Claude Lemesle, vice-president

Claude Lemesle is a prolific author who has provided the most famous voices with a rare diversity of lyrics. He first joined Sacem as an author in 1967.

 He was born in Paris in 1945. He studied literature but also devoted his heart to music, with enthusiasm that thrived when, in 1966, he met Joe Dassin, and went on to write some of his greatest hits.

His talents have served leading artists such as Michel Sardou, Gilbert Bécaud, Johnny Hallyday, Michel Fugain, Carlos, Serge Reggiani, Gilbert Montagné, Alice Dona, to name only a few. Claude Lemesle is generous with his time and is determined to pass on his experience in the creative arts and the world of music; he has run authors’ workshops for original creative artists of the younger generation.

He has shown great commitment in serving the public interest, as can be seen with his militant involvement and defense of creative work in different professional bodies dealing with music.

He held the position of Sacem General Secretary from 1991. He was elected President of the Board of Directors from 2005 until June 2007.

A man who turned to Georges Brassens one day and said: “Bravo Sir, your songs are well made!”