THE IMMORTAL VOICE OF WORLD MUSIC
By Maximillien de Lafayette, Paris, France Data, biography, discography, information sources and photos generously provided by Bernardo Gill and Jocelyne's Foundation for the Declaration of the Rights of Children.
L'amour, toujours l'amour.
The world is full of talents, inventors, artists, singers, performers, half crazy-half genius people...and of course dark alleys of misfortune. injustice, warm rays of hopes, loving folks and sweet songs to remember...faces we love and memories we cherish. This is the world we live in. But the sun shines brighter, the hills and the mountains get greener, the rivers flow smoother and flashes of joy, love and tranquility enter our homes when the providence blesses our world with the presence of people who bring warmth and beauty to our lives, people like Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Madame Curie, Tagor, Cole Porter, Victor Hugo, unsung heroes, martyrs, saints, and humans like Jocelyne Jocya!
Photo: From L to R: Angie Dickinson, Paul Anka and Jocelyne Jocya.
The moment she died on August 18, 2003, the world of goodness and the cosmos of music trembled, whipped and...the musical and vocal virtuosity was shattered on stage, on records and in the hearts of millions around the world. Her death killed me. For she was one of the most talented and brilliant singers of the century, and one of the most generous and loving human beings on the face of the earth. She was larger than life! She was a diva, a saint, a humanitarian, a celestial artist, an adventurer, a giver, a story-teller, a loving shadow and dreams of lights to millions and millions of children, needy, oppressed, music lovers and those souls who found comfort, strength and life in her songs. She is dead now, and part of my heart died with her.
She was worshiped by millions around the globe and admired by the giants of the music, showbiz and entertainment world of our time. International stars and celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Maria Callas, Dalí, Jaques Brel, Brigitte Bardot, Dario Moreno, Tom Jones, Henry Salvador, Gloria Lasso, Edith Piaf, Michel Legrand, Nina Simone, Burt Bacharach, Jacques Brel, Gilbert Becaud, Angie Dickinson, Paul Anka, Nina Mouskouri, Jacqueline Kennedy, Russian President Krushefv, the Queen of England, the Shah Hin Shah of Persia were her fans. The list is endless. She conquered the world with her voice, her music, millions of copies of her records in many languages, and above all by her generosity and love for children. Her motto was "L'amour, toujours l'amour", meaning: Love, always love. She meant more. She meant: charity, generosity, peace, affection, love, beauty, music, symphony, life adventures, hopes, dreams, talents and forgiveness.
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