Chanson d’Amour

Chanson d’Amour (sometimes referred to as The Ra-Da-Da-Da-Da Song) is a popular piece written by the American singer, songwriter and producer, Wayne Shanklin. In 1958 Shanklin had suggested the song to a California lounge circuit duo Art and Dotty Todd. They liked the song and produced a demo recording, which was later released as a single by Era Records. According to Art Todd “The airplay was just sensational. This was just at the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll and the old-time DJs hated rock ‘n’ roll so they jumped on our song.” It became a Top Ten hit, reaching No. 6 in April 1958 and was later covered by The Lettermen in 1960.

Then, almost 20 years later, in 1976, the vocal jazz quartet The Manhattan Transfer came across a demo on cassette and decided to record a remake of Chanson d’Amour for their Coming Out album. The track featured Janis Siegel singing lead with an Edith Piaf sound.

Whilst overlooked in the United States in its single release, Manhattan Transfer’s version became a hit across Europe in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Norway and Switzerland. In the English-speaking world it was a chart topper in the UK and Ireland as well as in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The song had become Manhattan Transfer’s most widespread international success.

This arrangement is available in four choral versions – SA, SSA, SSAA with piano and SSAA a cappella – and three instrumental versions for flute choir, saxophone quintet and string ensemble. All are available for immediate download from Sheetmusic Press – simply click on your selection in the right-hand sidebar.