A La Carte (group)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Tony Hendrik, Karin Hartmann |
| Defunct | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Germany |
| Products | Pop-disco music |
A La Carte was a pop-disco ensemble originating from Germany, established in 1978 by producers Tony Hendrik and Karin Hartmann. The initial lineup consisted of three British vocalists: Patsy Fuller, Julia, and Elaine. Their first single, When the Boys Come Home (1979), achieved notable success in Germany after being showcased on the Musikladen television program. The group experienced several early member changes, with Jenny Renshaw becoming the only enduring participant starting in October 1979. By 1981, the trio included Jenny Renshaw, Linda Daniels, and Joy Martin, who together released the album Viva. Additional shifts in membership occurred over the following years; in 1982, they issued Rockin' Oldies, an album featuring covers of hits from the 1960s. The group ultimately disbanded in 1984, with the final formation comprising Renshaw, Martin, and Katie Humble.
Throughout their career, A La Carte competed within a vibrant European landscape of female disco groups, alongside peers such as Germany’s Arabesque, Dutch groups Luv’ and Maywood, and Spain’s Baccara. The waning popularity of disco amid changing musical preferences played a significant role in their eventual breakup.
Discography
Studio albums:
- 1980: Do Wah Diddy Diddy Round
- 1981: Viva
- 1983: Rockin' Oldies
Singles
- 1979: "When The Boys Come Home" / "Price Of Love"
- 1979: "Doctor Doctor (Help Me Please)" / "It Was A Night Of Wonder"
- 1980: "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" / "Farewell, Farewell To Carlingford"
- 1980: "Ring Me, Honey" / "Jimmy Gimme Reggae"
- 1981: "You Get Me On The Run" / "Red Indian Drums"
- 1981: "River Blue" / "Morning Songbird"
- 1981: "Have You Forgotten (Wolga Song)" / "Bananas"
- 1982: "Viva Torero" / "Try A Little Tenderness"
- 1982: "In The Summer Sun Of Greece" / "Cubatao"
- 1982: "Ahe Tamouré" / "Wanted (Jean Le Voleur)"
- 1983: "Radio" / "You're Still My Fantasy"
- 1983: "On Top Of Old Smokie" / "Cotton Fields"
- 1984: "Jimmy Gimme Reggae" / "Lightyears Away From Home"