MACIAS, ENRICO

MACIAS, ENRICO (Gaston Ghrenassia; 1938– ), French singer and entertainer. Born in Constantine, Algeria, Macias won popularity as a composer and singer of light songs, winning a reputation as the voice of the pieds noirs (French Algerians). In 1966 he sang before 120,000 people at the Dinamo Stadium in Moscow and performed in 40 other Soviet towns. He visited Israel in 1967 and sang for the troops and was then banned in Arab states. In 1968 he appeared in Carnegie Hall. In 1978, he was invited to Egypt by President Anwar Sadat and sang before 20,000 people at the foot of the pyramids. After Sadat's assassination he composed "Un berger vient de tomber" in his memory. His message of peace, brotherhood, and solidarity in songs like "Aimez-vous les uns les autres" brought him awards from the UN and engagements all around the world.