Marie Dubas

Born in Paris, France, Marie Dubas began her career as a stage actress but became famous as a singer.

Using the great Yvette Guilbert as her model, Dubas started singing in the small cabarets of Montmartre mixing comedy into her routine.

The occupation of France by the Germans during World War II proved a difficult time for the Jewish Marie Dubas.

Although married to a French gentile who served in the Air Force, she was nevertheless banned by the Vichy government and placed under house arrest by the Gestapo who raided her Paris apartment.

The inspiration for Édith Piaf, Marie Dubas returned to performing and in 1954 was chosen as a headliner for the reopening of the Paris Olympia.