Charles Cros is the patron saint of Fabrezan, France due to his birth there during a storm. He was raised in nearby LaGrasse, a more prestigious village. Cros had misfortune of theoretically inventing the phonograph in France, even though Thomas Edison is credited worldwide. Cros received nothing for his innovation except continued humiliation and poverty in Paris. He socialized with a bohemian set including poet Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud and painter Edouard Manet. Manet even painted his wife on one of his compositions. Cros died of tuberculosis at 46.
Global success and acclaim eluded Charles Cros although he does have a postage stamp and music award named in his honor. His birthplace village honors him with an annual festival, multiple wine labels and a micro bust sculpture in the village square saluting his achievements. A museum is located above the Mayor’s office. It is positioned across the street from a house I once owned and resided in. No one ever visits.