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Music genre

Yé-yé

Yé-yé is a music genre that emerged in Spain, Italy and France in the 1950s. It is usually classed as a form of pop music. Explore key artists and related styles.

About Yé-yé

Yé-yé is a music genre that emerged in Spain, Italy and France in the 1950s. It is usually classed as a form of pop music.

Among the best-known names in the style are France Gall, Claude François and Sheila.

From Wikipedia

Yé-yé or yeyé was a style of pop music that emerged in Western and Southern Europe in the early 1960s. The French term yé-yé was derived from the English "yeah! yeah!", popularized by British beat music bands such as the Beatles. The style expanded worldwide as the result of the success of figures such as French singer-songwriters France Gall, Jacqueline Taïeb, Sylvie Vartan, Serge Gainsbourg and Françoise Hardy. Yé-yé was a particular form of counterculture that derived most of its inspiration from British and American rock and roll. Additional stylistic elements of yé-yé song composition include baroque, exotica, pop, jazz and the French chanson.

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Yé-yé.

Key artists

  • France Gall
  • Claude François
  • Sheila

Related genres

Frequently asked questions

What is Yé-yé?

Yé-yé is a music genre that emerged in Spain, Italy and France in the 1950s. It is usually classed as a form of pop music.

Where and when did Yé-yé originate?

Yé-yé originated in Spain, Italy and France in the 1950s.

Who are famous Yé-yé artists?

France Gall, Claude François and Sheila.

Sources & credits