Fred Mella

Fred Mella (1924–2019) was a French tenor who served as the principal tenor soloist of Les Compagnons de la chanson, a French harmony vocal group that formed in 1946 from an earlier choir established in Lyon in 1941. He appeared on Broadway in 1947 alongside Edith Piaf.

The choir from which Les Compagnons de la chanson emerged was founded in Lyon under the direction of Louis Liébar and was connected to the Compagnons de France youth movement of Vichy France, operating initially under the name Compagnons de la musique. The group first encountered Piaf at a 1944 benefit concert for railway workers in Paris, and she subsequently took an active role in promoting them. By 1946 they had adopted the name Les Compagnons de la chanson, and Piaf launched them in Paris that May at a concert held at Club des Cinq. That same year, in July, the group recorded "Les trois cloches" with Piaf, a song written by Jean Villard with an arrangement by group member Marc Herrand. The recording became their most celebrated work.

For much of their career the group comprised nine singers — three tenors, three baritones, and three basses — with Mella occupying the role of principal tenor soloist. At the close of 1946, the full membership included Mella, Marc Holtz/Herrand (tenor and conductor, 1925–2023), Paul Buissonneau (tenor, 1926–2014), Jean Albert (tenor, 1920–2003), Gérard Sabbat (baritone, 1926–2013), Hubert Lancelot (baritone, 1923–1995), Jean-Louis Jaubert (bass, 1920–2013), Guy Bourguignon (bass, 1920–1969), and Jo Frachon (bass, 1919–1992). The group's lineup shifted over the years: Buissonneau departed following a Quebec tour in 1949 and was replaced by Mella's younger brother René (1926–2019). Marc Herrand left in 1952 to resume conducting and was succeeded by Jean Broussolle (baritone and composer, 1920–1984). Jean Albert left in 1956 for a solo career and was replaced by Jean-Pierre Calvet (tenor and lyricist, 1925–1989). Guy Bourguignon died in 1969 and was not replaced. Jean Broussolle departed in 1972 to focus on composing and was succeeded by Michel Cassez (1931–2025). Other members included Mario Hirlé (1925–1992).

Les Compagnons performed alongside Piaf for two years, including a tour of the United States during which they introduced "Les trois cloches" to American audiences. Their Broadway appearance with Piaf took place in 1947. The group also appeared with her in the 1948 film Neuf Garçons, un cœur. An English-language version of "Les trois cloches," titled "The Three Bells" with lyrics by Bert Reisfeld, was recorded by the group without Piaf and reached number 14 in the United States in 1952, later peaking at number 21 on the UK Singles Chart in October 1959. The song subsequently became a number one hit for the Browns in 1959, selling over one million copies in the United States, with the Browns' version also reaching number 6 in the UK. Among the group's other notable recordings were "Le marchand de bonheur," "La marche des anges," "Gondolier," "Tom Dooley," and "Verte campagne." They also performed in the 1956 operetta Minnie Moustache, written by group member Jean Broussolle and Georges van Parys, and maintained an association with Charles Aznavour, recording covers of his songs and achieving success with co-written material including "Un Mexicain" and "Roméo."

Over the course of their career, Les Compagnons de la chanson made more than 350 records and performed as many as 300 concerts per year, touring internationally across North America, Africa, Russia, Israel, Japan, and other countries. The group decided to disband in 1980, though their farewell tour extended several years further. Their final concert took place on February 14, 1985, at the Olympia in Paris. Following the group's dissolution, Mella continued performing as a solo artist until 2008.