Today is French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour`s birthday (Video).

May 22 marks the 88th birth anniversary of famous Armenian-French singer, songwriter and public activist Charles Aznavour.

Born to a family of Armenian immigrants, Aznavour was interested in theatre since early childhood. In the 1940s, he played in a cabaret together with Pierre Roche. His first song, I am Drunk (1944), won the Album of Year award.

Aznavour gained a world recognition in 1956 after a successful concert in Paris’ Olympia concert hall.

His performance was highly praised by the French media.

Aznavour has written around 800 songs, with most being co-authored by Georges Garvarentz. Many of his works (Maman, , La Bohème, Hier Encore, Sa jeunesse, Il faut savoir etc.) are well-known international hits. They have been performed by such internationally acclaimed singers as Edith Piaff, Liza Minelli, Mstislav Rostropovich, Placido Domingo, Hulio Iglesias, Cher, Jo Dassin and others.

In 1998, Charles Aznavour was named Entertainer of the Century by CNN and users of Time Online from around the globe. He was recognized as the century's outstanding performer, with nearly 18% of the total vote, edging out Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. He has sung for presidents, popes, and royalty, as well as at humanitarian events, and is the founder of the charitable organization Aznavour for Armenia along with his long-time friend impresario Levon Sayan.

Aznavour has been also honored with high state awards in Armenia and France.

The artist takes pride in his Armenian roots and has devoted several songs to his historical homeland (Pour toi Arménie ... , Ils sont tombes, etc." ).

Following the 1988 disastrous earthquake in Spitak, he founded charity foundation Aznavour for Armenia.

Since 2009, Aznavour has been Armenia’s permanent ambassador to UNESCO. In 2009, he was appointed ambassador to Switzerland. Aznavour has given four concerts in Armenia (1964, 1996 and 2006). A statue in the singer's honor is erected in the second largest city of Gyumri, and a squares in central Yerevan is named after him.