Gérard Manset is a French singer-songwriter, painter, photographer and writer. He is best known for his musical work. Since 1972, the covers of his albums state his name as simply "Manset".
Manset spent his childhood in the suburbs of Paris and then in the sixteenth arrondissement of Paris. He failed his baccalauréat due to a failing grade in French.
In 1964, Manset was the recipient of the Concours général, and enrolled in the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs. The Salon d'Automne welcomed Manset in its engraving section in 1966. Manset's work was also shown at the Paris Salon. At the same time, Manset approached various French advertising agencies with his drawings, without success.
Manset began to play guitar, but was also interested in the drums. He borrowed his sister's piano book, and began learning to play the piano as well.
The mystery that was created around Manset was born from the rarity of his media appearances, his refusal to give concerts, and, above all, the uncompromising character of his work.