Le Loco-Motion / A La Vie A L'Amour

Released in 1962 on the Barclay label, this 45 RPM single represents a brief but intriguing departure for Harold Nicholas, one half of the legendary tap-dancing Nicholas Brothers. By the early 1960s, Harold was residing in France, where he pursued an independent career as a vocalist and entertainer. This recording captures the era's fascination with adapting American rhythm and blues hits for the French market, pairing the title track with a more traditional chanson-style B-side.

The record reflects the sophisticated, cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Parisian jazz and cabaret scene of the 1960s. While Harold Nicholas is best known for his acrobatic dance performances alongside his brother Fayard, this production showcases his transition into a solo recording artist. The arrangement leans into the upbeat, dance-oriented production common to Barclay's catalog during that period, serving as a functional piece of pop culture intended for the jukeboxes and dance halls of Europe.