Edith Piaf

Born Édith Giovanna Gassion, Piaf's origins were certainly humble and her early life a Dickensian parade of misfortunes. Raised in a brothel for a spell, then by her grandmother and later on the streets, one might say her childhood provided ample material for the melancholic chansons that would make her famous.

While Piaf's father had some Jewish heritage, it seems any direct connection to Jewish identity was as ephemeral as some of her early paramours. "Non, je ne regrette rien" might have been her motto, but "Non, je ne suis pas Juive" would likely have been equally applicable.

Despite her lack of overt Jewish bona fides, Piaf's incredible talent and her ability to channel profound emotion through song certainly brought a certain nachas to millions. She captivated audiences worldwide with her raw, powerful voice, proving that you don't need to be a Member of the Tribe to leave a lasting mark on the world, or at least on every French café's playlist.