Guy Latraverse, called the “father of Quebec show business” in the artistic community, died Saturday at the age of 84.

The Presse Canadienne confirmed the news with two independent sources.

Latraverse launched the careers of an entire generation of artists and singers who have become legends as well as renowned comedians. He established himself in the cultural sector when he was 23 years old by inventing a then non-existent profession — show producer.

He set up a network of venues for his artists’ tours, a route still used today. Among the artists he took under his wing, Claude Léveillée, Jean-Pierre Ferland, Robert Charlebois, Diane Dufresne, Louise Forestier and Yvon Deschamps, lists the National Order of Quebec in his biography.

In addition to his important contributions to the cultural industry in Quebec, Guy Latraverse was involved with the Revivre organization in order to demystify bipolar disorder, an illness from which he suffered. His mission was to encourage people with bipolar disorder to seek help.

Latraverse is survived by his partner, Monique, his sisters Louise and Michèle, and his children Zoé, Rose, Simon and Monica.