Quebecers pay tribute to Jean-Pierre Ferland
Posted May 31, 2024 12:42 pm.
Last Updated May 31, 2024 1:50 pm.
Quebecers paid their respects to “Le petit roi” – beloved singer-songwriter Jean-Pierre Ferland.
A public viewing was held at the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts on Friday (until 4 p.m.) – with yellow flowers everywhere and a yellow urn – a nod to his 1970 album Jaune.
Ferland was the first Quebec artist to perform at Théâtre Maisonneuve.
He died April 27th – at the age of 89.
Céline Dion was among those who sent a yellow bouquet to the viewing.
Born and raised in Montreal’s Plateau, Ferland wrote over four hundred and 50 songs and released some 30 albums.
Ferland won multiple awards and accolades over a career spanning over six decades – and many of the items were on display at the public viewing.
Quebec Premier François Legault attended the public viewing and said Ferland’s music inspired the masses.
“He’s a great Quebecer, it’s almost unbelievable the number of hits, of songs that have left their mark on Quebecers,” he said in French. “So, I think that today, on behalf of the Quebec nation, I want to say to Jean-Pierre, thank you, Jean-Pierre, for what you have done over all these years. You’ve inspired us, you’ve made us dream, and we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante said Ferland made Quebec’s culture shine.
“He’s really important to us,” said Plante. “And today the family was very generous in the government of Quebec also, creating this time where people can gather and share their memories and how his legacy will also live forever.”
On Saturday, Ferland’s national funeral will be held at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral in Montreal, which will include musical performances and eulogies.
Limited seats will be available to the public.
An outdoor screening of the ceremony will be held at Place du Canada, where citizens can watch from Peel and De La Gauchetière street.
The public is also invited to wear a yellow accessory in tribute.
The Quebec flag will be flown at half-mast on the main tower of the National Assembly building, from dusk to dawn onSaturday.
-with files from La Presse Canadienne
