Famed vocalist Nicole Croisille, known for her hit "Da ba da ba da" from the movie "A Man and a Woman", has sadly passed away.
Born on October 9, 1936, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Nicole Croisille—daughter of Jean Croisille, a travel accompanist, and Germaine Decorde—embarked on an extraordinary artistic odyssey that spanned six decades. Growing up with the melodies of Chopin and Liszt, played by her pianist mother, Nicole knew her heart belonged to the stage. Despite her father's disapproval, she nurtured her aspirations, eventually gracing the stage with her talent and unparalleled charm.
Discovering the allure of Sidney Bechet and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés caves, Nicole felt a connective pulsation that she couldn't quite explain. Mastering the art of mime under Marcel Marceau and touring South America and the United States with his troupe, she honed her skills—ready to make her mark on the world.
Known as "Soul Sister," Nicole Croisille seized opportunities in the dynamic world of musical comedies. From starring in Reno, Nevada, to touring with the Folies-Bergère in New York, Nicole's voice and sway captivated audiences everywhere. In Chicago, she sang at the Playboy Club, carving out her niche as a ravishing performer.
In 1966, Nicole met Claude Lelouch and Francis Lai, who invited her to collaborate on the soundtrack of their film, "Un homme et une femme." The iconic "Da ba da ba da" entwined with Pierre Barouh became an anthem for generations, embodying the earnest longing that resonated within the French public and beyond.
Claude Lelouch, a faithful comrade, entrusted Nicole with the songs of several of his films, bolstering her fame through classics like "Vivre pour vivre," "Les Uns et les Autres," and "Itinéraire d'un enfant gâté." In the 1970s, she reaped the rewards of her dedication, captivating audiences with popular tunes like "Parlez-moi de lui," "Téléphone-moi," "Une femme avec toi," and "La Garonne."
Nicole's triumphs continued at the esteemed Olympia in 1976 and 1978, where her storied voice and energy dominated the stage. Versatile in her approach, Nicole steered clear of confinement, weaving between variety, jazz, and musical comedy throughout the years. Her album "Jazzille" in 1987 showcased her devotion to jazz, bringing her love for the genre to the forefront.
In 1992, Nicole embodied the title role of the musical comedy "Hello, Dolly!" at the Théâtre du Châtelet, fulfilling a childhood dream she had harbored since she was ten. She also captivated audiences in other productions like "Follies," "Cabaret," and "Irma la Douce."
Nicole Croisille, a guardian of her private life, opened up in 2006 with the publication of her autobiography, "Je n'ai pas vu passer le temps," chronicling her life and six-decade career. With over 169,000 monthly plays on Spotify, Nicole's timeless tunes remain cherished by fans worldwide.
Selected Milestones:
- October 9, 1936: Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine
- 1966: "Un homme et une femme," in duet with Pierre Barouh
- 1974: "Parlez-moi de lui"
- 1975: "Une femme avec toi"
- 1992: "Hello Dolly" at Théâtre du Châtelet
- 2025: Died at 88 years old
Source: Wikipedia
Nicole's collaboration with Claude Lelouch and Francis Lai on the soundtrack of the film, "Un homme et une femme," led to the creation of the iconic "Da ba da ba da," a melody that became an the anthem for many and embodied the longing of the French public. Amidst her success in musical comedies, Nicole captivated audiences with her performances of popular tunes, infusing them with her unique charm and soulful voice, a combination that reflected her love for entertainment and appreciation of celebrities in the music industry.
