Dalida

Dalida as shown on a French stamp issued in 2001

Dalida (January 17, 1933 - May 3, 1987) was an Egyptian, FrenchItalian singer.

Born Yolande Christina Gigliotti of Italian parents in Shoubra, a district of Cairo, Egypt, she was the child of an opera violinist and was given singing lessons at an early age. She developed into a beautiful young lady, and in 1954 she won the Miss Egypt beauty contest and immediately left for Paris, France, to pursue a career in motion pictures.

Despite her looks, her first films were less than successful, but she began performing in music halls and cabarets, singing in French, Italian and other languages. Using the stage name, "Dalida", she recorded songs, her second single titled "Bambino" brought instant fame. In 1957, she appeared at the Paris Olympia as the opening act for Charles Aznavour and later the same year for Gilbert Bécaud. She would go on to record in several languages, touring the globe including sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

During her career, Dalida recorded 500 French songs, 200 of which were translated into Italian, and 200 into other languages. She sold more than 80 million records world-wide, winning numerous awards, scoring 55 gold records. Yet, despite her fame and fortune, her personal life was difficult and filled with much drama and tragedy. In 1961 she married her mentor Lucien Morisse, but the marriage lasted only a few months when she left him for the painter Jean Sobieski (later the father of American actress Leelee Sobieski). A few years later, her still distraught ex-husband died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In 1967 her new lover, the Italian singer, Luigi Tenco also took his own life and Dalida too attempted suicide. She was living with the flamboyant and less than reputable, Richard Chanfray (referred to as the Comte de St Germain) when he took his own life in July 1983. She recovered from these tragedies and continued to perform but by her own accounts, life had little meaning and she spent years searching for personal fulfillment, including traveling to Nepal to study the Hindu religion.

On May 3, 1987 she died as a result of an overdose of sleeping pills leaving behind a suicide note that said: "Life has become unbearable ... forgive me."

Dalida is buried in the Cimetière de Montmartre, Paris, her gilded life-size statue one of the most outstanding of the many sculpted works in the famous cemetery.

In 1997, the angle of the rues Girardon and Abreuvoir in the Butte Montmartre in Paris was inaugurated as "Place Dalida" and is where a life-size bust was erected to her memory. In 2001, the French government honored her memory with her image on a postage stamp.

Filmography

  • Joseph and his brothers - (1954) with Omar Sharif
  • The mask of Toutankhamon - (1954)
  • Sigara we Kass /A glass and a cigarette - (1954)
  • Brigade des moeurs - (1957)
  • Rapt au deuxième bureau - (1958)
  • Parlez moi d'amour - (1960)
  • L'inconnue de Hong Kong - (1963) with Serge Gainsbourg
  • Ménage à l'Italienne - (1965)
  • Io to amo - (1968)
  • Comme sur des roulettes - (1977)
  • Dalida pour toujours - (documentary, 1977)
  • Le sixième jour / The Sixth Day - (1986) - Youssef Chahine

Her hit/best songs from all over the world (1956-1987)

