| Born August 15, 1944, in Iskretz, Bulgaria, Vartan showed great talent for both acting and singing at an early age, resulting in an appearance in the Bulgarian film "Under The Yoke" in 1950. Two years later Vartan and her family relocated to France. 1961 would prove to be an important year for Vartan's career, as she entered a recording studio for the first time, picked up some TV work, and appeared at the famed Olympia Theater. The early 1960's saw the release of a steady stream of singles, EPs, and albums (such as 1962's "Sylvie"), in addition to further appearances in European movies — including "A Moonlight In Maubeuge" and "Just for Fun." Career highlights in the 1960's included recording a pair of songs ("If I Sing" and "Most Beautiful To Go To Dance") with famed country artists Chet Atkins and Ray Stevens, and playing on the same bill as the Beatles at the Olympia in January of 1964. She was also a staple on American shows like "The Ed Sullivan Show," "Hullaballoo," and "Shindig." By 1979 she was nearly forgotten by American audiences when she swooped into the disco market with the saucy 12" single of "I Don't Want The Night To End." The song gave her the biggest American hit of her career and revived her sagging global status. She has continued to be a staple of French entertainment venues, both as an actress and singer. She still performs and, as of 1999, is still recording and releasing albums. |
