Another figure in Quebec pop has just passed away. René Letarte died Monday in Lévis, at the age of 84, following a long illness.
René Letarte had his first success in the 1960s, as bassist and lyricist of the group Bel Canto, to whom we owe, among other things, the success Discouraged (I’m in despair!). In this era dominated by “versions” of English-speaking hits, the Quebec quintet was one of the first to write its own songs in the vein of the Beatles, a distinction in itself. He also recorded at Abbey Road studio in 1970 and performed at the Osaka International Festival in Japan that same year.
René Letarte reinvented himself in 1972 by becoming a producer and director for a new generation of Quebec artists, including Gilles Valiquette, Jacques Michel, the Séguins and Jim and Bertrand. Then he became a full-time singer-songwriter, under the name René d’Antoine. In addition to a solo album launched in 1980, he gave writing workshops and founded the Académie Chanson in Lévis in 2001, where he set up his studio, gave singing lessons and recorded new songs.
“He was a damn good melodist, respected by all the musicians of the 60s,” underlines Sébastien Desrosiers, historian of Quebec rock and record publisher. Bel canto was unanimous. »
Unlike other musicians of the yéyé generation, he had never left the profession and was still active until recently, despite dialysis started more than 10 years ago. “I’m tired,” he told us last year, during a final conversation. Which didn’t stop him from giving us some of his time. Professional to the end. Hi René!