Jacky is a television presenter, precursor of musical programs in the 80s. We obviously think of the children of rockcreated by Pierre Lescure and broadcast on Antenne 2 from 1982, but also on the essential Platinum 45, on the same channel, for which Pierre Lescure gave him his first carte blanche, in addition to his confidence. This program will last four years, from 1982 to 1986, 30 minutes every Wednesday. 40 years later, Jacky releases a compilation, a box of four CDs and a double vinyl as well Platinum 45.
franceinfo: Your compilation is the best of the 80s, especially the best of the artists who came to participate in the show. And there, we realize the cast that you have received, so the Rita Mitsouko, Serge Gainsbourg, Renaud, Richard Gotainer, Alain Bashung, Isabelle Adjani, Tina Turner. A total of 68 tubes. I have the impression that this show has a particular flavor, it is also the first time that you have been given the keys to a show.
Jackie: Yes, it’s true. Because before, I was mute. I started with Antoine de Caunes, Chorus and it’s true that I was the first silent presenter and it was one of the first times I spoke. Pierre Lescure told me: “You speak” and he said another thing, I always remember it: “You are going to present tubes, so you are going to make trays. It has to be as short as possible and as funny as possible.“. That’s what I tried to do.
When we see you, we have the feeling that you have a form of shyness inside you. We also wonder how you managed to assume, to show your courage a little.
Yes, it’s true. At first, I was a little shy, but that quickly passed. But I didn’t want to be a TV host. Initially, I was a press officer in a record company. I wanted to be a journalist, I got my diploma, I don’t know how but I got it and then I wanted to make music. I was not a musician, but I went to London, I was 16 years old.
In London, I saw the Beatles, the Stones, the Who, the Kings in real life and I wanted to do something about music and I ended up as a press officer at Philips.
You rarely talk about your childhood. You were like a little boy?
I was quite wise actually. I was the only child of an Ashkenazi Jewish family, from a modest background, and I changed at the age of 11 when I went to summer camp. I met Richard Gotainer, who was also a little wise, and we both went wild.
Did you learn your trade, hand in hand?
Yes. Because we were already doing little sketches when we were 16, 17 years old. So either we were early or it wasn’t good. We opted for the second solution to have a career on their own.
Why did you go through the press officer box?
Why ? I do not know. I found myself in 1973 with nothing to give a shit. I met Serge Lama’s wife, who is called Daisy Lama. We had a hairdresser in common. She said : “If you want to go to Philips, I’ll try…“She called me 15 days later and said:”There’s a press officer leaving, you need to meet the promotion manager, Louis Nucera“. And I arrived, at the time, I still had very long hair, variegated jackets and Creepers. I was a bit of a UFO. He said to me: “sit down“. He asked me two questions: “Do you know anyone in showbiz?“I said: no, because I didn’t know anyone.”Do you speak English ?” I said yes. And the next day he called me and said, “You start when you want“I started with artists like Cat Stevens, Elton John, Bashung, Gainsbourg, that’s it.
There is a show that is going to be a real turning point. This is Recess A2 with Jacqueline Joubert who will spot you alongside her son, Antoine de Caunes. At that time, she was leading the youth unit of Antenne 2, I have the feeling that Recess A2 holds a very special place in your life.
Yes, Recess A2 was my first live. They were live broadcasts with a few taped sketches. Yes, it is very important to me. Dorothée taught me a lot of things on TV, that was the starting point.
There is even a family history, Richard Gotainer has become an essential friend, Dorothée too, you have always accompanied her.
Of course, Dorothée is a friend, with her, I made Recess A2, Club Dorothée, we toured together. I did all the Zénith de France, we did Bercy 17 times.
Me, I only work on affect and encounters.
We talk about others, but I would like to talk about you as a singer! Of course, your duo Where were you with Leo. This is the song that opens this compilation. This song is incredible because it sums up all this self-mockery, this love that you have for others too.
Sure. I met Lio on Platine 45 and then we saw each other a little, even a lot, outside of the show. Then we wanted to do something together. And one day, Alain Chamfort, who at the time was his companion, came up with this refrain Where were you and I called Boris Bergman, whom I had known when I was taking care of Alain Bashung, he was his lyricist. There you go, he wrote the song with Alain Chamfort, it’s nice anyway!
What does this song represent to you?
Many things. I loved doing it. I loved the music video. I had learned to dance. Well, I was absolutely crazy. I remember, I had a red suit. It was good, it’s a bit pop.
Like Richard Gotainer, does it affect you to be called a UFO? ?
Yes that’s it. I think I’m a bit of a UFO, a guy a bit apart. Recently, I was told that I was one of the last punks on French television and that’s fine with me.
Finally, what does this compilation represent? Because for us, it’s a dive once again into memories.
When it was offered to me, it was the 40th anniversary of Platinum 45, it was a pleasure. And when I listened to all that again… I had even forgotten a lot of people who had come to Platinum 45 so great satisfaction. I hope people will enjoy listening to it.