Herbert Léonard: The Voice of "Pour le Plaisir" Passes Away at 80
Herbert Léonard, the French singer best known for his 1981 hit "Pour le Plaisir," has died at the age of 80. He passed away on Sunday, March 2, at the hospital in Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne, following a battle with lung cancer, his wife, Cléo Léonard, confirmed. Léonard’s career spanned several decades, marked by periods of both soaring success and relative obscurity, but his distinctive vocal style and enduring appeal cemented his place in French popular music.
Léonard’s signature song, "Pour le Plaisir," remains a beloved classic in France. Released in the spring of 1981, it quickly dominated the airwaves, becoming an anthem of optimism and romantic longing. The song’s lyrics, co-written by Vline-Buggy, a prolific songwriter known for her work with Claude François, and Claude Carmone, celebrated the joys of life – smiling, dreaming, and "taking life on the bright side." Yet, they also explored the pain of lost love. Julien Lepers, better known as a radio and television host, composed the music, showcasing his talent beyond the broadcasting world.
The song’s popularity catapulted Léonard back into the spotlight after a period of relative quiet. His warm, powerful voice perfectly captured the song’s blend of optimism and melancholy, resonating with audiences of all ages. The single topped the charts for several weeks and was featured on his album of the same name.
Beyond "Pour le Plaisir," Léonard achieved another significant success in 1985 with "Puissance et Gloire," the theme song for the popular television series "Châteauvallon." This song, also penned by Vline-Buggy and set to music by Vladimir Cosma, further solidified Léonard’s status as a prominent figure in French entertainment. The lyrics, evoking themes of power, glory, and passion against the backdrop of the fictional Châteauvallon, captured the essence of the series and resonated with viewers.
Herbert Léonard’s journey to stardom was not without its challenges. Born Hubert Loenhard on February 25, 1945, in Strasbourg, he came from a working-class background. As he noted in a biography on his website, his father was a garbage collector, and his mother was a homemaker. Despite being a good student, particularly outside of mathematics, an accident on a moped prevented him from pursuing his technical and industrial drawing diploma and further studies.
Léonard’s passion for music emerged early in life. He discovered rock and roll, learned to play the guitar, and began performing with local bands in his teens. In late 1965, he joined Les Lionceaux, a band formed in Reims in 1961. Following the group’s dissolution in 1966, Léonard embarked on a solo career under the name Herbert Léonard.
His early recordings included French adaptations of American hits and original songs compiled on his debut album, "Si je ne t’aimais qu’un peu," released in 1967. The album’s cover prominently displayed the word "soul," hinting at the musical style within. With "Quelque chose tient mon cœur," a 1968 adaptation of Gene Pitney’s "Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart," Léonard achieved his first real breakthrough.
However, his career was disrupted by a serious car accident in March 1970. After a lengthy recovery, he returned to music but found that he had been largely forgotten by the public. In 1971, he released "Trois pas dans le silence," a rock-pop-psychedelic album in collaboration with Gérard Manset. The album is now highly sought after by collectors.
Throughout the 1970s, Léonard continued to release singles, including "Sous un ciel de feu" in 1973, written by Vline-Buggy for the television series "Docteur Caraïbes." Beyond his musical pursuits, Léonard also harbored a passion for aeronautics. He became a writer for a specialized magazine and regularly authored books on World War II aircraft, particularly German and Soviet models.
It was Vline-Buggy who ultimately convinced Léonard to return to singing. She introduced him to Julien Lepers, who presented him with several compositions, including "Pour le Plaisir." The single, released in May 1981, topped the charts and led to numerous television appearances and tours. The songwriting partnership of Vline-Buggy and Lepers continued on Léonard’s 1982 album, "Ça donne envie d’aimer," which also achieved significant sales. The album featured "Amoureux fous," a duet with singer Julie Pietri, another Vline-Buggy/Lepers creation. The collaboration between Léonard, Vline-Buggy, and Lepers continued until the late 1980s, with the notable exception of "Châteauvallon."
In the 1990s, Léonard continued to record albums and perform concerts, often focusing on the repertoire from his "golden age." He also participated in nostalgia tours featuring other artists from the 1980s. In 2016, a double CD titled "Mise à jour," subtitled "50 ans de carrière," was released, featuring new orchestrations of his hits, duets, and previously unreleased tracks.
Léonard faced significant health challenges in his later years. In 2017, he suffered a pulmonary embolism and was placed in an induced coma for a month. He was also severely affected by Covid-19. In late May 2023, he was hospitalized again for an infection, requiring treatment in a specialized facility. On his website in July 2023, he wrote, "Mid-October, everything should be better, and I can resume ‘the real, normal life…’"
Despite his health struggles, Herbert Léonard remained a beloved figure in French popular culture. His songs continue to be played on the radio and cherished by fans, and his legacy as a talented singer and performer will endure. His warm voice, his optimistic spirit, and his iconic songs, particularly "Pour le Plaisir," have left an indelible mark on the French musical landscape.
Herbert Léonard: A Timeline
- February 25, 1945: Born in Strasbourg
- 1967: Released his first album, "Si je ne t’aimais qu’un peu"
- 1971: Released "Trois pas dans le silence," a collaboration with Gérard Manset
- May 1981: Achieved success with the song "Pour le Plaisir"
- 2016: Released his double album "Mise à jour," subtitled "50 ans de carrière"
- March 2, 2025: Died in Fontainebleau at the age of 80.
