The Manhattan Transfer – Chanson D’Amour

“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
Label Atlantic
Songwriter Wayne Shanklin
Producer Richard Perry
Charted No.1 in UK, No.1 in Norway, No.1 in Ireland, No.20 in Germany, No.5 in Spain, No.14 in Canada

“Chanson D’Amour” is a popular song written by Wayne Shanklin.

The Manhattan Transfer recorded “Chanson D’Amour” for their 1976 Richard Perry-produced album Coming Out. The song came to the group’s producer, Richard Perry’s, attention as a demo on cassette. The group and Richard listened, and immediately decided to record the song. Janis Siegel sang the lead in an Edith Piaf style, and it was recorded in one take.

“Chanson D’Amour” proved to be the Manhattan Transfer’s most widespread international success, despite being only moderately successful in the group’s native United States, where the track registered on Easy Listening chart in Billboard at #16.

Manhattan Transfer
Tim Hauser, Janis Siegel – vocals, arranger
Laurel Massé, Alan Paul – vocals

Musicians
John Barnes – piano
Steve Paietta – accordion
Ira Newborn, Ben Benay – guitar
Andy Muson – bass
Jim Gordon – drums