Hugues Aufray: Toulouse Concert & Capitole Dream

Hugues Aufray, 96, Defies Retirement and Continues to Captivate Audiences

At 96 years old, French singer and artist Hugues Aufray is set to perform at the Casino Barrière in Toulouse this Wednesday, December 3rd, demonstrating a remarkable resilience and enduring passion for his craft. Far from slowing down, Aufray reflects on a multifaceted career, his deep connection to his Occitan roots, his artistic influences, and the unwavering force that compels him to continue singing.

“I’ve Never Been Off Stage”

Dismissing the notion of a “comeback,” Aufray emphatically states, “I’m not going back on stage, I’ve never been off stage.” He observes a common misconception that a lack of mainstream media presence equates to inactivity, noting the frequent question, “Do you still sing?” with a hint of amusement. Aufray points to a substantial online following – “millions!” – as evidence of his continued relevance, performing regularly, “once or twice a week, every month, and that’s almost always.” He rejects the concept of retirement, defining it as something “for those who have worked,” asserting that singing has never felt like labor. “The work comes from ‘tripalium’, an instrument of torture. But singing has never made me suffer.”

Toulouse: A Capital of Youthful Dreams

The city of Toulouse holds a special significance for Aufray, representing the “capital of our adolescence” alongside his brothers. Growing up 50 kilometers away in Sorèze, in Tarn, Toulouse embodied the allure of Los Angeles for aspiring musicians today. He recalls the city’s connection to the father of Claude Nougaro, an opera singer, and their shared enthusiasm for the art form. “So of course, coming back to sing in Toulouse is important,” Aufray says, adding a future aspiration: “And what I would like, one day, perhaps… is to sing at the Capitole in Toulouse.”

A Childhood Shaped by War and Wisdom

Aufray’s family relocated to Sorèze during World War II after initially seeking refuge in Hendaye. His mother, guided by a writer friend, chose Sorèze for its promise of peace and educational opportunities for her three sons. He credits his time at the Abbey School with instilling a lasting principle: “There is the past, where our memories are; the future, where our hopes are; and the present, where our duties are.” This philosophy now opens his performances, driven by a desire to offer “a little hope… because when we watch the news, there is only despair.”

The Indispensable Murielle

Aufray credits his wife, Murielle, with enabling his continued career. Married for two years, though together for three decades, he expresses a gentle concern for her happiness, acknowledging their age difference. Murielle manages the logistical aspects of his work – “Internet, tickets, percentages, organization” – shielding him from the burdens that could detract from his artistic pursuits. “Me, I’m an artist: guitar, harmonica, piano, a little sculpture, a little painting. It’s my life.”

From Sculpture to Songwriting

While widely known as a singer-songwriter, Aufray identifies himself first and foremost as a sculptor. He pursued this passion despite lacking formal training, creating works that have garnered professional acclaim, including bronzes and a portrait of Maillol. He currently resides in Maillol’s former home in Marly-le-Roi, a testament to his long-standing connection to the artistic community.

The Profound Influence of Bob Dylan

Aufray considers his encounter with Bob Dylan in 1961 to be the most pivotal moment in his artistic life. Initially unable to understand the lyrics, he undertook the task of translation, a process that unexpectedly led to his recognition as an author. “I heard him in 1961, when he was unknown… I translated it so I could understand it. That’s how I got noticed.”

Contemporary Artists and the Evolution of Music

Among current artists, Aufray admires Renaud, praising his exceptional songwriting and performance skills, as well as Alain Souchon and Laurent Voulzy. He also acknowledges the talent of Stromae, describing him as “a wonderful performer.” Regarding rap music, while acknowledging its presence, he notes it doesn’t resonate with his personal artistic language. However, he playfully asserts his pioneering role in the genre, creating a “talking blues” in 1972 titled “About a Detail,” which addressed themes of spirituality and social change. He points to the success of artists like Aya Nakamura as a validation of the message he conveyed decades ago.

The Enduring Power of Beauty

Aufray expresses a profound appreciation for beauty, lamenting the glorification of ugliness in contemporary culture. “I don’t understand why we glorify ugliness. Young people sometimes seek horror. I’m only interested in beauty.”

A Legacy of Truth and an Unwavering Future

Acknowledged as the world’s oldest active singer, Aufray remains committed to his art, confidently declaring, “Of course” he will continue singing even at 100. He believes his enduring appeal stems from a commitment to “truth,” a quality he feels is increasingly valued in a world saturated with deception. He playfully refers to himself as “the unknown,” inviting audiences to discover his work and experience the enduring power of his artistry. “You don’t know me. But if you come to see me in Toulouse or elsewhere, you will know who I am.”