Chanson D'Amour facts for kids
"Chanson D'Amour" (which means "Love Song" in French) is a very popular song written by Wayne Shanklin. A version recorded in 1977 by The Manhattan Transfer became a huge hit around the world, reaching number one in the UK Singles Chart and Australia.
Quick facts for kids "Chanson D'Amour" |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by The Lettermen | ||||
| from the album Warm | ||||
| B-side | "She Don't Want Me Now" | |||
| Released | 1966 | |||
| Label | Capitol | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Wayne Shanklin | |||
| The Lettermen singles chronology | ||||
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| "Chanson D'Amour" | |
|---|---|
| Single by The Manhattan Transfer | |
| from the album Coming Out | |
| B-side | "Helpless" (mainland Europe) "The Thought of Loving You" (Australia) "Popsicle Toes" (other countries) |
| Released | 1977 |
| Genre | Jazz |
| Length | 2:55 |
| Label | Atlantic |
| Songwriter(s) | Wayne Shanklin |
| Producer(s) | Richard Perry |
Contents
The First Version of the Song
In 1958, a husband and wife singing team named Art and Dotty Todd were performing at a hotel in Los Angeles. They had already had a hit song in the UK. Art Todd shared how the songwriter, Wayne Shanklin, gave them "Chanson D'Amour." Shanklin told them, "I've got a great song for you."
Shanklin made a special recording called a demo of Art and Dotty Todd singing the song. This demo was then released as a single. Art Todd said that the song was played everywhere on the radio. At that time, rock 'n' roll music was just starting. Many older DJs (radio hosts) didn't like rock 'n' roll. So, they really liked and played "Chanson D'Amour."
Art and Dotty Todd's "Chanson D'Amour" became a Top Ten hit. It reached number 6 on the main music chart in April 1958. It also became popular on the R&B (Rhythm and Blues) chart, reaching number 9.
The Manhattan Transfer's Hit Version
The Manhattan Transfer is a famous vocal group. They recorded their own version of "Chanson D'Amour" for their 1976 album, Coming Out. Their producer, Richard Perry, heard the song on a cassette tape. The group and Richard loved it right away and decided to record it.
One of the group members, Janis Siegel, sang the main part. She sang it with a style similar to the famous French singer Édith Piaf. They recorded her part in just one try!
Even though it wasn't a huge hit in the United States when it was first released, The Manhattan Transfer's "Chanson D'Amour" became very popular in Europe. It started to climb the charts in France in early 1977, reaching number 8. It also became a hit in Germany (number 20), the Netherlands (number 6), Norway (number 1 for two weeks), and Switzerland (number 6).
In English-speaking countries, "Chanson D'Amour" was a massive success for The Manhattan Transfer. It hit number 1 in March 1977 in both the UK (staying there for three weeks) and Ireland. It was also a hit in Australia (number 9), New Zealand (number 14), and South Africa (number 14). This song became The Manhattan Transfer's biggest international success. In their home country, the United States, it reached number 16 on the Easy Listening chart in Billboard magazine.
Who Played on the Song?
This section lists the people who performed on The Manhattan Transfer's recording of "Chanson D'Amour."
Manhattan Transfer
- Tim Hauser, Janis Siegel – singers, also helped arrange the music
- Laurel Massé, Alan Paul – singers
Musicians
- John Barnes – played the piano
- Steve Paietta – played the accordion
- Ira Newborn, Ben Benay – played the guitar
- Andy Muson – played the bass guitar
- Jim Gordon – played the drums
Where Did It Chart?
This table shows how well "Chanson D'Amour" did on different music charts around the world from 1976 to 1977.
| Chart (1976-1977) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 9 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) | 3 |
| France (IFOP) | 8 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 1 |
| Italy (FIMI) | 11 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100) | 6 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 14 |
| Norway (VG-lista) | 1 |
| Spain (AFYVE) | 5 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) | 6 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 1 |
| West Germany (Official German Charts) | 20 |
Other Famous Versions
Many other artists have recorded "Chanson D'Amour" over the years.
- In 1958, The Fontane Sisters also recorded a version. It became a hit at the same time as Art and Dotty Todd's version, reaching number 12.
- Also in 1958, a Belgian singer named Angèle Durand recorded a German version. This became her most famous song. Wendy Van Wanten remade this German version in 1998.
- In 1959, a Finnish group called Jokerit recorded a version. This version was remade in 1977 by Ami Aspelund, Lea Laven, and Silhuetit.
- In 1966, the group The Lettermen recorded their own version. It reached number 8 on the Easy Listening chart.
- Sandler and Young included "Chanson D'Amour" on their 1967 album, On the Move.
- The song was even sung by The Muppets! In episode 28 of "The Muppet Show", Crazy Harry sang a line. Then, he blew up the entire set as part of the act!
- In 1978, The Nolans recorded it for their album 20 Giant Hits. Liz Damon's Orient Express also recorded it for their album Heaven in My Heart.
- The disco group La Mama released a remake of "Chanson D'Amour" as a single in 1981.
- In 1993, The King's Singers recorded their own special arrangement of the song. They even named their album Chanson D'Amour.
- Finally, In-Grid included the song on her 2004 album, La Vie en Rose.
