Michel Warlop

Michel Maurice Armand Warlop (23 January 1911 – 6 March 1947) was a French classical and jazz violinist professionally active from 1929 to 1947.

In mid-1939, Warlop started working as a permanent member of the Raymond Legrand Orchestra, the most popular big band in France during the early to mid-1940s.

Both Noël du Prisonnier and Darrieux's rendition of Swing Concerto only sold a few hundred copies each and both discs are highly sought after by collectors today as they have never been re-issued.

Legrand's orchestra was extremely busy during the war years with recordings, broadcasts and touring around France for personal appearances.

During 1941, Legrand's orchestra made a movie called Mademoiselle Swing, released in 1942 with singer Irène de Trebert.

In July and August 1942, Legrand's orchestra visited Germany and played for French war prisoners and laborers that were working there.

After the war many French musicians, singers and film stars were accused of supporting the enemy by appearing on German-controlled radio, playing for German troops, or touring in Germany.

His last engagement was with Jimmy Réna's small group at the Grand Hotel Superbagnières above Luchon, France in the Pyrenees near the border with Spain.