As reported in this week�?�¢??s edition of Tele loisirs, Jean-Paul Cara will be part of the French jury next Saturday, May 16, along with Corinne Hermes, winner of the 1983 Eurovision Song Contest.Mr Cara composed L'oiseau et L'enfant, which won the contest 32 years ago, but he also took part with other entries and is still a big fan of the Eurovision Song Contest. Jean Paul speaks to esctoday.com about his career and his views on the contest
You came 2nd in 1976 as composer of Un, deux, trois, by Catherine Ferry; then you won with L’oiseau et l’enfant, by Marie Myriam in 1977 and you managed to get on the podium one again in 1981, with Humanahum, by Jean Gabilou, another of your compositions. What is your recipe?
I think that the public has got the talent to pick up my songs along the selections. At that time (from 1976 to 1980), the national selection was open to all composers, who chose their own perforfmers. There was a professional jury to choose 14 songs, then two rounds during which people could phone and tell which one they want as their entry. I just want to thank the public again for these 3 excellent results.
You had other Eurovision experiences, can you tell us a bit more about them?
Yes, there was Le papa pinguin for Luxembourg, in close cooperation with Ralph Siegel and Bernd Meinunger. Pierre Delanoe and I wrote the lyrics. We did it again for Nicole’s winning song in1982.
Do you still write for other artists ?
Of course ! I still compose for Nicole and for newcomers. I also sing alone, with my guitar and people who come to hear me give me a lot of satisfaction. There’s something you don’t know yet, let’s say a kind of scoop… I have just written a musical around L’oiseau et l’enfant. Now I have to find money to make it possible. As for any further Eurovision involvement… yes, but not with these rules.
Is there somethingwrong with the contest nowadays in your opinion?
I think that songs are not judged as they should be. Now, it’s more a matter of performer and show around her or him. According to me, you should concentrate on the song, the way it is performed and the orchestration. It must come from the heart of the artist to the heart of the viewers. The way you look shouldn’t have to interfere. I remember what Charles Aznavour told me when I met him in 1967, during the Rose d’Or d’Antibes’ festival : "You will have success because I just can’t remember what you wear when you sing !" Susan Boyle is the perfect example of a performance which needs nothing else but talent.
What is your opinion about the French entry this year?
I really like Patricia Kaas, her song is part of a very classy album. Not sure though that both the performer and her song are made for Eurovision. Anyway, from the bottom of my heart, I hope she’ll win or she’ll place very high. I cross my fingers !
Thanks to Mr Jean-Paul Cara for his kindness.
