MUSIC AND ITS HISTORY
CHARLES
AZNAVOUR
In 1922, the baritone Misha Azna Vourian decided to
immigrate to America, in order to establish a new
life, since Armenia, his homeland, was going through
innumerous intern conflicts.
To get in America, the family would have to apply
for visas in France. Despite their interest, the visas
were never granted due to the great number of people
applying and the small number of employees working
at the American embassy. Also, it was not convenient
to America to grant certain refugee visas because
of political issues. The couple decided then to perform
on the streets and small restaurants. With the money
they made, they were able to set up a small Armenian
food restaurant.
On May 22nd, 1924, Knar Vourian gave birth to the
first boy in the family, Shannour Varenagh Azna Vourian.
As his midwife had trouble pronouncing his name, she
called him Charles. The child, sun of a baritone and
an actress, quickly fell for the arts. When he was
only three he recited poems to his parent’s
restaurant customers. By the age of fifteen, he became
the breadwinner in the family since his enlisted dad
was called to fight in the war. He sold newspapers
on the streets. By that time, Charles and some friends
formed a musical group, and he started using the artistic
name of Charles Aznavour, as he is known.
