Michel Colombier

Michel Colombier (23 May 1939 – 14 November 2004) was a French composer, arranger, and conductor. He composed scores for numerous motion pictures and television productions, as well as chamber music and ballets. In 1967, he collaborated with composer Pierre Henry on the music for *Messe pour le temps présent*, a work choreographed by Maurice Béjart. In 1972, he released an album titled *Wings* on A&M Records, featuring a collaboration with Lani Hall on lead vocals. The album included the song "We Could Be Flying," with lyrics by Paul Williams. Recorded in Paris and featuring Colombier on piano, the track was also included on Hall's debut solo album, *Sun Down Lady*, released the same year on A&M Records, following her time as lead singer for Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66.

Perhaps the most well-known piece Colombier composed was *Emmanuel*, named after and written in memory of his young son, who died in infancy. The piece was used by the French television channel Antenne 2, paired with an 80-second animation titled *Les Hommes Volants* (The Flying Men) by Jean Michel Folon, to mark the beginning and end of their broadcast day from 1975 to 1983.

Colombier died of cancer shortly after midnight on 14 November 2004. He is survived by his widow, Dana Colombier, with whom he had two children. He is buried at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.