Laurent Voulzy Says He and Alain Souchon Are Like Family: “His Children Are Like My Nephews”

Laurent Voulzy opened up about his long friendship with Alain Souchon during an appearance on Canal+’s En aparté on Tuesday, May 26. Speaking about his new book Caché derrière, co-written with his partner Isaure Le Faou and published by Le Cherche-Midi, the singer described the bond between the two French artists as something close to family. He said he considers Souchon like a brother, which makes Souchon’s children feel like his nephews and, by extension, cousins to his own sons.

Voulzy’s remarks highlighted a friendship and artistic partnership that has lasted for more than 50 years. The two met in the early 1970s after Souchon won a prize in Antibes and began working on his first album. Their encounter quickly led to a creative collaboration that produced a series of major French pop successes. Voulzy has often said their early songs, including “J’ai 10 ans,” marked the start of an extraordinary run in which nearly everything they created found an audience.

In a 2020 interview on Europe 1, Voulzy recalled how surprised they were by the success of songs such as “Je suis bidon” and “Y’a d’la rumba dans l’air,” saying the response to their work seemed almost unbelievable. He also said their careers became deeply intertwined, with each artist depending on the other in a way that changed both of their lives. Their collaboration went on to define an important chapter in French chanson.

Although they have had a brief disagreement in the past, their relationship remained strong. In November 2021, Souchon described his connection with Voulzy in warm terms, saying their partnership had lasted more than 40 years and felt almost like a love story. He praised Voulzy’s refined musicianship while joking about his own style at the piano, underscoring the affection and humor that continue to shape their bond.

Interest in a possible new collaboration between the two singers remains high among fans. Voulzy said in a previous interview that such a project was possible, though they had barely discussed it because Souchon has been busy touring with his two sons. Voulzy added that he had already attended the tour several times and loved it, suggesting admiration for his longtime friend’s current work.

For now, admirers of the duo will have to wait and see whether another joint project will emerge. But Voulzy’s recent comments made clear that beyond their musical history, he and Souchon still share a relationship built on deep trust, affection and family ties.