French singer-songwriter Charles Aznavour has died in his sleep from a cardiac arrest at age 94.

The legendary star, who recently returned from tour in Japan, died at his home in the French Alps, south east of France, his agent confirmed.

Aznavour, labelled CNN’s entertainer of the century in 1998, had tours lined up for France and Switzerland in November.

I grew up with this man's music in the house… Charles Aznavour RIP https://t.co/TtXqRBrjwc

— Gilles Peterson (@gillespeterson) October 1, 2018

French President Emmanuel Macron, who according to classmates sang karaoke to many of Aznavour’s hits while a student, remembered Aznavour as “profoundly French, deeply attached to his Armenian roots and known throughout the world”.

“He has accompanied the joys and pain of three generations. His masterpieces, the tone of his voice, his unique radiance will long survive him,” Mr Macron tweeted following the announcement of his death.

Aznavour’s songs which tackled taboo subjects about marriage, homosexuality and men sharing their emotions, landed him an unforgettable hit in 1973 called ‘What Makes a Man’, which spoke of a gay transvestite.

Aznavour collaborated with many other legendary singers including Frank Sinatra, Elton John and Liza Minelli.

Charles Aznavour has died – RIP – the French Sinatra, it is said, but I think he was a better singer than Sinatra #controversy

— Richard Coles (@RevRichardColes) October 1, 2018

“It’s a kind of sickness I have, talking about things you’re not supposed to talk about,” Aznavour, who recorded more than 1200 songs, was previously reporting saying.

“I started with homosexuality and I wanted to break every taboo.

“I felt strongly and I had to take a stand,” he added.

RIP Charles Aznavour, 94.
One of the greatest singers the world has seen & such an intelligent, eloquent, graceful & charming man.
Meeting & interviewing him a few months ago was a wonderful experience.
He was everything I hoped he would be.
What a life.
Merci, Maestro. pic.twitter.com/FENKZzenPj

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 1, 2018

Aznavour, who performed in 94 countries and in front of presidents, popes and members of the royal family, tended to draw deep, powerful connections with his audience.

“For nearly two hours, I’ll take them on a journey. I tell them different stories in songs,” he told Variety in 2017.

“Sometimes new songs, with difficult or unexpected subjects, can surprise or even shock them, but that’s [part of] the rapport I have created with my public over the years.”

Aznavour also featured in more than 90 movies, including Oscar-winning 1979 film adaptation of Gunter Grass’s The Tin Drum where he played a Jewish toy seller.

After the 1988 Armenian earth quakes which killed more than 30,000 people and destroyed the homes of hundreds of thousands of civilians, Aznavour became involved in charitable causes.

In 2009, Aznavour became ambassador of Armenia to Switzerland and Armenia’s delegate to the United Nations in Geneva.