Cherchez La Femme
"Cherchez La Femme" is a song that was written and performed by Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band with lead vocals by Cory Daye in 1976. The music was written by band-leader and pianist Stony Browder Jr. and John Schonberger, Richard Coburn, and Vincent Rose; with lyrics by Browder Jr.'s brother and bassist August Darnell. The song's full title is "Whispering"/"Cherchez La Femme"/"Se Si Bon" . "Cherchez La Femme" became the group's biggest hit.
The song's opening lyric refers to record executive Tommy Mottola, who was instrumental in giving the act their major label deal. Along with the tracks "Sour and Sweet" and "I'll Play the Fool", "Cherchez La Femme" went to #1 on the disco chart. "Cherchez La Femme" also charted on the pop, R&B, and Adult Contemporary charts.
Track listing
; 7" Single- "Whispering" / "Cherchez La Femme" / "Se Si Bon" - 3:33
- "Sunshower" - 4:02
Gloria Estefan version
"Cherchez La Femme" was covered by Cuban American singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan on her fourth studio album, Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me. It was released as the fifth single from the album in the US, Australia and Benelux.Critical reception
Pan-European magazine Music & Media commented, "In 1977, romantic couples took the floor every time Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band was played. Now another "femme" is singing the nostalgic swing band song with equal joy." Phil Shanklin of ReviewsRevues wrote in his review of the Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me album, that it is "a brave move" to cover the song. He added, "Gloria’ s vocal lacks the playful coquettishness of Cory Daye’s but it is great to hear it again amongst her selections of songs."Official versions
Original Versions- Album Version —
- Radio Club Mix —
- Alternative Radio Club Mix —
- "Femme Fatale" Club Mix —
- Piano Mix —
- Doom Dub —
- Ballroom Vocal Mix —