Billboard: How did you start out in the music field? Paul Mauriat: I was lucky to have a father who played music. When I was between 3 and 4, I started playing piano and was quickly able to play full tunes. My father had the wisdom not to show me around like one of those brilliant young puppets. He took care of me, and when I was 8, he gave me music lessons. He was a fantastic teacher, always finding the right words. After my 10th birthday, he sent me to the music school in Marseille, and, before I reached 15, I earned the First Prize. As our family was modest, I decided to start working, and I applied for a job as a postman and was hired. One day, I went to see my father - it was in 1942, and I was 17 - and told him I was offered a job as a band conductor for 250 francs a day, which was more than he earned. He told me to go for it. I still have that contract - my first.
(from Billboard.com)