  • (Manuel Benitez) El Cordobes (1966)
  • À ma manière (1980)
  • À qui? (1967)
  • Aghani Aghani (1982)
  • Am tag als der Regen Kam (1959/1982)
  • Americana (1981)
  • Amore Scusami (1964)
  • Amoureuse de la vie (1977)
  • Anima Mia (1974)
  • Aranjuez la tua voce (1967)
  • Avant de te connaître (1970)
  • Avec le temps (1971)
  • Bambino (1956)
  • Bang Bang (1966)
  • Besame Mucho (Embrasse-moi) (1976)
  • Buenas Noches mi Amor (1957)
  • C'est mieux comme ça (Le Parrain 2) (1975)
  • C'était mon ami (1984)
  • Captain Sky (1977)
  • Chanteur des années 80 (1980)
  • Chaque instant de chaque jour (1964)
  • Ciao Amore, Ciao (1967)
  • Ciao, Ciao Bambina (1959)
  • Come Prima (Tu me donnes) (1958)
  • Comme disait Mistinguett (1979)
  • Concerto pour une voix (1970)
  • Confidences sur la fréquence (1982)
  • Ça me fait rêver (1978) - with Bruno Guillain
  • Dan Dan Dan (1968)
  • Dans le bleu du ciel bleu (1958)
  • Danza (1982)
  • Darla Dirladada (1970)
  • Et de l'amour... de l'amour (1975) - with Richard Chanfrey as "St-Germain"
  • Eux (1963)
  • Femme (1983)
  • Femme est la nuit (1977)
  • Fini, la comédie (1981)
  • Garde-moi la dernière danse (1961)
  • Gamil El Soura (1983)
  • Génération 78 (1978) - with Bruno Guillain
  • Gigi l'Amoroso (1974)
  • Gigi in Paradisco (1980)
  • Gondolier (1958)
  • Guitare et tambourin (1958)
  • Hava Naguila (1958)
  • Helwa Ya Baladi (1979)
  • Hene Ma Tov (1965)
  • Histoire d'un amour (1957)
  • Il faut danser reggae (1979)
  • Il pleut sur Bruxelles (1981)
  • Il Silenzio (Bonsoir mon amour) (1965)
  • Il venait d'avoir 18 ans / 18 Anni / He must have been eighteen (1973)
  • Ils ont changé ma chanson (1970)
  • Itsi bitsi petit bikini (1960)
  • J'ai rêvé (1959)
  • J'attendrai / Tornerai (1975)
  • Je l'attends(1962)
  • Je m'endors dans tes bras (1968)
  • Je pars (1958)
  • Je reviens te chercher (1967)
  • Je suis malade (1973)
  • Je suis toutes les femmes (1980)
  • Jouez Bouzouki (1982)
  • Kalimba de Luna (1984)
  • L'amour et moi (1981)
  • L'An 2005 (1969)
  • L'Arlequin de Tolède / Arlecchino (1960)
  • L'Innamorata (1984)
  • L'ultimo valzer (1967)
  • La chanson du Mundial '82 (1982)
  • La colpa e tua (1971)
  • La Danse de Zorba (Zorba's Dance) / La Danza di Zorba (1965/1986)
  • La leçon de Twist (1962)
  • La Sainte Totoche (1965)
  • La vie en rose (1965/1976)
  • Lady d'Arbanville (1970)
  • Le Flamenco (1965)
  • Le jour du retour (1963)
  • Le jour le plus long (1962)
  • Le jour où la pluie viendra (1958/1982)
  • Le Lambeth Walk (1978)
  • Le petit bonheur (1976)
  • Le petit Gonzalès (1962)
  • Le promesse d'amore (1969)
  • Le restaurant italien (1983)
  • Le sixième jour (1986)
  • Le temps d'aimer (1985)
  • Le temps des fleurs (1968)
  • Le Vénitien de Levallois (1985)
  • Les anges noirs (1968)
  • Les choses de l'amour (1971)
  • Les enfants du Pirée (1960)
  • Les hommes de ma vie (1986)
  • Les gitans (1958)
  • Les grilles de ma maison (1967)
  • Les p'tits mots (1983)
  • Love in Portofino (1959)
  • Lucas (1983)
  • Ma vie je la chante (1974)
  • Mama (1967)
  • Maman, la plus belle du monde (1957)
  • Marjolaine (1981)
  • Mein Lieber Herr (1975)
  • Milord (1960)
  • Monday, Tuesday... Laissez-moi danser / Let me dance tonight (1979)
  • Mourir sur scène (1983)
  • Ne lui dis pas (1975)
  • Nuits d'Espagne (1961)
  • Nostlagie (1981)
  • Oh! Lady Mary (1969)
  • Ô Sole Mio (1960)
  • Parce que je ne t'aime plus (1986)
  • Parle plus bas (Le Parrain) (1972)
  • Parlez-moi de lui (1966)
  • Paroles... Paroles... (1973) - with Alain Delon
  • Petit homme (1966)
  • Pour ne pas vivre seul (1972)
  • Pour te dire je t'aime (1984)
  • Problemorama (L'argent... l'argent...) (1979)
  • Quand je n'aime plus je m'en vais (1981)
  • Quand on n'a que l'amour (1957/1979)
  • Quand s'arrêtent les violons (1977)
  • Que sont devenues les fleurs? (1962)
  • Remember... c'était loin (1977) - with Richard Chanfrey as "St-Germain"
  • Reviens-moi (1985)
  • Rio do Brasil (1980)
  • Romantica (1960)
  • Salma Ya Salama (1977)
  • Si j'avais des millions (1968)
  • Soleil / Mediterraneo (1984)
  • T'aimer follement (1960)
  • Ta femme (1974)
  • Ti Amo (Je t'aime) (1977)
  • Tony (1982)
  • Tu croiras (1963)
  • Tu n'as pas très bon caractère (1957)
  • Un po d'amore (1968)
  • Une femme à quarante ans (1981)
  • Vado Via (1973)
  • Vedrai Vedrai (1979)
  • Viva la pappa (1965)
  • Voilà pourquoi je chante (1978)

