Edith Giovanna Gassion, better known by her stage name Édith Piaf, was born in Paris on December 19, 1915, and died in Grasse, France, on October 11, 1963. She was a French cabaret singer and songwriter, regarded as the archetype of the French chanson and a national treasure. More than fifty years after her death, Piaf remains the most famous French performer both in France and around the world.

She became known early in her career as La Môme Piaf (“The Little Sparrow”) due to her slight stature—she was only 4'8"—and her notable stage fright. Piaf performed songs that have since become classics, including "La Vie en rose, "Non, je ne regrette rien," "Hymne à l’amour," "Mon légionnaire," "La Foule," "Milord," "Mon Dieu," and "L’Accordéoniste."

Despite the tragic and premature end of her career due to severe health problems, Piaf’s powerful body of work led to international acclaim and continues to inspire singers and songwriters around the world today.