Pauline Julien

Date of birth: May 23 1928
Place of Birth: Trois-Rivières, Mauricie, Qc
Date of Death: October 1, 1998
Nickname: The passionaria of Quebec

She was known for her expressive power and sensitivity — qualities she drew from her experience in both music and theatre. Julien was equally popular in Québec and Europe, and also enjoyed success in English Canada. She introduced the songs of Weill and Brecht to Québec, popularized songs by Raymond Lévesque and Gilles Vigneault, and released 23 solo albums in her lifetime. She received two Grand prix du disque from Paris’ Académie Charles-Cros and the Prix de musique Calixa-Lavallée from Montréal’s Société St-Jean-Baptiste. She was made a knight of the Ordre des arts et des lettres de France and of the National Order of Québec (CQ).
She is a significant figure in Quebec nationalism. She was involved almost all her life in the service of this ideal, notably alongside her partner, the poet and politician Gérald Godin.