French songwriter Pierre Delanoe dies at 88

PARIS, Dec 27 (Reuters) Songwriter Pierre Delanoe, who wrote lyrics for dozens of French singers from Edith Piaf and Charles Aznavour to rocker Johnny Hallyday, has died at the age of 88, the composers' and authors' group Sacem said today.

Delanoe, a tax inspector turned lyricist, also helped Joe Dassin reach international fame with the lilting 1969 hit ''Les Champs Elysees'' and songs such as ''L'ete indien'' and ''Et si tu n'existais pas''.

He also won praise for Michel Fugain's 1960s hit ''Je n'aurai pas le temps'' and Michel Sardou's ''Les lacs du Connemara''.

Delanoe died of cardiac arrest during the night, a Sacem spokesman said by telephone.

REUTERS PB PM1915