There is quite a long tradition of Americans singing in French, which includes the likes of Eartha Kitt (posing here), Nat King Cole and Blossom Dearie. Then there’s also more recent numbers by April March, Nanette Workman and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Some of then sang phonetically, some of them fumbled along in French and others actually took lessons.

You guess it – all these artists can be heard on Radio Oh la la. I’m always looking for more, especially from the 50s and 60s, so if you have any tips, let me know.

On 23 September, Amsterdam’s world famous venue Paradiso will hold a tribute to Serge Gainsbourg. So far guests include writer Sylvie Simmons, composer Jean-Claude Vannier, DJ Guuzbourg of Filles Sourires and the Amsterdam Beat Club, including myself.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that and there you have Podcast No. 8! First, we start off with some Brazilian by Robert Demontigny and then get into some familiar territory with Les Chats Sauvages. Next, a couple of yéyé chicks, Cléo and Elsa, and then some Jack Ary and Isabelle Aubret.

Playlist
Robert Demontigny – Eso Beso
Les Chats Sauvages – Est-ce que tu le sais ?
Cléo – Parti pris
Elsa – C’est sérieux
Jack Ary – Les tomates
Isabelle Aubret – Un premier amour

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