From medical student to overnight star: the winding career of Nicolas Peyrac
In short: Born Jean-Jacques Tazartez, this French musician nearly became a doctor before a 1975 hit song changed his trajectory forever. His life has been a series of dramatic pivots, from the heights of stardom to severe depression, and eventually, a reinvention as a novelist and songwriter in Canada.
Born in Rennes in 1949, Nicolas Peyrac—originally Jean-Jacques Tazartez—was raised by physician parents. Though he showed early musical interest, his path was initially steered toward medicine. His time in New York as a teenager broadened his musical horizons, yet he returned to France to study medicine under parental pressure. It was during these studies that he discovered photography, a hobby that inadvertently launched his music career by connecting him with industry figures like producer Patrick Legrand.
Peyrac’s breakthrough arrived in 1975 with the song So far away from L.A. The track was a critical success, turning him into an overnight star just as he was on the verge of losing his record deal. He abandoned his medical studies in his sixth year to focus on music, soon earning a 'French Grammy' for his hit Et mon père. However, the momentum eventually slowed. Following his mother's death in 1978 and a subsequent period of professional decline, Peyrac faced a severe depression in the late eighties that led him to abandon the music scene entirely.
The death of his friend Michel Berger in 1992 served as a catalyst for his recovery. Peyrac began writing again, eventually moving to Montreal to find new motivation. This period marked a shift toward literature, with the publication of his first novel in 1994, followed by a return to music and touring. Despite ongoing challenges, including conflicts with record labels, he continued to release albums and novels throughout the 2000s, proving his resilience as an artist who consistently returned to his creative roots.
Today, Peyrac is remembered not just for his seventies hits, but for his ability to navigate the volatility of the entertainment industry. His career serves as a case study in the intersection of personal tragedy, professional reinvention, and the enduring pull of artistic expression, spanning everything from songwriting for legends like Johnny Hallyday to directing and authorship.
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