by Filipino singers, Mark Bautista and Sarah Geronimo. Also Josh Groban has covered Broken Vow for his 2003 album "Closer".
Lara has expressed interest in having a family.
Lara has collaborated with American-Taiwanese pop star, Lee Hom Wang.
On Lara's 2000 debut album, there is a song produced by the duo Louis Biancaniello and Sam Waters, who became the producer team behind the sound of the initial hits for American female singer Anastacia. One can see the similarities in sound and production between Lara's "Till I Get Over You" and Anastacia's "I'm Outta Love" on Anastacia's 2000 debut album "Not That Kind".
Lara has also contributed for the 2002 World Soccer Championship CD release with the song "World At Your Feet" written and produced by Gary Barlow.
Lara has written for other artists such as French female singers Chimène Badi, Nolwenn Leroy and Myrial Abel. She also composed for Daniel Levy and is said to be currently working with a former contestant from "Nouvelle Star 3" Roland. She has often praised the voice and talent of also successful female singer Amel Bent, who was also a contestant at that show.
Lara has recently admitted to be scared of all sorts of reptiles and birds. During a TV performance done "in momentum" while singing some of her tunes in medley alongside the presentor at the piano some parallel intentional disturbing moments appeared. One of them was a man carrying a dangerous snake. Lara freaked out and ran off the set to hide behind the cameras.
Lara has recently revealed to be found of Peter Cincotti's latest album "East Of Angel Town" and also Amel Bent's latest release "À 20 Ans"
recent news from (Omar Alezzi )
recent news:
Has released 6 albums: 'Lara Fabian' (1991), 'Carpe Diem' (1994), 'Pure' (1996), 'Lara Fabian' (2000), 'Nue' (2002) and 'A Wonderful Life' (2004)
Her father is Belgian and her mother is Italian
Opted for Canadian nationality
Had a long-term relationship (7 years) with Rick Allison who used to be her producer; after that she was engaged to the co-star of the musical comedy Notre-Dame de Paris, singer Patrick Fiori
Has her look-alike puppet in the French show "Guignols de l'info, Les" (1988).
Family: mother Luisa, father Pierre, one sister, Laura.
Her favorite movies are: "The Fifth Element" and "The English Patient".
Her favorite actor is Mel Gibson, and her favorite actress is Juliette Binoche.
She writes songs.
Favorite food: Cherry and white chocolate.
She studied law (children's criminology) in case she could not become singer. Before that, she would have liked to become a nursery nurse, because she loves children.
She was engaged to French singer Sébastien Lorca. Now (2004), she's engaged to musician Jean-Félix Lalanne.
Her father was a guitarist for Petula Clark
Lara Fabian Detailed Biography
French pop singer Lara Fabian was born in January, 1970, in Etterbeek, Belgium. Raised in north Belgium and Italy by her Flemish father and Sicilian mother, the French, English, Italian and Spanish speaking Lara Fabian knew that she wanted to be a performer at an early age. With singing, dancing, piano, and music lessons to boot, Lara had already begun taking lessons at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels by the age of 8 and continued taking them for the next 10 years. By age 14, Lara Fabian had begun performing and writing songs, while her father, a former guitarist and backup vocalist, would accompany her on the guitar.
All the music lessons in the world cannot take all the credit for Lara Fabian's musical formation. Lara listened to the radio and was fascinated by such artists as Barbra Streisand and the late Freddie Mercury of Queen. Listening to this diversity of music influenced Lara's style, who claims that although she is a pop singer, her music is not purely pop -- it varies from classical and rock, to country. In the years that followed, Lara Fabian entered European singing competitions, winning several prizes. Lara Fabian won fourth prize in a prestigious European competition for singing her single "Croire". Beginning to achieve success and fame in Europe with the release of several hit singles on a French label, Lara felt that she had to leave what she refers to as "conservative" Europe, so that she could be herself and explore who she really is. When Lara Fabian crossed the Atlantic and moved to Montreal, Quebec right after high school, she simply fell in love with the city and knew that this was to be her next home.
