I was born and raised in Portugal. My father, uncles, aunts and oldest brother were emigrants. They lived in France (today a big part of my family are French) and every time they went on vacation they always had that sweet French music playing. It was probably 1971-72; I was about 14-15 years old when I heard Joe Dassin singing for the first time. I fell in love with his voice and learned all his songs. He was my favorite singer of all times…There was one in special called “Le Portugais” (The Portuguese) that was a big honor for all of us. I had all his LP’s, all his pictures in my bedroom. “Siffler sur la Coline) was my favorite song. One day my aunt promised me she would take me to Puteaux (where she lived) on vacation and I would meet him; she was supposed to take me to Paris. I was dreaming and had tears in my eyes…

Unfortunately life takes some turns that we cannot understand. When I knew about Joe Dassin’s death in Tahiti at the age of 41, so young, I was living in South America, in Venezuela and I cried my heart out. I cried for him and for his 2 young boys he loved and left behind. Later, the boys’ mom also died in 1995 (what a tragedy).

I could never meet my idol. I could never see him; could never hear him singing alive...

Today I live in the United States and have not been in Europe in 16 years but when I see his sons’ videos (Jonathan Dassin and Julien Dassin) who look a lot like him, I feel happy for them. I know, in heaven, Joe is proud of his boys and is watching out for them. One day I’m sure I’ll see him in heaven singing with the angels and, at that time, I will tell him how much I love and admire him, how much I miss him and his songs. May God bless his soul … Will I see him one day? That is the million dollar question... I've suffered for over 29 years now...For sure, he will live in my heart forever. I love you Joe and I miss you so much...