a French music hall singer who often writes, as well as performs, his material. The art of the chansonnier continues a tradition that was developed by the poet P. J. de Béranger and the songwriter P. Dupont (19th century), as well as by G. Montegues (20th century), whom V. I. Lenin heard sing. Among the greatest chansonniers are M. Chevalier, G. Brassens, E. Piaf, and C. Aznavour.