Discography (no single, no compilation)

  • 1957 Son Nom Est Dalida
  • 1957 Miguel
  • 1958 Gondolier
  • 1958 Les Gitans
  • 1959 Le Disque D'Or De Dalida
  • 1959 Love In Portofino
  • 1960 Les Enfants Du Pirée
  • 1961 Garde-Moi La Dernière Danse
  • 1961 Loin De Moi
  • 1961 Milord (realised in Italy)
  • 1962 Le Petit Gonzalès
  • 1963 Eux
  • 1964 Amore Scusami
  • 1965 Il Silenzio (Bonsoir Mon Amour)
  • 1966 Pensiamoci Ogni Sera (realised in Italy)
  • 1967 Olympia 67 (studio)
  • 1967 Ciao Amore, Ciao (realised in Italy)
  • 1968 Un Po' D'Amore (realised in Italy)
  • 1968 Le Temps Des Fleurs
  • 1969 Canta In Italiano (realised in Italy)
  • 1969 Ma Mère Me Disait
  • 1970 Ils Ont Changé Ma Chanson
  • 1971 Une Vie
  • 1972 Olympia 71 (live)
  • 1972 Il Faut Du Temps
  • 1973 Sings In Italian For You (realised in Italy)
  • 1973 Julien
  • 1974 Olympia 74 (live)
  • 1974 Manuel
  • 1975 Sempre piu' (realised in Italy)
  • 1975 J'Attendrai
  • 1976 Coup De Chapeau Au Passé
  • 1977 Femme Est La Nuit
  • 1977 Olympia 77 (live)
  • 1977 Pour Toujours : Bande Originale (soundtrack)
  • 1977 Salma Ya Salama
  • 1978 Génération 78 / Voilà Pourquoi Je Chante / Ça Me Fait Rêver
  • 1979 Dédié À Toi (Monday Tuesday)
  • 1980 Gigi In Paradisco
  • 1980 Le Spectacle Du Palais Des Sports 1980 (live)
  • 1981 Olympia 81 (live)
  • 1982 Spécial Dalida
  • 1982 Mondialement Vôtre
  • 1983 Les P'Tits Mots
  • 1984 Dali
  • 1986 Le Visage De L'Amour
  • 1987 Tigani Bi Arab (realised in Egypt)
  • 1995 Comme Si J'Étais Là... (remix album)
  • 1996 À Ma Manière (remix album)
  • 1997 Olympia 1959 (live inedit)
  • 1997 L'An 2005 (remix album)
  • 1998 Le Rêve Oriental (remix album)
  • 2001 Révolution 5° Du Nom (remix album)

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In 2001, the French government honored her memory with her image on a postage stamp. He is also remembered as a major character in the documentary homage Divine Trash (1998) by Steve Yeager, covering the life and work of John Waters. In 1997, the angle of the rues Girardon and Abreuvoir in the Butte Montmartre in Paris was inaugurated as "Place Dalida" and is where a life-size bust was erected to her memory. Divine died from an enlarged heart. Dalida is buried in the Cimetière de Montmartre, Paris, her gilded life-size statue one of the most outstanding of the many sculpted works in the famous cemetery. "Glenn was born before civil rights, gay rights, or women's rights...God doesn't want people created out of a Xerox machine...The tragedy is that Glenn was cut off right at the point of becoming who he really was, and the world will never see how that flower could have unfolded."
—Reverend Leland Higginbotham in his Eulogy at Divine's funeral; Baltimore, Maryland, March, 1988. forgive me.". In the 1980s, Glenn's music was a hit through America, Europe, and Australia. His music had progressive house techno beats with energizing lyrics that appealed to synth boppers.

