Catherine Ribeiro, the acclaimed French singer, has passed away at the age of 82 at a retirement home in Martigues, France. Born in 1941 to Portuguese parents, Ribeiro left an indelible mark on the music scene, transitioning from a film appearance in Jean-Luc Godard’s 1963 work to becoming a prominent figure in the yé-yé music movement of the 1960s.
Her musical journey took a pivotal turn with the formation of her band, initially known as 2Bis, alongside multi-instrumentalist Patrice Moullet. In 1969, they released their debut album, “Catherine Ribeiro + 2Bis.” The band later rebranded as Alpes and produced a series of innovative psychedelic prog rock albums throughout the 1970s. Ribeiro’s work during this period was notable for its experimental sound and bold political themes, addressing topics such as the Vietnam War and the plight of Palestine. Their last studio album together, “La Déboussole,” was released in 1980, after which Ribeiro pursued a solo career in the following decades.
Ribeiro’s influence extended to a new generation of musicians, with artists expressing admiration for her groundbreaking work. Kim Gordon, a prominent figure in the music industry, has praised Ribeiro’s powerful voice and significant impact on her own music. Similarly, Weyes Blood has recognized Ribeiro’s extraordinary vocal talent, calling it “extremely powerful, wild, improvisatory.” The music of Ribeiro + Alpes remains influential, with recent reissues of their albums such as “N°2,” “Âme Debout,” and “Paix” further cementing Ribeiro’s legacy in the contemporary music landscape.
