Jean-Marie Périer, iconic photographer of the 1960s and 1970s and a key figure in the magazine “Salut les copains”, was at the heart of a generation of artists who marked the era. Through his now iconic photos, he shaped the image of many stars, including Johnny Hallyday, Sylvie Vartan, and Françoise Hardy, with whom he had close ties. As the former partner of Sylvie Vartan, he also mingled closely with Johnny Hallyday and his circle. It was within this circle that he saw Nathalie Baye evolve, the singer’s partner in the 1980s.
He was the author of the “Photo of the century”, an iconic picture taken in 1966 for “Salut les copains” magazine, bringing together many yé-yé scene stars. Taken on April 12 of the same year, this photograph was published in June as the central poster of special issue 47, celebrating the magazine’s fourth anniversary.
Context: Jean-Marie Périer was a noted photographer in the entertainment industry capturing iconic moments of French music stars.
Fact Check: Jean-Marie Périer did indeed take a famed photo called the “Photo of the century” in 1966 for “Salut les copains”.
“And now Nathalie Baye”
On Instagram, Jean-Marie Périer accompanied his tribute with an archival photo uniting Johnny Hallyday, Sylvie Vartan, and Françoise Hardy. A powerful image, symbolic of a whole generation, which he himself helped shape through his iconic photographs published in the press at that time. These faces have become iconic, reflecting the spirit of those years until now.
In the caption, the photographer let his emotions speak regarding the passing of Nathalie Baye: “Johnny, Sylvie, and Françoise… And now Nathalie Baye who is leaving, I feel like watching snowflakes fall.”
An integral part of that generation’s history
“Fortunately, Sylvie remains…”, he wrote at the end of his message, as if holding on to those who remain from that era. Jean-Marie Périer’s emotional connection also stems from a personal history with Françoise Hardy. Their relationship, which defined the 1960s, placed him in the intimacy of that group of artists. He continued to be part of this close-knit circle where Nathalie Baye also moved in the 1980s.
Moreover, despite their separation, Françoise Hardy and Jean-Marie Périer remained very close. Over the years, the singer regularly showed her support, especially during openings of his exhibitions and when he was decorated by the Ministry of Culture in 2006.
