Jean Lalonde(1914-1991)
-Jean (Gabriel) Lalonde (Montreal, May 4, 1914 - June 6, 1991). Singer, broadcaster, administrator. After studying singing with José Delaquerrière, he began his career in 1933 at Ottawa radio station CKCO, performing songs from the repertoire of Bing Crosby, to whom he was later often compared. In 1934, he returned to Montreal, where CKAC hired him as a singer and host, a position he held for some twenty years. One of his programs, "Le Don Juan de la chanson" (c. 1936-45), was very popular, and its title was always attached to Lalonde's name. He also appeared on CKAC's "Café-concert Kraft" (1941-43).
He sang in French, English and Spanish, and also performed under the pseudonym Jack Forbes. He performed several American and South American hits, writing the French lyrics himself. Around 1955, he opened radio station CKJL in Saint-Jérôme, north of Montreal, which he owned until 1974. On SRC radio's "Au temps du 78 tours" (1971), he revived the finest moments of his career. Among his greatest hits were "Petite madame bonsoir" and "Vous qui passez sans me voir".
After relinquishing his station, he lived away from the artistic scene. Along with his son, Pierre, he hosted "Les Don Juan" on CKLM (1974), and appeared on "Dimanshowsoir" in the "Les Beaux dimanches" series on SRC television (1977).