The Cosmopolitans
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Jamie K. Sims, Nel Moore |
| Defunct | 1982 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
The Cosmopolitans were a new wave ensemble from New York City active between 1979 and 1982, recognized for tracks such as "(How to Keep Your) Husband Happy" and "Wild Moose Party." These songs were issued through Alan Betrock's Shake Records in the United States (1980) and Albion Records in the United Kingdom (1981). The band gained attention for their eccentric dance routines and lyrics often drawn from tabloid headlines, with live shows featuring 1960s-style go-go dance tutorials, Wild Moose-call competitions, baton twirling, and signature outfits combining chartreuse fur coats with blue mini-skirts.
History
Originating at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill under the name "the North Carolina Progressive Dance Troop," The Cosmopolitans were founded by Jamie K. Sims and Nel Moore. In 1977, the duo moved to New York City, where they performed go-go dance numbers alongside groups like the dB's and the Fleshtones, while also offering retro dance classes at Club 57.
Their satirical pop music and choreographed performances debuted to an enthusiastic new wave crowd during a benefit show at CBGB on May 6, 1979. Sims shortened their name to The Cosmopolitans and shifted their focus from theatrical venues to rock clubs.
By 1980, the group featured an all-female lineup comprising Sims, Moore, and Leslie Levinson. Their sets included Sims’s original songs as well as cover tunes supported by prerecorded backing tracks crafted with North Carolina musicians Mitch Easter and Chris Stamey. Drummer Will Rigby frequently enhanced their live sound until Levinson left later that year.
During the summer of 1980, Sims and Moore recorded a demo at Easter’s Drive-In Studio. Produced by Easter alongside Sims, the sessions highlighted Sims on keyboards and lead vocals with Moore contributing harmonica and vocals. Released in October 1980 by Alan Betrock’s Shake Records, “(How to Keep Your) Husband Happy” and “Wild Moose Party” became popular in New York dance clubs and received airplay on WNEW-FM. In 1981, Albion Records released “Husband Happy” in the UK featuring a new B-side titled “Chevy Baby.”
After this release, The Cosmopolitans transitioned into a fully live band performing without prerecorded tapes. Sims and Moore fronted the group with vocals, percussion, and choreography; Sims frequently showcased Ace Tone organ solos. The most stable lineup included drummer Evan "Funk" Davies, guitarist David "Itch" Britsch, and keyboardist Jeff Dedrick; Davies was replaced by Robert Crenshaw toward the end of 1981. Following Moore’s departure in 1982, the final touring ensemble consisted of Sims, Britsch, Neil Winograd on drums, and Judy Monteleone on guitar. The band appeared at leading New York venues such as Hurrah, Max's Kansas City, Mudd Club, CBGB, Ritz, Peppermint Lounge, and Irving Plaza while extensively touring the East Coast.
Due to illness caused by Epstein–Barr virus, Sims disbanded The Cosmopolitans in November 1982.
In 2003, Lee Joseph of Dionysus Records contacted Sims about issuing a retrospective CD compiling previously unreleased studio sessions and live recordings alongside original Shake tracks. A pre-MTV video for “Husband Happy,” directed by Michael Dugan and containing footage from the Uncle Floyd Show plus instructional clips featuring band members and collaborators Mitch Easter and Faye Hunter, was also unearthed. This enhanced CD titled Wild Moose Party – New Wave Pom Pom Girls Gone Go-Go, NYC 1980–1981 was released through Bacchus Archives in 2006.
The Cosmopolitans reunited on August 2, 2009, for a concert at Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, North Carolina—their first performance together in 27 years. Don Dixon and Mitch Easter joined them on stage; Davies returned on drums; Nel Moore Nichols contributed harmonica and vocals; Sims led with vocals and percussion; Corey Sims filled in for guitarist David Britsch.
Guitarist David "Itch" Britsch passed away in March 2017; Judy Monteleone died in May 2017.