The famous singer dies, the man they all love (Photo/Video)

France's biggest rock star Johnny Hallyday has lost his battle with lung cancer, his wife has announced. He was separated from life at 74, writes eye.net

The singer, whose real name is Jean-Philippe Smet sold about 100 million records and performed in several films.

Johnny Halloween Mary

He became a “cavalier of the Honorary Legion” (Legion of Honour ʹ French highest ranking of military and civilian merits), by former President Jacques Chirac in 1997.

The French just called it our John”. However, outside the Francophone Hallyday area was not very popular.

In a statement, his wife Laeticia said: “John Hallyday left us,” AFP news agency reports.

I write these words without believing, but it's true. Our man is no longer with us. He left us tonight after living his entire life, with courage and dignity,” She said.

Responding to the news, French President Emmanuel Macron said: There's little Johnny in all of us”

“Over the generations, he carved himself into French people's lives,” Macron said. He amazed them through the generosity you saw in his concerts: so epic, so intimate, in large places, in small places”.

Johnny Hallyday

Among those who remembered the French singer was Richie Sambora, the guitarist who performed with the American rock band “Bon Jovi”.

Influenced by Elvis Presley, Hallyday broke away from the classic French tradition “chanson” in the 1950s, and began singing “rock and roll” in French.

He introduced rock in France and is one of the few singers that people say is an animal on stage”, once said journalist Philippe Le Corre.

It's unbelievable, people of all ages love”, He added.

Despite his success at home, Hallyday failed to enter the lucrative American market or any other English-speaking one, reports the BBC.

Johnny Hallyday