Now motivated to work and start her career in North America, Lara Fabian established an independent record label and publishing company. Under the umbrella of an existing production company, and with the help of her old friend, producer/songwriter Rick Allison, Lara was ready to begin her creative process. In 1991, Lara Fabian released her first album, co-written by Rick Allison and featuring Lara singing in French, and it was a hit. Selling 100,000 copies, it led to Lara touring Quebec in support of her album. 3 years later, Lara followed up her debut album with a second musical effort, entitled Carpe Diem. This album equally did not disappoint. It has sold more than 800,000 copies and was a hit in both Quebec and France. Lara's 2 previous albums were only an inkling of the success that Lara Fabian was yet to achieve. Her third album, 1997's Pure, sold 2 million copies in France alone, and spawned several hit singles. Among them was the song "La Difference", which was an attempt to end intolerance of other's differences, specifically an end to homophobia. In Europe, the song became an anthem for tolerance.
After extensive touring following the release of each album, Lara Fabian released a compilation of her live performances in Quebec and Europe, entitled Lara Fabian Live. The double album landed the number one spot on the French album chart the week it was released. Disney also asked Lara to sing as the voice of Esmerelda in the French version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Other recognition she has received includes: a wax effigy of Lara Fabian at the Grevin Wax Museum of Paris and the Best Selling Benelux Artist at the 1999 World Music Awards. Sony Music, who got word of Lara's tremendous success in Europe and Quebec, wanted to sign the singer/songwriter to their record label.
Lara Fabian headed for the United States, and recorded her first English album, working with big league producers such as Walter Afanadieff (who has worked with Mariah Carey), Pat Leonard (Madonna) and Brian Rawling (Cher). Lara doesn't consider herself to be a singer, nor a diva -- she refers to herself as "a songwriter with a voice" -- and with her soulful voice and diverse style, Lara Fabian has definitely proven to have crossed many international boundaries.
Has released 6 albums: 'Lara Fabian' (1991), 'Carpe Diem' (1994), 'Pure' (1996), 'Lara Fabian' (2000), 'Nue' (2002) and 'A Wonderful Life' (2004)
Her father is Belgian and her mother is Italian
Opted for Canadian nationality
Had a long-term relationship (7 years) with Rick Allison who used to be her producer; after that she was engaged to the co-star of the musical comedy Notre-Dame de Paris, singer Patrick Fiori
Has her look-alike puppet in the French show "Guignols de l'info, Les" (1988).
Family: mother Luisa, father Pierre, one sister, Laura.
Her favorite movies are: "The Fifth Element" and "The English Patient".
Her favorite actor is Mel Gibson, and her favorite actress is Juliette Binoche.
She writes songs.
Favorite food: Cherry and white chocolate.
She studied law (children's criminology) in case she could not become singer. Before that, she would have liked to become a nursery nurse, because she loves children.
She was engaged to French singer Sébastien Lorca. Now (2004), she's engaged to musician Jean-Félix Lalanne.
Her father was a guitarist for Petula Clark
Lara Fabian Detailed Biography
French pop singer Lara Fabian was born in January, 1970, in Etterbeek, Belgium. Raised in north Belgium and Italy by her Flemish father and Sicilian mother, the French, English, Italian and Spanish speaking Lara Fabian knew that she wanted to be a performer at an early age. With singing, dancing, piano, and music lessons to boot, Lara had already begun taking lessons at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels by the age of 8 and continued taking them for the next 10 years. By age 14, Lara Fabian had begun performing and writing songs, while her father, a former guitarist and backup vocalist, would accompany her on the guitar.
All the music lessons in the world cannot take all the credit for Lara Fabian's musical formation. Lara listened to the radio and was fascinated by such artists as Barbra Streisand and the late Freddie Mercury of Queen. Listening to this diversity of music influenced Lara's style, who claims that although she is a pop singer, her music is not purely pop -- it varies from classical and rock, to country. In the years that followed, Lara Fabian entered European singing competitions, winning several prizes. Lara Fabian won fourth prize in a prestigious European competition for singing her single "Croire". Beginning to achieve success and fame in Europe with the release of several hit singles on a French label, Lara felt that she had to leave what she refers to as "conservative" Europe, so that she could be herself and explore who she really is. When Lara Fabian crossed the Atlantic and moved to Montreal, Quebec right after high school, she simply fell in love with the city and knew that this was to be her next home.
Now motivated to work and start her career in North America, Lara Fabian established an independent record label and publishing company. Under the umbrella of an existing production company, and with the help of her old friend, producer/songwriter Rick Allison, Lara was ready to begin her creative process. In 1991, Lara Fabian released her first album, co-written by Rick Allison and featuring Lara singing in French, and it was a hit. Selling 100,000 copies, it led to Lara touring Quebec in support of her album. 3 years later, Lara followed up her debut album with a second musical effort, entitled Carpe Diem. This album equally did not disappoint. It has sold more than 800,000 copies and was a hit in both Quebec and France. Lara's 2 previous albums were only an inkling of the success that Lara Fabian was yet to achieve. Her third album, 1997's Pure, sold 2 million copies in France alone, and spawned several hit singles. Among them was the song "La Difference", which was an attempt to end intolerance of other's differences, specifically an end to homophobia. In Europe, the song became an anthem for tolerance.
After extensive touring following the release of each album, Lara Fabian released a compilation of her live performances in Quebec and Europe, entitled Lara Fabian Live. The double album landed the number one spot on the French album chart the week it was released. Disney also asked Lara to sing as the voice of Esmerelda in the French version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Other recognition she has received includes: a wax effigy of Lara Fabian at the Grevin Wax Museum of Paris and the Best Selling Benelux Artist at the 1999 World Music Awards. Sony Music, who got word of Lara's tremendous success in Europe and Quebec, wanted to sign the singer/songwriter to their record label.
Lara Fabian headed for the United States, and recorded her first English album, working with big league producers such as Walter Afanadieff (who has worked with Mariah Carey), Pat Leonard (Madonna) and Brian Rawling (Cher). Lara doesn't consider herself to be a singer, nor a diva -- she refers to herself as "a songwriter with a voice" -- and with her soulful voice and diverse style, Lara Fabian has definitely proven to have crossed many international boundaries.
About Lara Fabian from (Amanda Kobersy )
LaRa FaBiaN :
Elle est née le 9 janvier 1970 à Bruxelles en Belgique, d’un père belge, ancien guitariste de la chanteuse Petula Clark, et d’une mère sicilienne.
Dès 1986, elle chante dans les cabarets bruxellois et rencontre un peu plus tard Rick Alison, qui deviendra son parolier, et même son pygmalion.
En 1988, elle représente le Luxembourg au concours de l’Eurovision, et son titre « Croire » se vend à 500 000 exemplaires.
Elle sort son premier album en 1992, mais se fait reconnaître du grand public et des professionnels avec son deuxième album « Carpediem ».
En 1996, elle obtient la nationalité canadienne et c’est avec son troisième album qu’elle conquiert la France « Pure ». Son titre « Tout » est programmé sur toutes les radios.
En 1998, Johnny Hallyday, séduit par sa voix, lui prpose de venir chanter avec lui au stade de France « Requiem pour un fou ».
La même année, elle reçoit aux Victoires de la musique , la victoire de la révélation de l’année. Elle participe aussi à l’album « Ensemble » pour la lutte contre le sida, et termine l’année avec une tournée triomphale.
Début 1999, elle sort un double album live, Lara a déjà vendu sur le territoire français 6 millions d’albums.
C’est pourquoi, elle décide de sortir un album en anglais, avec son premier titre « Adagio ». Cet album ne sera pas très bien accueilli outre Atlantique.
Son quatrième opus, éponyme, sort en 99, suivi d'une tournée européenne. Lara revient à la fin de l'été 2001, avec "Nue". En 2003, elle signe "En toute intimité", un album live acoustique.
L’année suivante, la chanteuse fait ses premiers pas au cinéma dans le film intitulé "De Lovely".
Lara voyage de plus en plus : elle chante avec Phil Collins à Genève, elle réalise un somptueux concert avec l’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal et au mois de mai elle fait un spectacle à Beyrouth.
Nouveau challenge pour la chanteuse le 14 mars 2005 avec la sortie d’un nouvel album :
"9", entièrement co-écrit et co-composé par Lara. La tournée "Regard 9" débutée en septembre 2005 est un triomphe !
La jeune femme a su faire ses preuves malgré les nombreuses critiques qu’elle a rencontré sur sa route. Une voix hors du commun pour une bambina pas comme les autres !
Elle est née le 9 janvier 1970 à Bruxelles en Belgique, d’un père belge, ancien guitariste de la chanteuse Petula Clark, et d’une mère sicilienne.
Dès 1986, elle chante dans les cabarets bruxellois et rencontre un peu plus tard Rick Alison, qui deviendra son parolier, et même son pygmalion.
En 1988, elle représente le Luxembourg au concours de l’Eurovision, et son titre « Croire » se vend à 500 000 exemplaires.
