Edith Piaf - 30ème Anniversaire (2003)

Abandoned as a baby and raised in a brothel, Piaf was dicovered singing in the streets of Paris by a club owner, who started her 30-year career during which time she became France's best-loved and best-known songstress, with major hits from beginning to end. At times singing in front of the band with no microphone, her powerful voice and emotional delivery was a striking contrast to her diminutive size. Nicknamed "the Little Sparrow," Piaf was plagued by controversy, from implications in a clubowner's death to multiple affairs (including Yves Montand and Charles Aznavour), drugs, and alcohol. Her torchy cabaret and dramatically theatrical songs eventually won her global recognition. This two-CD set covers highlights of her career up to her death in 1963, many of which are now standards. Described in France as "the greatest figure in the history of song," her voice still rings with a passion for life, something that eventually consumed her. --Derek Rath