Yves Montand (1921-91) was born Ivo Livi in Monsummano Terme, Italy. Two years later, following the rise of Mussolini’s fascist regime, his family moved to Marseilles, France. He reportedly crafted his French name from his mother’s words when calling him upstairs: “Ivo, monta.”. His singing career began during WWII in the local shipyards where he sang to bolster morale. He drew inspiration from Charles Trenet, Maurice Chevalier and from American movies that he saw in a local theater. Years later, he became a music-hall singer at ABC music hall in Paris, with a specialty in cowboy songs. Edith Piaf discovered his debonair charm in 1944 and included him in her act and more. In 1951 he married actress Simone Signoret. They remained married until her death in 1985 despite his famous 1960 affair with Marilyn Monroe on the set of “Let’s Make Love.” He went on to record many songs and act in numerous films with leading directors and alongside famous female stars.