Elle sort son premier album en 1992, mais se fait reconnaître du grand public et des professionnels avec son deuxième album « Carpediem ».
En 1996, elle obtient la nationalité canadienne et c’est avec son troisième album qu’elle conquiert la France « Pure ». Son titre « Tout » est programmé sur toutes les radios.
En 1998, Johnny Hallyday, séduit par sa voix, lui prpose de venir chanter avec lui au stade de France « Requiem pour un fou ».
La même année, elle reçoit aux Victoires de la musique , la victoire de la révélation de l’année. Elle participe aussi à l’album « Ensemble » pour la lutte contre le sida, et termine l’année avec une tournée triomphale.
Début 1999, elle sort un double album live, Lara a déjà vendu sur le territoire français 6 millions d’albums.
C’est pourquoi, elle décide de sortir un album en anglais, avec son premier titre « Adagio ». Cet album ne sera pas très bien accueilli outre Atlantique.
Son quatrième opus, éponyme, sort en 99, suivi d'une tournée européenne. Lara revient à la fin de l'été 2001, avec "Nue". En 2003, elle signe "En toute intimité", un album live acoustique.
L’année suivante, la chanteuse fait ses premiers pas au cinéma dans le film intitulé "De Lovely".
Lara voyage de plus en plus : elle chante avec Phil Collins à Genève, elle réalise un somptueux concert avec l’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal et au mois de mai elle fait un spectacle à Beyrouth.
Nouveau challenge pour la chanteuse le 14 mars 2005 avec la sortie d’un nouvel album :
"9", entièrement co-écrit et co-composé par Lara. La tournée "Regard 9" débutée en septembre 2005 est un triomphe !
La jeune femme a su faire ses preuves malgré les nombreuses critiques qu’elle a rencontré sur sa route. Une voix hors du commun pour une bambina pas comme les autres !
recent news from (Lynn Gaudin)
Just a head's up.. TLFM will be put off until June due to complications. But on the bright side, a new tour is also in the works!
Here is the Track listing as well as the women she was inspired by:
Tracking List :
Track 1 : Message Personnel (Françoise Hardy – 1973)
Track 2 : Nuit Magique (Catherine Lara – 1986)
Track 3 : L’amour existe encore (Céline Dion – 1991)
Track 4 : Mamy Blues (Nicoletta – 1971)
Track 5 : L’hymne à L’amour (Edith Piaf – 1949)
Track 6 : Babacar (France Gall – 1987)
Track 7 : Amoureuse (Véronique Sanson – 1972)
Track 8 : Göttingen (Barabara – 1965)
Track 9 : Une femme amoureuse (Mireille Mathieu - 1980 - adaptation Women in love - Barbra Streisand)
Track 10 : Il venait d’avoir 18 ans (Dalida – 1973)
Track 11 : Libertine (Mylène Farmer – 1986)
Track 12 : J’ai 12 ans (Diane Dufresne – 1990)
Track 13 : Ca casse (Maurane – 1991)
Track 14 : Toutes les femmes en moi ( Inédit 2008)
Track 15 : Le droit des femmes (Inédit 2008)
+ (Hidden Track) Track cachée: Soleil Soleil (Nana Mouskouri – 1972)
Here is the Track listing as well as the women she was inspired by:
Tracking List :
Track 1 : Message Personnel (Françoise Hardy – 1973)
Track 2 : Nuit Magique (Catherine Lara – 1986)
Track 3 : L’amour existe encore (Céline Dion – 1991)
Track 4 : Mamy Blues (Nicoletta – 1971)
Track 5 : L’hymne à L’amour (Edith Piaf – 1949)
Track 6 : Babacar (France Gall – 1987)
Track 7 : Amoureuse (Véronique Sanson – 1972)
Track 8 : Göttingen (Barabara – 1965)
Track 9 : Une femme amoureuse (Mireille Mathieu - 1980 - adaptation Women in love - Barbra Streisand)
Track 10 : Il venait d’avoir 18 ans (Dalida – 1973)
Track 11 : Libertine (Mylène Farmer – 1986)
Track 12 : J’ai 12 ans (Diane Dufresne – 1990)
Track 13 : Ca casse (Maurane – 1991)
Track 14 : Toutes les femmes en moi ( Inédit 2008)
Track 15 : Le droit des femmes (Inédit 2008)
+ (Hidden Track) Track cachée: Soleil Soleil (Nana Mouskouri – 1972)
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