Francis Lai (April 26, 1932 – November 7, 2018) was a French composer and musician renowned for his evocative film scores and timeless melodies. Born in Nice, Lai began as an accordionist in local orchestras before moving to Paris in the 1950s. There, he joined Edith Piaf’s team as her accompanist, co-writing songs like “Le Droit d’Aimer” and gaining prominence in the French music scene.
Lai’s breakthrough came in 1965 when he met director Claude Lelouch, leading to his iconic score for A Man and a Woman (1966). The film’s “Chabadabada” theme earned him international acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
In 1970, he won an Oscar for his haunting soundtrack to Love Story, featuring the unforgettable “Where Do I Begin.” Lai composed for over 100 films, blending lush orchestral arrangements with a distinctive lyrical style, collaborating with artists like Nicole Croisille and Pierre Barouh.
Beyond cinema, Lai wrote for French singers such as Mireille Mathieu and Yves Montand. He remained active into his later years, scoring Lelouch’s final film in 2017. Lai died in 2018 at 86, leaving a legacy as one of France’s most celebrated composers.
