 Vian was an important influence on the French jazz scene.He served as liaison for Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis in Paris, wrote for several French jazz-reviews ("Le Jazz Hot", "Paris Jazz") and published numerous articles dealing with jazz both in the United States and in France.His own music and songs enjoyed popularity during his lifetime, particularly the anti-war song "Le Déserteur" (The Deserter).