This French-speaking Canadian singer began his career in the seventies of the last century. Despite the fact that the elegant repertoire and pleasant timbre often forced Daniel Lavoie to take the pinnacles of success, he also experienced setbacks. But on both sides of the Atlantic, its popularity has never been interrupted.
Childhood
Daniel Lavoie's parents were residents of the French-speaking community of Manitoba. Here, in the very heart of Canada, in March 1949, a son was born to the couple, who was named Joseph. In addition to him, the couple Lavoie raised five more children, including two adoptive children. From an early age, Joseph showed interest in playing the piano. The mother of the singer, who had a great musical taste, opened to her son the world of opera and classical music.
Training
At school, Daniel Lavoie put on his own shows, on which he sang, played skits and played musical instruments. He was a real man orchestra, owned a saxophone, guitar, trumpet, drums.
At age 14, the future singer entered the Jesuit College "Saint Boniface." Here he had to deal with discrimination against French-speaking Canadians. The pupils were given only 45 minutes a day to learn their native language. Daniel often felt humiliated. But this is precisely what made Lavoie learn to fight. In addition to music, the young man was attracted to medicine. But Daniel chose the direction that was easier for him.
The first steps
There was a teacher at the Jesuit college who made the pupils write in verse every morning about how they spent the previous day. As a result of such training, the first song of Daniel Lavoie was born. The translation of a couple of lines into Russian sounds like this: "The autumn wind blows so coldly, so monotonously that I sometimes cry."
At eighteen, Daniel Lavoie won a competition organized on Canadian radio. The musician did not consider this a big victory, as he was the only competitor. But here Lavoie met with Frank Dervy and Jean-Pierre Ferland. This played a decisive role in the fate of Daniel.
Quebec
Until 1969, Laroy played in small groups. Then he went to Latin America. But there did not find recognition. In 1970, the musician moved to Quebec. He managed to conquer the city, becoming a regular performer in bars and restaurants, taking himself a pseudonym, which he still performs under. With a small group of musicians, the singer traveled all over Belle Province. At the same time, the first songs of Daniel Lavoie were released. Unfortunately the artist, they did not find public recognition.
Success
A real breakthrough in the career of a musician occurred in 1975. His debut album “I Left My Island” was well received by listeners from France, Brazil and Portugal. Two years later, the second collection of Daniel Lavoie came out: "Lullaby for the Lion." But the real success and fame of the singer brought the album "Blue Nirvana", recorded in 1979. At that time, Laroy lived in two countries, moving between Quebec and Paris. The musician's albums began to go out one after another. Lavoie managed to get many music awards. The singer became famous not only in Europe, but also in the USA.
Musicals
A talented musician was not limited to writing and performing songs. In 1998, the world premiere of the musical Daniel Lavoie "Notre Dame de Paris". This French-Canadian production of the work of the same name by Victor Hugo became a joint work of Riccardo Cochcante and Luke Plamondon. The singer got the role of the young priest Frollo. Daniel Lavoie copes with this image for many years. Simultaneously with participation in the play, the musician wrote songs for other performers: Lara Fabian, Natasha St. Pierre, Luca Duffo, Bruno Pelletier, Marie-Joe Terio. In 2002, Lavoie was invited to the role of Pilot in the musical "The Little Prince". The singer returned to performing activities in 2004.
Russia
The artist’s first visit to Russia took place in 2010. He gave a recital in Moscow. At the end of the same year, Lavoie joined the musical Notre Dame de Paris, recreating the original production. The performance was also presented in St. Petersburg and Kiev. In 2013, Lavoie participated in a show that presented the best songs of the acclaimed musical. In addition, the musician gave several concerts in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
Other activity
On the account of Daniel Lavoie several roles in the movie. The musician starred in such films as "The Incredible Journey of an Angel", "Book of Eve", "Ramp Lights", "Felix Leclair", "Antigone 34". He wrote music for several cartoons, released an album with children's songs. He participated in the project "Twelve men gathered together." Released two collections of poems. For three years he conducted the author’s broadcast on the radio. Since 1985, Daniel Lavoie has been actively involved in charity work.
Captive unicorn
In the spring of 2014, an interesting recording appeared, on which the musician worked together with Canadian composer Laurent Guardo. Captive Unicorn is an unusual musical project on the theme of mythology and classical legends, in which the vocals are accompanied by playing ancient musical instruments.
A family
Daniel Lavoie admits that she does not like to flaunt her personal life. The wife of the musician is the poetess Louise Dubock. She took part in the creation of several songs of the artist. Most of all, Lavoie appreciates in his wife an even and calm character, because off the stage he himself is a modest man. The couple has three children.
One of his sons (Joseph) is involved in directing and is involved in staging shows and concerts of the singer. Mathieu Lavoie became a microprocessor developer. Daughter Gabrielle chose the profession of equestrian trainer. The family lives in a country house where the singer is engaged in gardening.