Johnny Stark (talent manager)

Johnny Stark (Born Roger Oscar Emile Stark) (August 29, 1922 - April 24, 1989) was one of the most dynamic imprésarios (A&R executive) and producers in French show business. He is perhaps best known for working with Édith Piaf and representing Mireille Mathieu from the 1960s until his death in 1989, assisting her rise to international stardom.

Stark was born in Huningue, the son of Colonel Stark, a prominent Alsatian military figure, and a Corsican mother, born Julie Chappuit. His mother died in Nice at the age of 33 years. He lived in Corsica until the age of 11, then the French Riviera, between Cagnes-sur-Mer and Antibes. He attended school in La Bocca, Cannes. His father became a horticulturist and had property in Cagnes.

In 1941, he enlisted as a volunteer in North Africa and worked with American troops. After the Second World War, he went to Hong Kong and returned to Cannes in May 1946. On August 15 of that year, he organized a "The Night of Famous Stars" at the stage of the Hespérides, in Cannes. It featured names such as Édith Piaf, Yves Montand, Lily Fayol, Reda Caire, Marie Bizet, Johnny Hess, Marcel Cerdan, Laurent Dauthuille, and Robert Charron. While the gala was a huge success, it proved a financial failure for Johnny, as he had Roland Toutain hang from one leg as a helicopter lowered him to the stage, and the stunt cost him a million francs.

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