Lys Assia, the very first winner of the Eurovision song content has passed away aged 96.

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Assia won the inaugural Eurovision which was held in Lugano, Switzerland back in 1956. The competition was called Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson when it first began and the first year just seven countries took part, with each singer performing two songs.

Assia won the competition on behalf of Switzerland with her song Refrain. The singer had a lifelong association with the contest, she represented Switzerland again in 1957 and 1958.

In 2011 a song performed by Assia failed to become Switzerland’s entry for the competition. The country decides their entry through a national competition and Assia’s tune C’était ma viem didn’t make the cut, in 2012 she had another attempt to represent the country teaming up with a hip-hop band.

After winning the inaugural Eurovision, Switzerland wouldn’t win the competition again until 1988 when they were represented by Celine Dion.

Listen to Lys Assia’s song that won the competiton in 1956. 

And you know you want see what Eurovision missed out on with that hip-hop collaboration.

OIP Staff