French singer Charles Aznavour sold more than 100 million records worldwide. He's recorded more than 700 songs and sings in six languages. Tonight, Aznavour begins a farewell tour of North America. Anchor Lisa Mullins caught up with him in Montreal.

French singer Charles Aznavour used to worry about his prospects for a career in show business. He was the son of poor Armenian immigrants He was not especially striking looking. And he was short...he's only five-three. But he's done pretty well for himself.

Here's Charles Aznavour by the numbers.

He's sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
He's recorded more than 700 songs.
And he sings in six languages.

He's been brushing up on his English lately. That's because Charles Aznavour is beginning a farewell tour of North America..tonight. And why not?

Charles Aznavour says at 82 he is still fit, but he wants to quit while he's ahead. So this is his last tour in North America.

He says singer Liza Minnelli is a great interpreter of his songs because she knows how to surprise her audience.

Aznavour himself says he shocked his audience too in 1973 with the song "What makes a man" ("Comme ils disent") about homosexuality. He says the song says one shouldn't judge others.

He met French singer Edit Piaf while he was performing for a live radio music show in Paris. They became friends and Piaf encouraged him to sing.

Aznavour says he doesn't prepare for his American concerts other than practicing the English versions of his songs.

Aznavour sings in several languages and insists on having his songs translated literally. "You've got to learn" is one of them.

After the earthquake that hit Armenia in 1988, Aznavour founded the movement "Aznavour for Armenia" to help rebuild the country. Aznavour says he is loved in Armenia where a museum dedicated to him will open.

Aznavour says he is primarily a lyricist, who is not afraid of words. In his next album, he plans to write songs about environmental issues and about the difficulties of suburban youth. He says songs are important because "they go through walls, into the mind, and they stay there."

The song "It will be my day" (Je m' voyais deja) is about a young man full of optimism about his career as a singer.

Tour information:

8.09.2006 Place des Arts, Montréal
9.09.2006 Place des Arts, Montréal
10.09.2006 CNA, Ottawa
12.09.2006 Marion Olivier Mc Caw Hall, Seattle
13.09.2006 Nob Hill Masonic Center, San Francisco
15.09.2006 Hummingbirdcentre, Toronto
16.09.2006 The Warner Theatre, Washington
18.09.2006 Radio City Music Hall, NY
19.09.2006 Radio City Music Hall, NY
20.09.2006 Radio City Music Hall, NY
21.09.2006 Opera House, Boston
23.09.2006 Gibson Amphitheatre, LA
24.09.2006 Gibson Amphitheatre, LA
25.09.2006 The Mountain Winery, Saratoga