Actor, singer and music-hall dancer famous throughout the world, Yves Montand is one of France's most emblematic artists. He had a successful career as an actor, and had roles alongside Edith Piaf, Simone Signoret and Marilyn Monroe, as well as working with directors Costa-Gavras and Alain Resnais. Additionally, Montand is often known for being the first singer to perform "Autumn Leaves," a song by Prevert and Kosma, which continues to be a standard throughout the world. Montand's proletarian and pro communist origins influenced the songs he chose in his early career, Chansons populaire de France exemplifies this political involvement. Many revolutionary, anti-authority and militant songs are included on this album. Among them, is the song "Le temps des cerises", which was famously performed by Barbara Hendricks in 1996.