Catherine Ringer Dies at 68: Iconic Voice of Les Rita Mitsouko Remembered
Catherine Ringer, the distinctive singer and co-founder of the celebrated French pop-rock duo Les Rita Mitsouko, has died at the age of 68.
Ringer died during the night of September 14 following a rapidly progressing form of cancer, her children confirmed in a statement shared with Agence France-Presse. Her death brings to a close an extraordinary career that helped reshape French popular music through its fearless mixture of rock, pop, funk, electronic music and chanson. Euronews
Rise to Fame With Les Rita Mitsouko
Born in Suresnes, France, in 1957, Ringer pursued several forms of artistic expression before meeting musician and guitarist Fred Chichin in 1979. Their personal and creative partnership led to the formation of Rita Mitsouko, later renamed Les Rita Mitsouko.
The duo quickly attracted attention for its unconventional sound, colorful visual identity and theatrical performances. Their music crossed traditional genre boundaries, combining energetic rock instrumentation with electronic rhythms, funk influences and French songwriting.
Their breakthrough arrived during the mid-1980s with “Marcia Baïla,” a vibrant yet poignant tribute to Argentine dancer and choreographer Marcia Moretto. The song became one of the defining French pop recordings of the decade.
Les Rita Mitsouko followed it with several other memorable songs, including “Andy,” “C’est comme ça” and “Les Histoires d’A.” Their inventive music videos and eccentric fashion choices also made them instantly recognizable beyond France.
A Remarkable Musical Partnership
Ringer’s expressive voice and magnetic stage presence were central to the duo’s identity, while Chichin’s compositions, guitar work and production instincts helped shape its adventurous sound.
Together, they released a series of influential albums, including Rita Mitsouko, The No Comprendo, Marc & Robert, Système D, Cool Frénésie, La Femme Trombone and Variéty.
Their work also brought international collaborations. American producer Tony Visconti worked on two of their albums, while artists including Sparks and Iggy Pop collaborated with the duo.
Continuing After Fred Chichin’s Death
Les Rita Mitsouko’s journey was interrupted in November 2007 when Chichin died from cancer at the age of 53. Rather than permanently leaving the stage, Ringer continued performing their songs while developing a successful career under her own name.
She regularly revisited the duo’s catalog in concert, preserving the music she and Chichin had created together while exploring new solo projects and artistic collaborations.
Ringer remained professionally active until the final year of her life. She performed in Paris in February 2026 and had been expected to continue presenting the music of Les Rita Mitsouko onstage.
A Singular Figure in French Music
Across more than four decades, Catherine Ringer became known for her unmistakable voice, artistic independence and willingness to challenge musical conventions. Her performances could be playful, dramatic, eccentric and emotionally intense—often within the same song.
Her family described her as a major French artist who influenced several generations through her songs, freedom and individuality. Le Monde
Ringer leaves behind three children and a musical legacy inseparable from Les Rita Mitsouko. Her work with Fred Chichin remains among the most original and enduring contributions to modern French pop and rock.