One of the founders of the Quebec Association of the Recording, Entertainment and Video Industry (ADISQ), but also of the FrancoFolies de Montréal, Guy Latraverse, died on Saturday evening after a long illness. The man dubbed the “father of Quebec show business” was 84 years old.
“My children’s grandfather died yesterday,” host Patrick Marsolais wrote on Instagram Sunday afternoon. “He leaves an immeasurable legacy for Quebec culture,” he added.
Mr. Latraverse, born July 5, 1939 in Chicoutimi – now Saguenay – was one of the founders of the Quebec entertainment industry. As a prolific manager or producer, he was associated with several legendary stage monsters, including Diane Dufresne, Robert Charlebois, Jean-Pierre Ferland, Yvon Deschamps, Louise Forestier, Jean Lapointe, Pierre Verville, Daniel Lemire and the late Claude Léveillée. whose agent he became in 1962, when he was only 23 years old.
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He was associated with epochal productions, including “L’Osstidcho”, the album and show “1 fois 5” and the 1976 Saint Jean Baptiste concert at Mount Royal in Montreal, which we are still talking about for more than 40 years later.
Starting in 1964, he brought several important French and international artists to Quebec, including Charles Aznavour, Gilbert Bécaud, Petula Clark, Julien Clerc, Léo Ferré and Raymond Devos. Thanks to the contacts he made, he also enabled the Quebecers to conquer Europe.
ADISQ, which he co-founded in 1979, honored him in 2013 by awarding him the first Honorary Félix at its 35th annual gala at Place des Arts. Under his direction, the first French speaker, Claude Léveillée, appeared at this emblematic venue in the Quartier des spectacles on June 13, 1966, three years after its opening. In its early days, the venue was only reserved for international or English-speaking stars.
JOËL LEmay/AGENCE QMI
He was also the first to feature a Quebec artist – Diane Dufresne – at both the Montreal Forum in 1980 and the Olympic Stadium in 1984.
Guy Latraverse, brother of actress Louise Latraverse, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1986 after a 20-year illness without treatment. He then produced programs to demystify mental illness and helped found the Association of Depressives and Manic Depressives (now Revivre).
“One of the great builders”
Quebec Premier François Legault reacted quickly on social media when he learned of Mr. Latraverse’s disappearance.
“Guy Latraverse, one of the great builders of Quebec’s recording and entertainment industries, has died. My condolences go out to all his loved ones, especially his sister Louise,” he wrote on X.
Guy Latraverse, one of the great builders of Quebec’s recording and entertainment industries, has died. My condolences go out to all his loved ones, especially his sister Louise. @LLatraverse https://t.co/L62cL0SmPG
— François Legault (@francoislegault) October 15, 2023
“Guy Latraverse will always live on our culture and our arts, which he knew how to elevate throughout his rich career,” said the leader of the opposition at Montreal City Hall, Aref Salem.