Francis Christian Cabrel (; born 23 November 1953) is a French singer-songwriter, composer and guitarist. Considered one of the most influential French musical artists of all time, he has released a number of albums falling mostly within the realm of folk, with occasional forays into blues or country. Several of his songs, such as "L'encre de tes yeux", "Je l'aime à mourir", "Le chêne liège" and "La corrida", have become enduring favourites in French music. Since the start of his career, Cabrel has sold over 25 million albums. His first hit song was "Petite Marie" in 1974, which was about the woman who soon became his wife, Mariette. His song "Je l'aime à mourir" was covered by Shakira; this version, both sung in French and Spanish, became a major hit single. An unauthorised biography was published in 2015. Cabrel, who is one of the most private French singers, attempted to have the book suppressed. Biography Francis Cabrel was born in Agen, Lot-et-Garonne into a modest family of Veneto descend. His father was a labourer in a biscuit factory and his mother a cashier in a cafeteria. He has a sister, Martine, and a brother, Philippe. He spent his childhood in Astaffort, in Lot-et-Garonne. Albums Studio albums Live albums Compilation albums Box sets Singles As lead artist As featured artist Other charted songs Videography Sarbacane tour (1989) Footnotes References External links Official Francis Cabrel website Biography of Francis Cabrel, from Radio France Internationale 1953 births Living people People from Agen French people of Italian descent French male singers French singer-songwriters French folk music Columbia Records artists Spanish-language singers of France French male singer-songwriters