Michel Rivard

Michel Rivard, born on September 27, 1951, in Montreal, Quebec, is a celebrated singer-songwriter and musician whose career has spanned several decades. He is the son of actor Robert Rivard, and he began his artistic journey as a child, appearing in the Canadian television series Rue des Pignons and various commercials.

Rivard's significant contributions to music began in 1970 when he joined the theatrical group Quenouille Bleue, followed by his involvement with Théâtre Sainfoin in 1973. A pivotal moment in his career came in 1974 when he co-founded the iconic band Beau Dommage, known for its folk-rock sound and poignant lyrics. Among Rivard's notable works with the group is the beloved song "La complainte du phoque en Alaska." Despite the band's disbandment in 1978, they reunited for successful concerts in 1984 and 1994, showcasing Rivard’s enduring appeal.

In 1977, Rivard launched his solo career with the album Méfiez-vous du grand amour. His growing recognition was highlighted in 1978 when he opened for Maxime Le Forestier at the prestigious Olympia in Paris. Rivard continued to release music, including the acclaimed 1979 album De Longueuil à Berlin.

Beyond music, Rivard made notable contributions to film, acting in productions like Les Enfants de Kennedy and writing scores for films such as L'Espace d'un été. He also showcased his comedic talents through the Ligue nationale d'improvisation and ran for the Rhinoceros Party in 1980. Rivard’s 1983 album Sauvage featured the popular track "Schefferville, le dernier train," and he earned the Félix Video Clip of the Year award in 1985 for "Rumeurs sur la ville." His live album, Bonsoir... Mon nom est Michel Rivard et voici mon album double, further solidified his reputation as a multifaceted artist.