June 28, 2010

By By Aymeric Pichevin, Paris

Francis Dreyfus, the founder of recording and publishing company Francis Dreyfus Music, has died aged 69.

Dreyfus was considered a high-level music industry talent scout in France. He produced albums by major French artists such as Alain Bashung and Christophe, and he signed publishing deals with David Bowie, Pink Floyd and Cat Stevens early in their careers, according to a statement by French independent labels collecting society SPPF, which he helped to create in 1986.

Dreyfus is also known for his long association, for recordings and on concert production, with French electronic music artist Jean-Michel Jarre, who has sold over 55 million albums in his career, according to SPPF. He dedicated the last 20 years of his career to jazz music, with a roster including Marcus Miller and Michel Petrucciani.

The French recording music business reacted with sadness to the announcement of his death. "Way before anyone, [Dreyfus] had a global vision of the work of music producer," says SPPF director general J?r?me Roger in a statement.

Dreyfus died in hospital in Paris on June 24 following an illness.

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