French-Canadian singer/songwriter Claude Dubois was born in Montreal on April 24, 1947. He began performing publicly as early as age 12, playing in a local country band. Dubois made his recording debut with the group Claude Dubois et Ses Montagnards. His solo debut came a short time later, featuring the song "J'Ai Souvenir Encore," which won the young author the prestigious Jury Prize from the Festival du Disque. By 1966, Dubois was sharing the stage with French-Canadian stars like Donald Lautrec and Gilles Vigneault. Years of international touring would follow, including a number of appearances on important French stages, various radio and television performances, and a series of appearances on his native soil at La Comédie-Canadienne. On the strength of songs like "Femme de Reve" and "Bebe Jajou Latoune," his record Touchez Dubois became a national hit with a lasting presence throughout the early '70s. His influential record Mellow Reggae helped to popularize West Indian music -- a longtime Dubois passion -- throughout Canada. His participation in Luc Plamondon's pop opera Starmania earned him a Felix Award in 1979 and introduced him to audiences formerly unfamiliar with his music. After a stint in rehab in 1981, Dubois released his breakthrough record, Sortie, which went on to sell over 200,000 copies. With an enormous catalog released on his own Pingouin label, Dubois has established himself as one of French Canada's most respected rebellious, alternative voices. His 2007 release, Duos Dubois, features duets with some of Canada's most influential recording artists, and hit the country's Top Five. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez