Claude Nobs

Claude Nobs Founder of the du Montreux Jazz Festival
Claude Nobs, 1987 © Edouard Curchod

1936-2013

Claude Nobs, passionate about jazz and blues and an inveterate dreamer, founded the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967 along with Géo Vomart and René Langel. In 1973, he was named Director of Warner Records for Switzerland. From the beginning, the vision, whimsy, and engaging personality of “Funky Claude” endeared him to artists from all over the world, and helped forge the Festival’s international reputation. Deeply in love with his home region, Claude Nobs turned Montreux into a veritable playground for musical encounters. As an incorrigible collector, he prioritized the sound quality and recording of each concert. At his passing in 2013, he left a unique legacy and an inimitable spirit, as well as a story that continues to be written each year.