If you wonder what it was like to be born in the land of Sheba, to live as a child in Beirut during WWII, or as a young actor in Paris during the French New Wave, or as a singer in New York City's Mad Men era, Jean-Paul Vignon transports you there in his unforgettable memoir, FROM ETHIOPIA TO UTOPIA: A Remarkable Journey in Music and in Love. As a boy in Djibouti, Jean-Paul dreamed of dancing with Ginger Rogers and singing with Mickey Rooney. His attempts to pursue medicine, then law, in Paris were no match for his desire to perform, and he quickly pivoted to a singing and songwriting career in Paris. His work in cabarets led to his discovery by a French film producer, which led to a career in film. Jean-Paul rode the New Wave to New York, singing on Le Liberté all the way to Manhattan, where he appeared on stages and screens across America. Embraced and encouraged by the cream of 20th century entertainment-Edith Piaf, Gloria Swanson, Ed Sullivan, Liza Minnelli, Merv Griffin, Maurice Chevalier, William Holden, Dick Clark, Farrah Fawcett, and Bette Midler-Jean-Paul was befriended by all who enjoyed his dynamic company and his passionate voice. Every step on his path was paved with love-his love of life, of music, and especially of women. Jean-Paul's experiences of life and romance have brought him to his ultimate beloved, and a joyful peace that comes from a life well-lived. Jean-Paul's adventures evoke a time of exoticism and elegance we can only dream of, and read about, when we join him on his journey FROM ETHIOPIA TO UTOPIA.
About the Author: Jean-Paul Vignon was born in Ethiopia not long before World War II, of a French father and an Italian mother. He spent his childhood in Djibouti, and studied in France. His exotic background gave him a passion for life, and imbued his singing style with an irresistible sensuality. As a boy, Vignon was fascinated by movies. As a teenager, he admired the great French singer-songwriters Charles Trenet and Charles Aznavour, and was also attracted to American singers like Frank Sinatra. Vignon's expansive musical taste gave his style a uniquely universal appeal. As a young man, Vignon appeared in Paris cabarets, recorded under his own name, and starred in two French films. When he sang on Le Liberté en route to the United States, he was offered an opportunity to develop his career in America-the dream of a lifetime. In New York, he made his debut at The Blue Angel, opening the show for a young Woody Allen. Ed Sullivan's scouts saw him, and signed him for eight appearances. He became a regular guest on The Merv Griffin Show; his European charm, natural humor, and special charisma delighted American audiences. After he moved to Los Angeles, he became an American citizen, and made his American film debut with William Holden in THE DEVIL'S BRIGADE. Among his many other acting roles, Vignon's voice can be heard in such films as SHREK and 500 DAYS OF SUMMER, in which he is the French Narrator. Vignon is a devoted father to Marguerite, and grandfather to Leah and Hannah, and lives very happily with his wife Suzie in Beverly Hills, California.