An article in today's paper tells the story of the

French Elvis, JOHNNY HALLYDAY, 66

Hardly a French name, why not Jean-iey Hallydieu?

And I cannot imagine a nasal song about blue suede shoes.

Hallyday reportedly suffered, botched back surgery in Paris

requiring transfer to U.C.L.A. where he is in a medically induced coma.

There is a lot to this story that just does not make sense.

And, "they" expect a full recovery.

Any enlightenment from our Gaulic members would be appreciated.

Moi

I e-mailed an e-friend in Paris. Below is his response.

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Well, I'm not an expert in rock music (I prefer 19th century Opera), but let's try to illuminate :

- Johnny Hallyday isn't his real name, it's Jean-Claude Smet, a true French name with a Belgian flavor. He started a career in the early 60s, he was 19 old - a very long career ! -. At that time, young rockers thought that they'd enter the hall of fame if they had an American (not British) name. Johnny wasn't alone : other French young rockers took American names (Dick Rivers, Eddie Mitchell) and they became famous, and so are they nowadays although they're over 60 old, so I can't say they were wrong.

- IMHO, Johnny isn't 'The French Elvis'. For me, Elvis Presley was rather a crooner, Johnny Hallyday is a rock star. But, once again, I'm not an expert. I feel concerned in Johnny (rather in Johnny's health) only because we both were born same day, in June 1943.

- Obviously, the surgeon in Paris wasn't a good one. He is a man who managed to be a friend of many stars, a lobbyer, but he's done several unsuccessful operations. He's been swept out of operation rooms several times, has undergone several law procedures and warnings by the French Medical Association. I wonder why Johnny Hallyday, who could pay for a very good surgeon, has accepted to trust this one...

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Certainly a different view then the newspaper.

How is it that rich & famous people end up with the worst physicians

when they can afford the best ?

Moi