Jacno

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Jacno was the stage name of French musician Denis Quilliard. He was born in Paris on July 3, 1957, and died on November 6, 2009, after a battle with cancer. He became a key figure in French rock and pop.

Early in his career, Jacno helped form The Stinky Toys, one of France’s first punk bands. After the group broke up in the early 1980s, he joined forces with Elli Medeiros to create the pop duo Elli et Jacno, blending catchy tunes with a hint of punk influence.

Besides his work with Elli et Jacno, Jacno released several solo albums starting in 1979. He chose the stage name Jacno inspired by the graphic artist who designed the Gauloises cigarette logo. His music helped bridge the punk and pop scenes in France, influencing many artists who followed.

Notable releases include the duo’s albums Tout va sauter (1980), Boomerang (1982), and Les nuits de la pleine lune (1984). His solo work included early records like the self-titled Jacno (1979) and Rectangle (1979), along with other albums and singles through the late 1980s and 1990s.

In 1999, the track Rectangle was used by Italian DJ Gigi D’Agostino for the hit La Passion, bringing Jacno’s music to a wider European audience, especially in Austria and Belgium.

Jacno’s legacy lives on as a pioneer who helped bring punk energy to French pop. He also worked as a producer, composer, and collaborator for many other artists, leaving a lasting impact on French music.