Gerry Boulet | |
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Gerry À Grand Coups d'Amour
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Background information | |
Birth name | Joseph Gaétan Robert Gérald Boulet |
Born | March 1, 1946 |
Origin | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada |
Died | July 18, 1990 | (aged 44)
Genres | Rock |
Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter, Musician |
Instruments | Vocals, Organ, Piano, Guitar, Trumpet |
Years active | 1966 – 1990 |
Associated acts | Offenbach |
Joseph Gaétan Robert Gérald (Gerry) Boulet (March 1, 1946 – July 18, 1990) was a French Canadian rock singer. Most famous as vocalist for the Quebec rock band Offenbach, he also released two solo albums. He is considered one of the innovators of rock music in the joual language of French Quebec.
Born and raised in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, he started in music with the band Les Gants Blancs, which evolved into Offenbach, in 1969.
In 1985, Boulet recorded his first solo album, Presque 40 ans de blues. The following year, the band performed a farewell concert at the Montreal Forum.
In 1987 he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Boulet released his second solo album, Rendez-vous doux, In 1989, the album won him three Félix Awards. Some songs in this album clearly talk about his fight to stay alive.
On July 18, 1990, Boulet died in Montreal of cancer. Offenbach later reunited with Martin Deschamps on vocals.
Three more albums, including a live album and a rock opera, were released after Boulet's death.
A film titled Gerry about his life was launched in theatres on 15 June 2011. The film is directed by Alain Desrochers.