Charles Aznavour turns 87

World famous French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour turns 87 on May 22.

Aznavour, whose real name is Vaghinak Aznavouryan, has been recognized as the 20th century's best variety singer by a poll conducted jointly by BBC and CNN TV channels (1988).

An author of around 1,000 songs, Aznavour is also known as a film actor. He has played in 60 films and released around 100 million CDs. Aznavour's songs have been performed by Liza Minnelli, Ray Charles, Julio Iglesias and Bob Dylan.

Charles Aznavour was born in Paris to a family of Armenian immigrants. Since May 5, 2009 he has been Armenia's ambassador to Switzerland and the country's permanent representative at the United Nations headquarters.

On May 20, 2011, New York hosted a festive concert to mark the singer's 87th birthday, and the 20th anniversary of Armenia's independence. The event that had brought together musicians and politicians from all around the world was hosted by Liza Minnelli. The proceeds of the concert will go to an elderly home in Armenia's third largest town of Vanadzor.

After the 1988 devastating earthquake in Armenia, Aznavour lent a helping hand to his historical homeland, assisting in the renovation of the towns that had suffered losses. Aznavour's contribution to Armenia's development is invaluable. Several streets and squares in Armenian cities and towns have been named after him.