Claude François, French singer of Egyptian origin, sung great numbers like the disco hit ‘Alexandrie, Alexandra’, covers such as ‘Dis lui’ (Tell him) and is revered for his ballad ‘Comme d’habitude’, which was turned into ‘My Way’ by Paul Anka for Frank Sinatra et al. The latter is featured in the French film Podium, starring Belgian actor Benoît Poelvoorde, who plays a Claude François imitator. The really cool thing about ‘Comme d’habitude’ is that it was once performed as a duet with Petula Clark on television, but in the film, they remove Petula, add the imitator and mix the song so that both Claudes are singing the duet.

Yes, Claude François is kitschy and deceased, but still has a major following. In the film, the actors join in an actual procession to commemorate his death.

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.