Sasha distel biography

Sacha Distel was not just one of France's best-loved singers: In the eyes of many he was the perfect Frenchman.

His good looks, easy charm and ability to attract high-profile lovers were at least as responsible for his early fame as his crooning.

Distel may have become a celebrity by dating Brigitte Bardot - but he was more than just a pretty face and a suave voice.

He was also a fine musician and a top-notch guitar-player.

Sacha Distel was born in Paris to a Russian emigre father in 1933.

Sasha distel biography

Sasha distel biography

Sacha distel biography

Sacha distel children

Sacha distel height

Sacha distel - brigitte bardot

His musician mother instilled in him a love of music at an early age.

Family connections

Distel's uncle was Ray Ventura - a popular big band leader who was France's answer to Glen Miller in the 1940s and 1950s.

He asked me what you could do with [a guitar] - I told him it was great to get the girls

Ventura encouraged his nephew to take up the guitar, which he learned under the guidance of veteran musician Henri Salvador.

"I taught him how to play