On May 3, 1987 she died as a result of an overdose of sleeping pills leaving behind a suicide note that said: "Life has become unbearable .. Repeating their successful pairing in Polyester, in 1985 Divine appeared opposite Tab Hunter in their bigger hit Lust in the Dust. She recovered from these tragedies and continued to perform but by her own accounts, life had little meaning and she spent years searching for personal fulfillment, including traveling to Nepal to study the Hindu religion. Divine starred in a number of films, and was particularly well known as being part of the regular crew known as the Dreamlanders that appeared in many of John Waters earlier works such as Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Polyester, and Hairspray. She was living with the flamboyant and less than reputable, Richard Chanfray (referred to as the Comte de St Germain) when he took his own life in July 1983. John Waters was a childhood friend who he met while living there. In 1967 her new lover, the Italian singer, Luigi Tenco also took his own life and Dalida too attempted suicide. Born to Bernard and Diana Francis Milstead, at the age of 12 the family moved to Lutherville, a suburb of Baltimore.

A few years later, her still distraught ex-husband died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Harris Glenn Milstead (October 19, 1945 Towson, Maryland - March 7, 1988) was better known by his drag persona Divine. In 1961 she married her mentor Lucien Morisse, but the marriage lasted only a few months when she left him for the painter Jean Sobieski (later the father of American actress Leelee Sobieski). ISBN 1555835945. Yet, despite her fame and fortune, her personal life was difficult and filled with much drama and tragedy. Los Angeles: Alyson Books. During her career, Dalida recorded 500 French songs, 200 of which were translated into Italian, and 200 into other languages. She sold more than 80 million records world-wide, winning numerous awards, scoring 55 gold records. My Son Divine.

She would go on to record in several languages, touring the globe including sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Milstead, Frances; Heffernan, Kevin; and Yeager, Steve (2001). In 1957, she appeared at the Paris Olympia as the opening act for Charles Aznavour and later the same year for Gilbert Bécaud. ISBN 0-671-88467-0. Using the stage name, "Dalida", she recorded songs, her second single titled "Bambino" brought instant fame. New York: Fireside. Despite her looks, her first films were less than successful, but she began performing in music halls and cabarets, singing in French, Italian and other languages. Not Simply Divine.

She developed into a beautiful young lady, and in 1954 she won the Miss Egypt beauty contest and immediately left for Paris, France, to pursue a career in motion pictures. Jay, Bernard (1994). Born Yolande Christina Gigliotti of Italian parents in Shoubra, a district of Cairo, Egypt, she was the child of an opera violinist and was given singing lessons at an early age. "Walk Like a Man" (1985). Dalida (January 17, 1933 - May 3, 1987) was an Egyptian, FrenchItalian singer. "I'm So Beautiful" (1984). 2001 Révolution 5° Du Nom (remix album). "You Think You're a Man" (1984).

1998 Le Rêve Oriental (remix album). "Shake It Up" (1983). 1997 L'An 2005 (remix album). "Love Reaction" (1983). 1997 Olympia 1959 (live inedit). "Shoot Your Shot" (1982). 1996 À Ma Manière (remix album). "Native Love (Step by Step)" (1982).

(remix album). The Best of Divine (1997) (compilation). 1995 Comme Si J'Étais Là.. The Originals and the Remixes (1996) (2 CD compilation). 1987 Tigani Bi Arab (realised in Egypt). Shoot Your Shot (1995). 1986 Le Visage De L'Amour. Born to Be Bad (1995) (live).

