Mireille Mathieu is an iconic figure in French music. The renowned star had an extremely difficult childhood.
Young Mireille left school at the age of thirteen to work and contribute to her family’s livelihood.
Born on July 22, 1946, in Avignon (in the Vaucluse department), she is the eldest of a family of fourteen siblings.
Facing a challenging upbringing, the young girl gave up her studies early on to work in a paper and envelope factory.
With her earnings, she provided her family with the opportunity to move into a new five-room apartment, which was one of the most memorable moments of her life.
After an initial unsuccessful attempt, she won a singing competition held in her local area of Avignon.
She then participated in the show “Le Jeu de la Chance,” which proved to be a decisive turning point for her professional career.
She quickly made a name for herself with her exceptional voice and skill, reminiscent of Edith Piaf (whom she deeply admires).
The rest is history: approximately 130 million records sold, 55 million individual songs, various hits, and international accolades.
At the age of 76, Mireille Mathieu, who was deeply affected by the loss of her mother in 2016, enjoys every satisfaction in life except becoming a mother.
