Jacques Hélian

Jacques Mikaël Der Mikaëlian better known as Jacques Hélian (born in Paris, 7 June 1912 - died 29 June 1986), was a famous French orchestra conductor for French music-hall.

Born of an Armenian father (descendant of Armenian bourgeoisie) and a French mother, at 16 he entered school of dentistry, but left his studies to pursue his love of music studying saxophone with Raymond Legrand (who later married Hélian's sister Marcelle). He commenced his musical career playing saxo alto, saxo baryton and clarinet in Roland Dorsay's orchestra and later in Jo Bouillon's and Ray Ventura's. He also performed in French live radio broadcasts releasing a number of recordings before the Second World War. Called for military service in 1939, he was captured and was a prisoner of war until March 1943, when he was freed for health reasons. After his release, he formed a small orchestra and performed on radio.

After the liberation of France, from Nazi occupation, Hélian gained huge popularity, replacing Raymond Legrand's fame. His tune "Fleur de Paris" (with lyrics from Maurice Vandair, and music by Henri Bourtayre) became a virtual "hymn of liberation" for France. All musical broadcasts would start and end with "Fleur de Paris".