1984 Dali. The 12" Collection (1993) (compilation). 1983 Les P'Tits Mots. The Best Of & The Rest Of (1989) (compilation). 1982 Mondialement Vôtre. Maid In England (1988). 1982 Spécial Dalida. The Story So Far (1984).

1981 Olympia 81 (live). Jungle Jezebel (1982). 1980 Le Spectacle Du Palais Des Sports 1980 (live). My First Album (1982). 1980 Gigi In Paradisco. Out of the Dark (1989). 1979 Dédié À Toi (Monday Tuesday). Hairspray (1988).

1978 Génération 78 / Voilà Pourquoi Je Chante / Ça Me Fait Rêver. Lust in the Dust (1985). 1977 Salma Ya Salama. Trouble in Mind (1985). 1977 Pour Toujours : Bande Originale (soundtrack). Polyester (1981). 1977 Olympia 77 (live). Female Trouble (1974).

1977 Femme Est La Nuit. Pink Flamingos (1972) (aka John Waters' Pink Flamingos). 1976 Coup De Chapeau Au Passé. Multiple Maniacs (1970). 1975 J'Attendrai. The Diane Linkletter Story (1969). 1975 Sempre piu' (realised in Italy). Mondo Trasho (1969).

1974 Manuel. Eat Your Makeup (1968). 1974 Olympia 74 (live). 1973 Julien. 1973 Sings In Italian For You (realised in Italy).

1972 Il Faut Du Temps. 1972 Olympia 71 (live). 1971 Une Vie. 1970 Ils Ont Changé Ma Chanson.

1969 Ma Mère Me Disait. 1969 Canta In Italiano (realised in Italy). 1968 Le Temps Des Fleurs. 1968 Un Po' D'Amore (realised in Italy).

1967 Ciao Amore, Ciao (realised in Italy). 1967 Olympia 67 (studio). 1966 Pensiamoci Ogni Sera (realised in Italy). 1965 Il Silenzio (Bonsoir Mon Amour).

1964 Amore Scusami. 1963 Eux. 1962 Le Petit Gonzalès. 1961 Milord (realised in Italy).

1961 Loin De Moi. 1961 Garde-Moi La Dernière Danse. 1960 Les Enfants Du Pirée. 1959 Love In Portofino.

1959 Le Disque D'Or De Dalida. 1958 Les Gitans. 1958 Gondolier. 1957 Miguel.

1957 Son Nom Est Dalida. Voilà pourquoi je chante (1978). Viva la pappa (1965). Vedrai Vedrai (1979).

Vado Via (1973). Une femme à quarante ans (1981). Un po d'amore (1968). Tu n'as pas très bon caractère (1957).

Tu croiras (1963). Tony (1982). Ti Amo (Je t'aime) (1977). Ta femme (1974).

T'aimer follement (1960). Soleil / Mediterraneo (1984). Si j'avais des millions (1968). Salma Ya Salama (1977).

Romantica (1960). Rio do Brasil (1980). Reviens-moi (1985). c'était loin (1977) - with Richard Chanfrey as "St-Germain".

Remember.. Que sont devenues les fleurs? (1962). Quand s'arrêtent les violons (1977). Quand on n'a que l'amour (1957/1979).

Quand je n'aime plus je m'en vais (1981). l'argent...) (1979). Problemorama (L'argent.. Pour te dire je t'aime (1984).

Pour ne pas vivre seul (1972). Petit homme (1966). Paroles... (1973) - with Alain Delon. Paroles..

Parlez-moi de lui (1966). Parle plus bas (Le Parrain) (1972). Parce que je ne t'aime plus (1986). Ô Sole Mio (1960).

Oh! Lady Mary (1969). Nostlagie (1981). Nuits d'Espagne (1961). Ne lui dis pas (1975).

Mourir sur scène (1983). Monday, Tuesday... Laissez-moi danser / Let me dance tonight (1979). Milord (1960). Mein Lieber Herr (1975).

Marjolaine (1981). Maman, la plus belle du monde (1957). Mama (1967). Ma vie je la chante (1974).

