But his biggest fan was the legendary Edith Piaf - who took Aznavour under her wing.

BBC: Aznavour bids adieu

It was also Piaf who encouraged Aznavour to go out and perform his own songs.

BBC: Aznavour bids adieu

With Bruce Greenwood and Charles Aznavour, who gives every sign of being immortal.

NEWYORKER: Ararat

"My fundamental reason for writing songs was based on my conviction that the French chanson had insipid lyrics, " Aznavour said.

BBC: Aznavour bids adieu

Even at this early stage, Aznavour - who is completely self-taught on the piano - was writing and composing songs.

BBC: Aznavour bids adieu

Most of these were sung by big name stars like Chevalier, after they picked up on the originality of Aznavour's lyrics.

BBC: Aznavour bids adieu

But for a long time his attempts were met with derision - Aznavour just did not look or sound like a star.

BBC: Aznavour bids adieu