The Singing Nuns
Jeanne-Paule Marie Deckers, religious name Luc Gabriel, (17 October 1933 – 29 March 1985), better known as Sœur Sourire (French for 'Sister Smile') and often called "The singing nun" in English-speaking countries, was a singer-songwriter and former member of a community of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. In 1963, she acquired widespread fame with the release of the Belgian French song Dominique, which topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and other charts, along with her debut album.
Owing partially to confusion over the terms of the recording contract, she was eventually reduced to poverty and also experienced a crisis of faith, leaving the order, though still remaining a Catholic. She died by suicide in 1985 with her life partner, Annie Pécher.
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