Song | Francophone Songs in North America

Clémence DesRochers, born on November 23, 1933, in Sherbrooke, Québec, is a versatile artist known for her work as a comedian, singer-songwriter and broadcaster. She studied at the Conservatoire de Musique et d’Art Dramatique de Montréal, which helped refine her skills for a career that began in the late 1950s. Her early performances in cabarets, such as Montréal’s St-Germain-des-Prés, established her as a significant figure in Québec’s entertainment scene. DesRochers was also part of the influential group Les Bozos and created her own cabarets, including La Boîte à Clémence and Le Fournil, which were vital in shaping Québec’s cultural landscape.

Throughout her career, DesRochers became known for her unique combination of monologue, song, satire, and poetry, often focusing on women’s lives. Her shows, including Les Girls (1968), marked a cultural turning point, addressing feminist themes and offering a critical yet playful look at societal norms. Her work was bold, and Les Girls made history as the first all-female produced show to challenge traditional portrayals of women in entertainment. Her poems, short stories, songs, and monologues continued to reflect the realities of Québécois women, with her works being performed by various artists, including Edith Butler and Renée Claude.

DesRochers became renowned for presenting both humorous and poignant reflections on Québec’s identity, culture, and the role of women in society in her role as a host on CBC for many years. She continued to tour and make recordings with LP Pro-Culture as well as work with Radio-Canada throughout her career. Her performances gained widespread acclaim for their candid, tender, and sometimes caustic nature, making her one of the most influential figures in Québécois entertainment.

Over the years, DesRochers’ contributions to music and theatre earned her numerous accolades, including the Prix Denise-Pelletier (2005), the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award (2009), and multiple honors from SOCAN and the Société professionnelle des auteurs et des compositeurs du Québec. She was named a Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Québec (2001) and an Officer of the Order of Canada (2010), securing her place as one of Quebec’s most beloved and impactful cultural icons.