Jackie Quartz: The French Synth-Pop Pioneer

Jackie Quartz is a French singer and songwriter who became a defining voice in the early French synth-pop and new wave movement. Her 1980 debut album, "Le Parc des Princes," propelled her to national fame, yielding the massive hit "Mise au point" which remains a classic of the era.

Early career

Born in Paris in 1946, Jacqueline Duhar started her artistic journey in theater before turning to music. She adopted the stage name Jackie Quartz and began performing in the vibrant Parisian cabaret and rock scenes of the 1970s, releasing her first single, "Les Enfants de la Télé," in 1978 on the independent label Disques Vogue.

Breakthrough

Her breakthrough arrived decisively in 1980 with the release of her debut album, "Le Parc des Princes," on the Pathé Marconi label. The album's lead single, "Mise au point," became an instant sensation, dominating French airwaves and climbing into the Top 10 of the national singles chart, achieving Gold certification for its impressive sales.

Key tracks

Mise au point — This 1980 synth-pop anthem was her commercial peak, defining the sound of French new wave and earning a Gold record.

À nous deux — Another standout track from her debut, it solidified her status as a hitmaker with its catchy, driving electronic melody.

La Fièvre dans le sang — This later single from 1984 showcased a more polished, international pop production while retaining her distinctive vocal style.

Les Enfants de la Télé — Her first single introduced her quirky, observational songwriting and established her early cult following.

Following her initial success, Jackie Quartz continued to record and perform throughout the 1980s and beyond. She released several more albums, including "Plus Près de la Vie" (1981) and "Jazz à Billy" (1984), collaborating with notable French producers and musicians. While later releases did not match the colossal chart impact of "Mise au point," she maintained a loyal fanbase and is recognized as a trailblazer who helped bring electronic pop music to the forefront in France. Her influence is frequently cited by a younger generation of French electronic artists. Artists exploring a similar blend of pop sensibility and synthetic arrangements include France Gall, who also mastered catchy, story-driven pop songs. Alain Souchon shares her knack for witty, lyrical observations set to accessible melodies. The electronic experimentation of Telex parallels her embrace of synth-driven sounds. Furthermore, Lio followed in her footsteps as a later new wave pop star with a distinct personality.

Jackie Quartz's music maintains a steady presence on radio, particularly on stations dedicated to classic pop, 80s nostalgia formats, and French music heritage channels. Her timeless hit "Mise au point" is a staple on playlists that celebrate the birth of synth-pop, ensuring her voice continues to reach both original fans and new listeners discovering the genre.

You can hear the iconic synth-pop of Jackie Quartz on various radio stations featured here on Onairium.com. Tune in to our curated selection of classic and alternative stations to discover or revisit the pioneering sound of this essential French artist.