The Sunday Magazine

A tribute to Edith Piaf

In her centenary year, we celebrate the beloved French cabaret singer known as "The Little Sparrow".

Edith Piaf was born on December 19, 1915, into a life filled with tragedy. She was raised in her grandmother's brothel in Normandy, and began singing on the street at age 14, where she was discovered by a Parisian cabaret owner.

Despite the hardships of her life -- the death of her only child, and suffering from pain resulting from injuries suffered in a series of car crashes -- Piaf became one of France's most celebrated stars.

We hear Piaf with her signature song, "Non, je ne regrette rien."  We also hear Montreal singer Martha Wainwright, from her Piaf tribute album, "Sans fusils, ni souliers, à Paris".