Midem is one of the buzzwords of the moment, turning industrythoughts to the South of France, with white sand framing the azure Mediterranean. Attorney Dina LaPolt, one of the stars who came to Cannes, exuded Gallic cool alongside the awesome Sylvia Rhone.

France is a great country, and the chart-topping Thomas Rhett—who also tops HITS List—is a great country artist. France is across the Channel from England, the homeland of no less than four of our entrants: Steve Barnett, Peter Edge, Steve Strange and Sir Elton John.

And Clarence Avant’s French-sounding surname, which translates to “prior in time,” accurately connotes the path blazed by the Godfather of Black Music.

C’est la vie, suckers. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.