Pia Colombo was a French singer of Franco-Italian descent, born Eliane Marie Amélie Pia Colombo on July 6, 1934, in Homblières, Aisne, France. Her father hailed from Milan, Italy, while her mother originated from the Nord region of France.
As a singer, Colombo was often compared to the legendary Édith Piaf, and was even considered her potential successor after Piaf's passing in 1963. However, Colombo's intellectual approach to music did not resonate with the general public, setting her apart from her more popular counterpart.
Throughout her career, Colombo was deeply committed to her craft, and her repertoire featured the works of her husband, composer Maurice Fanon, as well as those of renowned artists such as Serge Gainsbourg, Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens, Kurt Weill, Hanns Eisler, and others.
In the 1960s, Colombo had the opportunity to act in productions of Bertolt Brecht's works, directed by the renowned Roger Planchon. She also performed at various esteemed venues, including the Popular National Theatre, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Théâtre du Châtelet, Olympia of Paris, Bobino, and the Festival d'Avignon.
Colombo was also instrumental in popularizing the songs of Léo Ferré, a French singer-songwriter. Her impressive career spanned over two decades, from 1956 to 1981, during which she left an indelible mark on the French music scene.
Tragically, Colombo's life was cut short when she passed away at the age of 51 due to cancer. Her remains were laid to rest in the prestigious Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.
