Jean-Marie Périer, iconic photographer of the 1960s and 1970s and a key figure of the magazine “Salut les copains”, was at the heart of a generation of artists who left their mark on those decades. Through his iconic photos, he shaped the image of many stars, including Johnny Hallyday, Sylvie Vartan, and Françoise Hardy, with whom he had close relationships. A former partner of Sylvie Vartan, he also spent time with Johnny Hallyday and his circle. It was within this circle that he saw Nathalie Baye evolve, the singer’s partner in the 1980s.
He was the author of the “Photo of the Century”, an iconic picture taken in 1966 for the magazine “Salut les copains”, uniting many stars of the yé-yé scene. Taken on April 12 of that same year, the photograph was published in June as the centerfold of special issue 47, celebrating the magazine’s fourth anniversary.
“And now Nathalie Baye”
On Instagram, Jean-Marie Périer accompanied his tribute with an archival photo bringing together Johnny Hallyday, Sylvie Vartan, and Françoise Hardy. A powerful image, symbolizing an entire generation, which he himself contributed to shaping through his iconic photos published in the press at the time. Faces that have become iconic, which he extensively rubbed shoulders with and immortalized, and that still embody the spirit of those years today.
In the caption, the photographer expressed his emotion at the passing of Nathalie Baye: “Johnny, Sylvie, and Françoise… And now Nathalie Baye leaving, I feel like watching snowflakes fall.”
“A story at the heart of this generation”
“Thankfully, Sylvie remains…,” he wrote at the end of his message, as if clinging to those who remain from that era. Jean-Marie Périer’s emotional response also stems from a personal history he shared with Françoise Hardy. Their relationship, which marked the 1960s, placed him in the intimacy of this group of artists. He continued to mingle with this close circle, within which Nathalie Baye also moved in the 1980s.
Furthermore, despite their separation, Françoise Hardy and Jean-Marie Périer remained very close. Over the years, the singer regularly showed her support to him, especially during the openings of his exhibitions and when he was decorated by the Ministry of Culture in 2006.
