Remembering Legendary Singer and Charming Diva, Nicole Croisille
Sad news: Nicole Croisille, renowned French singer, has departed this world. - Singer Nicole Croisille, famous for her hit "Chabadabada," has passed away.
Get ready to sob your heart out, folks! The inimitable Nicole Croisille, a veritable treasure of French music and cinema, has bid us adieu. Her unmistakable voice, which once captivated millions with hits like "Parlez-moi de lui" and "Téléphone-moi," has left an indelible mark on the French entertainment industry.
Legendary filmmaker Claude Lelouch, herself a baron of French cinema, expressed her deep sorrow over Nicole's passing via Instagram: "My heart is shattered. Nicole was the breath of my films, the music of my feelings... She was a muse, a friend, a comrade." High praise indeed from the creator of the iconic film "A Man and a Woman," which propelled Nicole to international fame.
Speaking of the film, the infamous refrain "Chabadabada" is borrowed from its title song. Although the actual lyrics are "daba daba da," due to the French tendency to blend words smoothly, "Chabadabada" stuck in the collective memory like glue. Mireille Mathieu later covered the tune, while in politics, the term is used to refer to a gender-balanced electoral list, paying homage to the beloved film.
A talented multihyphenate, Nicole began as a ballet dancer at the famed Comédie-Française at the tender age of 17, before dabbling in acting and mime under the tutelage of Marcel Marceau. With a passion for jazz music fueling her creativity, Nicole and Marceau embarked on an extensive tour across the United States. Later on, she even joined the ensemble of the incomparable Josephine Baker.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Nicole continued to take the stage well past retirement age. In 2019, for instance, she graced the Casino de Paris stage in a delightfully entertaining Sacha Guitry comedy, and when AFP caught up with her on the eve of her 83rd birthday, she confessed, "At my age, I love challenges!" A testament to her unbridled spirit and zest for life.
Originally born in Neuilly-sur-Seine on October 9, 1936, Nicole's father was a travel agency director, while her mother was a pianist. Nurturing her artistic talents from an early age, Croisille was admitted to the Paris Opera School at eight years old, later joining the operas corps de ballet.
Over the course of her prolific career, Nicole released around 20 albums, with her greatest successes in the 1970s. Apart from her music and stage performances, she was also a skilful dancer and actress, working with luminaries like Marcel Marceau and appearing in various theater and musical productions.
Rest in peace, dear Nicole Croisille. Your legacy remains forever etched in the hearts and minds of your fans, and your music will continue to inspire generations to come. Et voilà, folks! That's all for today. Tune in next time as we explore another fascinating tale from the annals of history.
Nicole Croisille* French singer, actress, and dancer* Born: October 9, 1936* Died: June 4, 2025* Career highlights: "A Man and a Woman," "Parlez-moi de lui," "Téléphone-moi," theater, dance* Encountered notable figures: Marcel Marceau, Josephine Baker* Performed in the United States* Continued to perform past retirement age
- The French entertainment industry mourns the loss of Nicole Croisille, a beloved singer, actress, and dancer, who was famously known for her work in films such as "A Man and a Woman" and songs like "Parlez-moi de lui" and "Téléphone-moi."
- Fans and celebrities alike commemorate Nicole Croisille, a trailblazing artist whose impact extended beyond her native France, reaching as far as Hollywood and political arenas, where her name is often synonymous with gender-balanced electoral lists.
