Dictionary.net

A noted French song-writer and dramatist; born at Frejus, Nov. 17, 1772; died at Paris, Aug. 9, 1827. His life till 1797 was full of adventure; he was at one time a prisoner of the revolted blacks in San Domingo and in momentary fear of death. Going on the stage in Paris, in 1805, his parody of the opera "Danaids" ("The Little Danaids") was acted for 300 consecutive nights. His vaudevilles were remarkably successful. As a light song-writer he is second only, if indeed second, to Beranger. Many of his songs will live long; e. g., "The Consolations of Old Age"; "The Picture of New Years". Many of them are exquisite little gems of art; e. g., "The Market"; "Sunday Pleasures"; "The Palais Royal".