Michel Legrand

Michel Jean Legrand (February 24, 1932 – January 26, 2019) was a celebrated French composer, arranger, conductor, and jazz pianist, renowned for his extensive contributions to film and music. Over his illustrious career, Legrand created more than 200 scores for film and television, along with a plethora of memorable songs. He garnered significant acclaim for his collaborations with French New Wave director Jacques Demy, particularly for the films The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) and The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967), which led to his first Academy Award nominations. Legrand's Oscar triumph came in 1969 with "The Windmills of Your Mind" from The Thomas Crown Affair.

Born in Paris to conductor Raymond Legrand and Marcelle Ter-Mikaëlian, Legrand displayed musical talent early on, studying at the Conservatoire de Paris. By age 22, he gained international fame with his album I Love Paris. His work transcended genres, collaborating with jazz icons like Miles Davis and Stan Getz. His family legacy includes his sister Christiane, a member of The Swingle Singers, and his niece Victoria, part of the band Beach House.

Legrand's notable works include scores for films such as Summer of '42 (1971), Clint Eastwood's Breezy (1973), and Yentl (1983). In 2002, he made his Broadway debut with the musical Amour, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Score. Legrand passed away from sepsis in 2019, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire.