"Da Ba Da Ba Da" Star Nicole Croisille Passes Away
Chabadabada vocalist, Nicole Croisille, passes away. - Singer Nicole Croisille, famous for her hit "Chabadabada," passes away.
On a deeply somber note, we bid farewell to the legendary French artist, Nicole Croisille. Known for her striking voice and captivating performances, Nicole left an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment.
Claude Lelouch, the acclaimed filmmaker, took to Instagram to mourn the loss of his muse, friend, and collaborator. He stated, "Nicole was the breath of my films, the music of my feelings." He added, "She was not just a singer; she was a comrade."
While the famous line "Da ba da ba da" may trigger memories of the title song from Lelouch's "A Man and a Woman," it's essential to acknowledge that it was often misremembered as "Chabadabada" due to the French linguistic nuances. Nevertheless, Nicole's, distinctive voice etched this catchy phrase in the collective consciousness.
The song, embodying an irresistible earworm quality, later found another interpreter in Mireille Mathieu. Interestingly, in French politics, a parity-based electoral list came to be known as the "Chabadabada" list, owing to the film's title, "A Man, a Woman."
Throughout her prolific career, which spanned around 20 albums, Nicole's hits dominated the airwaves in the 70s, with "Parlez-moi de lui" and "Téléphone-moi" being among her most celebrated tracks.
Nicole's artistic journey began at the tender age of 17, working as a dancer at the renowned Ballet of the Comédie-Française. She went on to study under the esteemed pantomime artist Marcel Marceau, embarking on a tour of South America with his company. The U.S. beckoned next, where she discovered jazz music and flourished as a revue leader in Reno, Nevada, and a performer at the Playboy Club in Chicago.
In the 1960s, Nicole's life took an extraordinary turn, as she found herself contributing to the soundtrack of "A Man and a Woman," catapulting her into the international spotlight. Her later successes in the 70s cemented her status as a beloved figure in French entertainment, a status she maintained till her twilight years.
Even beyond retirement, Nicole continued to grace stages, showcasing her undying passion for performance. In 2019, she starred in a comedy by Sacha Guitry, expressing her enthusiasm for challenges at the ripe old age of 83, just before her birthday.
Nicole Croisille, born on October 9, 1936, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, leaves behind a rich legacy stretching across multiple artistic disciplines. She passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 88. Her unique voice, striking performances, and enduring spirit will always remain an indelible part of the French entertainment industry.
- Nicole Croisille
- Claude Lelouch
- Music
- "A Man and a Woman"
- Champion of artistry
- Perseverance
- Unforgettable talent
- Claude Lelouch, the acclaimed filmmaker and longtime friend of Nicole Croisille, mourned her passing, stating that she was "not just a singer; she was a comrade," and "the breath of my films, the music of my feelings."
- Despite her retirement, Nicole Croisille continued to exhibit her perseverance and passion for performance, demonstrating that she was indeed a champion of artistry with an unforgettable talent in the world of music, entertainment, and French culture.
