Jean Leclerc

Jean Leclerc (born May 14, 1961) is a Quebecois singer-songwriter. Also known as Jean Leloup, his colourful personality and unique musical style have made him a star in the francophone rock community.

Born in Sainte-Foy, Quebec, he grew up in Togo and Algeria where he was influenced by traditional African rhythms. He appeared on the Quebec music scene in the 1980s under the name Jean Leloup, making waves with his provocative lyrics – in his song "1990", he compares the high-tech actions of Desert Storm to the sexual activities of himself and his girlfriend. His 1990 album L'amour est sans pitié was a hit outside of Quebec, licensed in France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Japan.

"Jean Leloup" is an important part of Quebec's transforming music scene. Since the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s, Quebec has been developing its identity as a Francophone land as well as its individuality from English speaking North America and other French speaking nations. Leloup is a Québécois hero for his contribution to the local art scene and the development of the musical culture. Leloup is the recipient of a Félix Award (the Quebec version of a Grammy Award).

At the end of 2003, Leloup "died" or, rather, Jean Leclerc retired the name. This was, in fact, another piece of elaborate fantasy staging, typical of the wild and eccentric artist. Little was know of what Jean Leclerc was about to do, now that his Leloup persona has been "silenced". In August 2005, he announced his temporary return to the music scene in a collaboration with the Porn Flakes. A first single named "Les Corneilles" has been heard on Montreal's radio stations.

In the months preceding his return, he switched from his guitar to his fountain pen and wrote the philosophic novel, Noir destin que le mien (Le Tour du monde en complet was the original title), published October 5th, 2005 at Leméac Éditions under the pen name "Massoud Al Rachid`".

Under his real name Jean Leclerc, he released a first single, titled "Mexico", in August 2006. His first album, also titled Mexico, was released in September 2006.

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