Hugues Aufray, the beloved French singer known for hits like "Santiano" and "Céline," recently opened up about his lifelong challenges during interviews promoting his new documentary, highlighting not only the emotional scars from his brother's tragic death but also the turmoil surrounding his financial situation.
During his appearance on February 25, Aufray recounted the deep impact of his brother Francesco's suicide, which he described as one of the defining traumas of his life. "Ce qui a été un drame dans ma vie... Le traumatisme de perdre quelqu’un... ça, c’est quelque chose," Aufray shared, visibly affected by memories of Francesco, who died young due to familial opposition to his love for a woman he wished to marry. This painful chapter has hung over Aufray, adding emotional depth to his artistic expression and resilience.
Francesco, Aufray’s older brother, had shown immense talent and could have pursued a musical career himself, had it not been for the tragic circumstances surrounding his death. Aufray's recent discussions shed light on the emotional toll such loss takes and how it shaped his approach to music and life. Aufray reflected on how this loss left scars "every day,” showing how the memories of his brother linger deeply within him.
While Aufray achieved immense popularity during his career, the financial rewards were not as substantial as one might expect. He described himself as "un candide," stating, "J'étais un candide... Je me suis fait voler toute ma vie," indicating his trustful nature allowed others to mismanage his earnings. Despite his impressive catalog of music spanning nearly six decades, Aufray revealed he faced challenges due to poor financial management and betrayal by those he trusted with his finances.
Transparently addressing these issues, Aufray explained the nature of his relationships with financial managers, who he says took advantage of his naivety and lack of financial acumen. Aufray insisted he was not overly concerned about wealth; instead, he wanted to share his music and experiences, noting, "Les gens qui m'ont trahi n'ont pas su gérer mes affaires, ils ont tout perdu." This admission highlights his reflective nature and the lessons tied to his experiences.
Now at 95, Aufray lives modestly with his wife, Murielle Mégevand, 44 years his junior. They settled down in Marly-le-Roi after moving from the affluent area of Marnes-la-Coquette due to rising living expenses. Aufray explained how he finds joy and fulfillment outside the excesses often associated with fame; he spends his time making goat cheese on his farm. His simplicity and connection to the land stand in stark opposition to the glamorous lifestyle of many of his contemporaries.
Looking back, Aufray has found peace even during financial hardships, reflecting positively on his failures. He expressed gratitude for his experiences of hardship, stating, "J'ai eu la chance de faire faillite plusieurs fois. Donc j'étais prêt à l'être." For Aufray, the path paved with financial struggles allowed him to connect deeply with the essence of life and art. He embraced the notion of being one of the creators from earlier times who often faced poverty instead of adversities associated with mismanaged wealth.
Despite the adversities he faced, Aufray remains unwaveringly optimistic. His story of resilience and ability to embrace life's nuances will be showcased extensively in the documentary titled "Hugues Aufray, l'éternel jeune homme." The documentary will premiere on France 3 on February 28, and it promises to illuminate the human side of one of France’s cherished musical legends.
Aufray’s discussions serve as poignant reminders of the emotional toll of family loss and the trials of trusting others with one’s life savings. Yet, they also articulate the redemptive power of music and the importance of remaining true to oneself, irrespective of financial success or the judgments of society. Through time, Aufray has shown us the beauty of resilience—not just as part of his narrative but as part of the wider human experience.