Non, je ne regrette rien composer dies aged 95

THE French composer behind Edith Piaf's biggest hit died yesterday at the age of 95.

- Peter Allen

Charles Dumont launched his long career by cold-calling Piaf at her Paris home with Non, je ne regrette rien and other songs in 1960.

But she kept him and lyricist Michel Vaucaire waiting for an hour before telling them, "As you can see I'm extremely tired." She let them play one song only, and Dumont sang "I regret nothing". After an embarrassed silence, Piaf exclaimed: "Fantastic! This is the song I have been waiting for!"

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