Les Double Six
| Company type | Vocal jazz ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Founder | Mimi Perrin |
| Defunct | 1966 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Jazz vocal performances, albums |
Les Double Six, also referred to as the Double Six of Paris, was a French vocal jazz ensemble established in 1959 by Mimi Perrin. Achieving global acclaim during the early 1960s, their name derived from the distinctive double-tracking recording technique they employed, whereby each of the six vocalists recorded their parts twice to create a fuller sound—an approach reminiscent of that used by Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. The lineup changed depending on the session.
Their repertoire, primarily performed in French, focused on jazz standards, notably works by Quincy Jones and Dizzy Gillespie, with Perrin contributing lyrics that ranged from poetic to witty. Drawing inspiration from American vocal groups, they imitated instrumental solos such as saxophone, trumpet, and trombone improvisations through their voices.
The group ceased activity in 1966 because of Perrin’s battle with tuberculosis. Over their career, they released four albums between 1959 and 1964. Several members later became part of the Swingle Singers, who gained recognition for their jazz interpretations of Bach’s compositions.
In 1965, Les Double Six earned a Grammy Awards nomination for Best Vocal Group Performance for The Double Six of Paris Sing Ray Charles, ultimately losing to The Beatles’ "A Hard Day's Night".
Members
(lineups varied; typically six singers)
- Mimi Perrin (founder)
- Monique Guérin
- Louis Aldebert
- Ward Swingle (later arranger for Swingle Singers)
- Jean-Louis Conrozier
- Roger Guérin
- Christiane Legrand
- Claude Germain
- Jacques Denjean
- Jean-Claude Briodin
- Eddy Louiss
- Claudine Barge
- Robert Smart
- Bernard Lubat
- Jef Gilson (arranger)
Discography
- The Double Six Meet Quincy Jones, released by Columbia Records in 1960
All compositions by Quincy Jones except "Doodlin'" composed by Horace Silver. The album was issued in the US as The Double Six of Paris on Capitol Records in 1961.
- The Double Six of Paris: Swingin' Singin', issued by Philips Records in 1962 (recorded between 1960 and 1961)
This album was re-released along with their debut in 1999 on RCA Victor International under the title Les Double Six, featuring an additional track.
- Dizzy Gillespie and the Double Six of Paris, Philips, 1963
- The Double Six of Paris Sing Ray Charles, Philips, 1964
- Collaboration with Cal Tjader
- Warm Wave (Verve, 1964)