johnny: [singing in french] reporter: in 1997, he was awarded by then-president jacque chirac.n actor, also playing several roles in the cinemama. in 2009, he suffered ill health following an operation for colon cancer. his band saw him leaving the los angeles airport looking weak, in a wheelchair. johnny hallyday never made the bibig time outside the french-speaking world. he is ironically nicknamed "the biggest rock star you've never heard ofof in france, though, he is an icon, one of the greatest entertainers ever -- a legend. johnny: [singing in french ] more about johnny hallyday and to explain to international viewers who he is, i'm joined on set by the perfect person, and american music journalist who has been working here in the music industry for decades. that of all, why is it johnny was just so popular? analyst: he was just -- our lives. people for decades like you and me, he has been in our lives 60 years, 50 years. we followed him through almost dying, car accidents, stopping drinking. it is part of our life. you hear him every day. his music is on the radio. it is