Legendary French singer and songwriter Charles Aznavour is to get a lifetime achievement award at MIDEM next year. The 84 year old star, currently on a farewell tour of Latin America, has written more than 800 songs during the course of his career, and appeared in more than sixty films. He is shortly to release a new album via EMI, 'Duos', featuring duets of some of his best known songs with guest performances from the likes of Sting, Bryan Ferry, Celine Dion, Placido Domingo, Elton John, and Liza Minnelli.
MIDEM CEO Paul Zilk said in a statement: "Charles Aznavour is without doubt the most famous French singer throughout the world, and he is a living legend in the pantheon of chanson francaise. His songs have become standards covered by some of the greatest artists of successive generations, and the films in which he has starred are classics. It is a pleasure for MIDEM to be able to honour this incomparable personality".