In 1966, a quirky character emerged on the airwaves. His first album, simply titled Jacques Dutronc, featured several hits that have stood the test of time. Songs like “Les Play-Boys,” “Les Cactus,” “Et moi, et moi, et moi,” and “Mini-mini-mini” became anthems for a whole generation. At 23 years old, the young Parisian’s career was officially launched. He continued to achieve success on his subsequent albums. However, things weren’t easy for Jacques Dutronc, who had to deal with illness during his adolescence before turning to the guitar.
Jacques Dutronc faced several health issues at the beginning of his life. During a crucial period, the teenager became a musician. A few years before his completely failed first encounter with Francoise Hardy, young Jacques Dutronc was not involved in music. But at 16, he contracted an illness that completely changed his life. In his memoirs titled “Et moi, et moi, et moi,” the musician recounted these health problems, which were not his first: “At 16, I was struck by acute articular rheumatism known as ‘de Bouillaud’, named after the French doctor who identified it. At 3 years old, I had already suffered from an inguinal hernia.”
What is the Bouillaud’s disease that affected Jacques Dutronc in his adolescence? Acute articular rheumatism can occur after a bacterial infection. It often follows a streptococcal angina, prompting the immune system to attack infected areas. Tissue destruction causes joint inflammation, among other symptoms. Consequently, at an age when one dreams of going out with friends, Jacques Dutronc had to stay home for a year with these pains. This is why he began to teach himself the guitar, borrowing his brother’s instrument and started playing the songs he heard on the radio or on records.
What is Jacques Dutronc’s current health condition? Bouillaud’s disease can result in cardiac sequelae. This weakness affects Thomas Dutronc’s father, who has been living in Corsica for many years. In February 2025, the son of the singer he had with Francoise Hardy provided updates on his father in Le Figaro. He revealed that he saw his father “once or twice a week” and shared Jacques Dutronc’s daily life, who now needs to take care of himself: “He doesn’t move much when it’s hot, it’s bad for his heart.” Thomas Dutronc reassured by adding, “Otherwise, he is doing well.”
