Songfacts®:

• Love songs in French or any other language are ten a Franc, but this one was written from the heart. Édith Piaf had an incredibly hard life even after she rose to fame. Abandoned by her mother at birth, she grew up in a brothel and was blinded as a child, a condition that lasted for years. She gave birth out-of-wedlock at 17 - something that was considered shameful at that time - her daughter and only child died aged two, she was involved in three serious car crashes, and died aged just 47 addicted to both morphine and alcohol.
  
  In 1948, she met the love of her life, Marcel Cerdan, arguably the greatest boxer France ever produced, although he was born in Algeria. Cerdan was slightly younger than Piaf, he was also married and the father of three. It remains to be seen if he would have left his wife for her, which would have added yet another scandal to her private life, but on October 28 the following year he was killed in a plane crash aged just 33.
• Piaf wrote the words to "Hymne À L'amour," which would become one of her greatest hits, and was even recorded in Japanese, although not by her. The music was written by her regular collaborator Marguerite Monnot, who also supplied the music for "Milord." Running to 3 minutes 27 seconds, the original was released in 1950. There are several English versions including "Hymn To Love," which was recorded by Piaf herself; this translation was by Eddie Constantine. >>

  Suggestion credit:
  Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2
• On November 22, 2015, Celine Dion sang this at the American Music Awards in French to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place on November 13.
• Celine Dion sang "Hymne À L'amour" from the Eiffel Tower at the climax of the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony in Paris. It was a stunning return for Dion, who hadn't performed live in four years and was suffering from Stiff Person Syndrome, a progressive neurological disorder.
  
  In the documentary I Am: Celine Dion, released in June 2024, she is seen battling the disorder, which causes her extreme pain and impairs her ability to sing. She underwent rigorous therapy to rebuild her voice, but few expected her to deliver such a powerful performance in Paris. It was a triumphant return for Dion, embodying the Olympic spirit of perseverance and passion. Dion is a global superstar, but she's particularly popular in France, where her French-language albums are top sellers.
• Celine Dion's rendition of "Hymne À L'amour" was the song's second major Olympic moment. It was also performed by the Japanese singer Milet at the Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony in 2021.