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Joseph Kosma was a Hungarian-French composer born on October 22, 1905, and he passed away on August 7, 1969. He is best known for composing the music for the popular song "Autumn Leaves." Here are some interesting facts about Joseph Kosma and the song:

1. Collaboration with Johnny Mercer: "Autumn Leaves" was originally a French song titled "Les Feuilles Mortes" with lyrics by poet Johnny Mercer. The English version, with Mercer's lyrics, became widely popular and contributed to the song's international success.

2. Versatile Composer: While "Autumn Leaves" is one of Kosma's most famous compositions, he was a versatile composer known for his work in film. He collaborated with renowned filmmakers like Jean Renoir and Marcel Carné, contributing scores to classic films such as "La Grande Illusion" and "Les Enfants du Paradis."

3. Exile During World War II: Joseph Kosma, being of Jewish descent, faced persecution during World War II. He fled to the United States to escape the Nazis. During his time in America, he continued his collaboration with filmmakers and composed for Hollywood films.

4. French Chanson Tradition: "Les Feuilles Mortes" and its English adaptation, "Autumn Leaves," became a classic in the French chanson tradition. The song has been covered by numerous artists in various languages, solidifying its place as one of the most enduring compositions.

5. Posthumous Recognition: Despite facing challenges during his lifetime, Joseph Kosma's contributions to music have been recognized posthumously. His work, including "Autumn Leaves," continues to be celebrated, and the song remains a standard in the jazz and popular music repertoire.

Joseph Kosma's legacy endures through his timeless compositions, with "Autumn Leaves" standing out as a masterpiece that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries.