Trenet was called up at the start of WWII, & demobilized in 1940. The German officials "suggested" he perform for their soldiers & officers. Instead of compromising his career, he agreed. After the war, he was tried for collaboration, but he was so well-loved, he survived to create a long-lived career, singing until he died in 2001. He worked among many prominent artists, including Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Charlie Chaplan, Edith Piaf, & Maurice Chevalier. He owned 4-5 homes, & traveled extensively to them, as well to many countries to perform.