Jean-Marie Périer, an iconic photographer of the 1960s and 1970s and a key figure in the magazine “Salut les copains,” was at the heart of a generation of artists who left their mark during those years. Through his iconic photos, he shaped the image of many stars, including Johnny Hallyday, Sylvie Vartan, and Françoise Hardy, with whom he had close relationships. As a former partner of Sylvie Vartan, he also closely interacted with Johnny Hallyday and his circle. It was in this circle that he saw Nathalie Baye, the singer’s companion in the 1980s, evolve.
He was the author of the “Photo of the Century,” an iconic snapshot taken in 1966 for “Salut les copains” magazine, featuring numerous yé-yé stage stars. Taken on April 12 of the same year, this photo was published in June as the central poster of the special 47th issue, celebrating the magazine’s fourth anniversary.
Context:
Jean-Marie Périer is a renowned photographer who captured the essence of the yé-yé era in France through his iconic photos of music stars.
Fact Check:
The ‘Photo of the Century’ was published in the special 47th issue of the magazine as part of its fourth-anniversary celebrations.
“And now Nathalie Baye”
On Instagram, Jean-Marie Périer accompanied his tribute with an archived photo featuring Johnny Hallyday, Sylvie Vartan, and Françoise Hardy. This powerful image, a symbol of a whole generation, was shaped by him through his iconic photographs published in the press at that time. These iconic faces, which he has intimately interacted with and immortalized, still embody the spirit of those years today.
In the caption, the photographer let his emotions speak about Nathalie Baye’s passing: “Johnny, Sylvie, and Françoise… And now Nathalie Baye, who is leaving, I feel like I’m watching snowflakes falling.”
A story at the heart of that generation
“Fortunately, Sylvie remains…” he wrote at the end of his message, as if clinging to those who remain from that era. Jean-Marie Périer’s deep connection with Françoise Hardy is another reason for his emotional response. Their relationship, which defined the 1960s, placed him in the intimacy of this group of artists. He continued to surround himself with this close circle, where Nathalie Baye was also present in the 1980s.
Furthermore, despite their separation, Françoise Hardy and Jean-Marie Périer remained very close. Over the years, the singer has regularly shown him support, especially during his exhibitions’ openings or when he was honored by the Ministry of Culture in 2006.
