Jacques Hélian

His tune "Fleur de Paris" (with lyrics from Maurice Vandair, and music by Henri Bourtayre) became a virtual "hymn of liberation" for France.

He collaborated with composers Henri Bourtayre ("Chanteville", "La Marchina", "Soleil levant") and Loulou Gasté ("Le Porte-Bonheur", "Chica!

Hélian continued his highly followed radio performances and organized galas and musical tours throughout France with artists who gained a big following after appearing with his orchestra, including Francine Claudel, Zappy Max, Jo Charrier, Ginette Garcin, and others.

Between 1949 and 1956, the best of French and European jazz artists appeared with Hélian's orchestra, including Christian Garros, Gérard Lévecque, André Paquinet, George Cloud, Fernand Verstraete, Marcel Bianchi, Pierre Gossez, Janot Morales, Fats Sadi, and from the other side of the Atlantic, jazzmen Ernie Royal, Al Mone, Bill Tamper, Don Byas, Kenny Clarke, and Sonny Grey, making his band one of the best known names of the "big bands" in Europe.

His works are considered references for the best of the "big band" orchestras in French music and were featured as "Les Années Jacques Hélian" in the film Vive la vie.