Paul Mauriat was a renowned French orchestra leader, conductor, and composer, best known for his instrumental arrangement of "Love is Blue," which topped the US Billboard charts in 1968. His distinctive musical style fused classical, jazz, and popular music elements, often featuring lush string arrangements and memorable melodies. Mauriat's orchestral pop sound was influential in the easy listening genre, and his orchestra released over 50 albums during his career. Despite his passing in 2006, Mauriat's music continues to have a significant impact on the world of instrumental pop music.