Those who spent their childhood and youth in the mid-80s and early 90s must have seen Jean Michel Jarre on TV screens. Jarre is remembered for the musical instruments that shine in front of him on huge stages, creating a light show.
Born in France on August 24, 1948, Jean Michelle Jarre started taking piano lessons from an early age under the influence of his father, a famous French composer and entered the Paris Conservatory to continue his education.
In the 1970s, Jarre, who followed the innovation trend pursued by French artists, became one of the pioneers of electro-acoustic music, which was not common at that time, and generally used electronic musical instruments in the music he produced after that period.
Today, he is one of the important names making music in New Age and electronic music styles, with his concerts around the world and his fan base exceeding millions.
Jean-Michel André Jarre (born 24 August 1948) is a French composer, performer and record producer. He is a pioneer in the electronic, ambient and new-age genres, and is known for organising outdoor spectacles featuring his music, accompanied by vast laser displays, large projections and fireworks.
Who is Jean Michel Jarre?
The musician released the first of his “Oxygene” albums 30 years ago. As can be understood from the name of the album, Jarre aimed to draw attention to the signals of ecological disaster that are now clearly visible on the horizon. Although he sometimes receives criticism for energy consumption in his stage shows, it is still possible to say that Jarre creates an ecological awareness.
His full name is Jean-Michel André Jarre, born in France in 1948. Jarre; Today, he is known as one of the doyens of electronic music and new age. Jean's talent definitely comes from the family.
His musical talent and innovation ran in the family
He is the son of Maurice Jarre, the unforgettable composer of film scores. His grandfather, Andre Jarre, invented the first sound-mixing desk and used it at Radio Lyon. He also made the first portable phonograph device after the Second World War, which he later gifted to his grandson, Jean-Michel.
Jarre started his career in music by studying classical piano. After his inclination towards classical music and jazz, his main interest was electronic music. He started experimenting with tape loops and other electronic devices in 1968. Jarre was also interested in the music of different cultures. He explored African, Indian, Chinese, and other Eastern music.
Jarre released his first solo single under the name "La Cage/Erosmachine" in 1971, but it was not very successful. In 1976, he released his legendary album "Oxygene", which sold millions of copies worldwide. Some music critics describe Oxygène as the most important electronic music album ever. His second album, Equinoxe, was released in 1978. In this album, Jarre used rhythmic elements more and created special bass sequences.
He gave a concert to 3.5 million people in Moscow
Jarre is best known for his concerts that take the form of shows. Jarre skillfully uses visual elements such as light plays and laser lights in his concerts. Approximately 3.5 million people attended a concert given by Jarre in Moscow, who appeared in front of large crowds at his concerts. Jarre also became the first Western musician to perform in the People's Republic of China in October 1981.