Richard Clayderman
French pianist renowned for popularizing romantic and easy-listening instrumental music.
Born in Paris, Clayderman entered the Conservatoire de Paris at age 12. After working as a session musician, he achieved global fame in 1976 with 'Ballade pour Adeline'. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide and performed in more than 2,000 concerts across 60 countries.
- Adopted his stage name from his Swedish great-grandmother's surname 'Klidman' at producer Olivier Toussaint's suggestion for international appeal.
- His breakthrough single 'Ballade pour Adeline' (1976) unexpectedly sold 22 million copies in 38 countries, transforming him from a struggling musician to a superstar.
- Despite massive commercial success, critics often dismiss his work as 'background music', though he countered this by recording classical pieces by Chopin and Beethoven.
