60 Seconds with F.R. David

Exclusive interview by Karen Beishuizen

Late 1982 a song conquered Europe, and everybody started singing it: “Words” by F.R. David, a French singer. Fast forward 40 years later it is as beloved as back then. He is still making music and just released a new single called “Time is not mine”.

KB: How did you come up with your stage name F.R. David? What does F R stand for?

My initials F.R. mean Fitoussi Robert, David as a symbol and also for the sound of it. At that time, I liked Spencer Davis Group for their music and the sound of their name.

KB: You were a guitarist with Vangelis? Tell me more about this.

Not as a guitarist but as the singer and bass player. We recorded “Earth” as a band, but it ended up being a Vangelis album. The recording and creation were a great experience. We worked together for 2 years, then he went to London, and I joined a rock band (Les Variations) for a one-year tour in US and one album with Buddha Records: “Café de Paris” cover by Guy Pellaert.

KB: You are best known for your great song “Words” which was a monster hit all over Europe in late 1982. What is the story behind this song? Did you write it?

I wrote it in NYC in 1980. Back then, I had a contract with the N°1 Rock manager David Krebbs who ignored it (too Pop…) Later I recorded it 3 times in studios between New York and Paris, but still no vibrations. Finally, because I forgot my guitar at home, I had to use a new synthesizer that just arrived in the recording studio; we reached the good version.

KB: You are French, but you sing in French and English. Which language do you prefer? What makes a good song?

I returned to France after living 6 years in America. Then I sang in English, naturally. Every song I record seem good to me. I would say a good song is a fusion, it’s chemical.

KB: Any current artists you like, and you would like to collaborate with?

Today, I’d love to collaborate with The Chainsmokers, Maroon 5, and Brian Eno as a producer.

KB: If you were to make an album with 7 of your most favourite songs (no songs of your own): Which songs would you pick and why?

There’s so many….so here’s some:

Driver Seat
I Got A Woman by Ray Charles: (live at New port 1958)
Lucille by Little Richard
Need You Tonight by INXS
Magnificent Seven by The Clash
God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield
The reason of my choice: These songs were good yesterday, they’re good today, and probably tomorrow as well.

KB: Do you have any new albums or songs in the making?

In 2022 I released my single “Time Is Not Mine” that I picked among new songs in working progress. Of course, it keeps me running. A big part of my energy comes from it. Being on stage with my musicians is a real pleasure.

Check out his website: HERE
Find F.R. David on Facebook: HERE