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Biography in English

Gerald de Palmas' biography in English

by diANA

Childhood and discovery of music

Gerald de Palmas, (his real name being Gardrinier) was born on October 14, 1967 in La Reunion (France). When he was 10, his family moved to Aix en Provence (South of France). It's only when his cousin brought him a disk of ska from the UK that Gerald (13 years old) discovers his passion for music. He starts learning the bass and listening to other types of music including Robert Palmer or Otis Redding. As far as the guitar is concerned Gerald didn't feel at ease at first, thinking that this instrument was too hard to play. That's why he postponed his learning of it and resumed when he was around 19 by taking lessons. He dropped out of school after his high school diploma to concentrate more on music. One night in a nightclub, he met Etienne Daho (a French singer) who gave him the chance to integrate a group "Les Max Valentins". The group released a single "Les Maux dits" but Gerald wasn’t comfortable within the group so he left. 

Solo years

Now living in Paris, Gerald works nights and days his songs in order to come back in 1994 with his first solo album entitled La dernière année (The Last Year). Meanwhile he met his wife-to-be Gwen in a party. He declares that she's the only one who can calm him down when he starts feeling losing his nerves. She's been there since Gerald's beginnings so she knows exactly how to handle this. 

First successes

La Dernière Année is a success thanks to the hit single "Sur la route" (On the Road). In 1996, Gerald wins the award of the New Star Of The Year - man singer in Les victoires de la musique (similar to The Grammy Awards). He finally got married with Gwen and together they have their first child, a baby boy, Victor. 

Musical Wilderness

In 1997, Gerald releases his second album, entitled Les Lois de la Nature (The Laws of Nature). Unfortunately, this album doesn't get success enough (only 30.000 copies sold) and Gerald loses his self-confidence and doesn't know how to come back after this failure. 

Rebirth and Glory

It's only in summer 1999 that Gerald is going to see a change by asking Jean-Jacques Goldman to help him writing a song. Goldman helps him and writes the lyrics of "J'en rêve encore" (I'm still dreaming about her), Gerald composing the music.

In 2000, Marcher dans le sable (Walking in the sand) is released including the track 'J'en rêve encore". This album is a hit (more than a million copies sold). This album is a revelation and Gerald wins back his success and his public. Three other singles are aired ("Une seule vie", "Tomber", "Regarde-moi bien en face") and he chains up no less than 180 concerts. Thanks to the public's gratitude, Gerald wins many awards and even the pros of music recognize Gerald's talent. 

Recognition

Indeed, in 2002, he wins the award of the male performer of the year. His music even crosses the ocean. Actually, Celine Dion heard "Tomber" ("Falling") written by Maxime Le Forestier and composed by Gerald and wanted to sing it in English. Gerald adapted the music for her and the track is finally on Celine Dion's record, A New Day has come.

The same year, Gerald releases a live album recorded in Paris. 

Another artist, Johnny Hallyday calls for Gerald's genius to write songs for his album À la vie à la mort among which the hit single “Marie” is present.

It was high time Gerald got some rest. For two years Gerald didn't write a song to devote himself to his family. In 2003, his got his second child with Gwen, a baby girl named Rose.

Fourth album, another success

He finally releases his fourth album entitled Un homme sans racines (A man Without Origins). It’s again a success with more than 650.000 copies sold. In 2005, a tour follows and concert halls are full. But there is a fly in the ointment.

Troubles

End 2005, Gerald has trouble with his major label Polydor/Universal. Indeed, Gerald wants to put an end to his contract without even asking money in return. But Pascal Nègre, (Universal France CEO) refuses and Gerald goes to court, wins but Nègre appeals.

Finally, both men find an arrangement and Gerald stays at Universal but only changes his label, which is now AZ/Universal.

Come back

It's only in 2009 that Gerald releases his new single "Au bord de l'eau" (On the Oceanfront), an extract from his new album to come on November 2009. Sortir (Getting Out) has been recorded in Paris for seventeen months but mixed in New York. Actually, Gerald needed to get some fresh air and he has always been longing to discover New York. He took advantage of it and in May 2009, he moved into the Germano Studios to mix his album. He wrote and composed all of the eleven songs included in this new album except a duet with Eagle Eye Cherry entitled "Pandora's Box".

A tour is scheduled starting on October 2009 all across France, Belgium and Switzerland.