Lucas (1983). Love in Portofino (1959). Les p'tits mots (1983). Les grilles de ma maison (1967).

Les gitans (1958). Les hommes de ma vie (1986). Les enfants du Pirée (1960). Les choses de l'amour (1971).

Les anges noirs (1968). Le Vénitien de Levallois (1985). Le temps des fleurs (1968). Le temps d'aimer (1985).

Le sixième jour (1986). Le restaurant italien (1983). Le promesse d'amore (1969). Le petit Gonzalès (1962).

Le petit bonheur (1976). Le Lambeth Walk (1978). Le jour où la pluie viendra (1958/1982). Le jour le plus long (1962).

Le jour du retour (1963). Le Flamenco (1965). Lady d'Arbanville (1970). La vie en rose (1965/1976).

La Sainte Totoche (1965). La leçon de Twist (1962). La Danse de Zorba (Zorba's Dance) / La Danza di Zorba (1965/1986). La colpa e tua (1971).

La chanson du Mundial '82 (1982). L'ultimo valzer (1967). L'Innamorata (1984). L'Arlequin de Tolède / Arlecchino (1960).

L'An 2005 (1969). L'amour et moi (1981). Kalimba de Luna (1984). Jouez Bouzouki (1982).

Je suis toutes les femmes (1980). Je suis malade (1973). Je reviens te chercher (1967). Je pars (1958).

Je m'endors dans tes bras (1968). Je l'attends(1962). J'attendrai / Tornerai (1975). J'ai rêvé (1959).

Itsi bitsi petit bikini (1960). Ils ont changé ma chanson (1970). Il venait d'avoir 18 ans / 18 Anni / He must have been eighteen (1973). Il Silenzio (Bonsoir mon amour) (1965).

Il pleut sur Bruxelles (1981). Il faut danser reggae (1979). Histoire d'un amour (1957). Hene Ma Tov (1965).

Helwa Ya Baladi (1979). Hava Naguila (1958). Guitare et tambourin (1958). Gondolier (1958).

Gigi in Paradisco (1980). Gigi l'Amoroso (1974). Génération 78 (1978) - with Bruno Guillain. Gamil El Soura (1983).

Garde-moi la dernière danse (1961). Fini, la comédie (1981). Femme est la nuit (1977). Femme (1983).

Eux (1963). de l'amour (1975) - with Richard Chanfrey as "St-Germain". Et de l'amour.. Darla Dirladada (1970).

Danza (1982). Dans le bleu du ciel bleu (1958). Dan Dan Dan (1968). Ça me fait rêver (1978) - with Bruno Guillain.

Confidences sur la fréquence (1982). Concerto pour une voix (1970). Comme disait Mistinguett (1979). Come Prima (Tu me donnes) (1958).

Ciao, Ciao Bambina (1959). Ciao Amore, Ciao (1967). Chaque instant de chaque jour (1964). Chanteur des années 80 (1980).

Captain Sky (1977). C'était mon ami (1984). C'est mieux comme ça (Le Parrain 2) (1975). Buenas Noches mi Amor (1957).

Besame Mucho (Embrasse-moi) (1976). Bang Bang (1966). Bambino (1956). Avec le temps (1971).

Avant de te connaître (1970). Aranjuez la tua voce (1967). Anima Mia (1974). Amoureuse de la vie (1977).

Amore Scusami (1964). Americana (1981). Am tag als der Regen Kam (1959/1982). Aghani Aghani (1982).

À qui? (1967). À ma manière (1980). (Manuel Benitez) El Cordobes (1966). Le sixième jour / The Sixth Day - (1986) - Youssef Chahine.

Dalida pour toujours - (documentary, 1977). Comme sur des roulettes - (1977). Io to amo - (1968). Ménage à l'Italienne - (1965).

L'inconnue de Hong Kong - (1963) with Serge Gainsbourg. Parlez moi d'amour - (1960). Rapt au deuxième bureau - (1958). Brigade des moeurs - (1957).

Sigara we Kass /A glass and a cigarette - (1954). The mask of Toutankhamon - (1954). Joseph and his brothers - (1954) with Omar Sharif.