Ottawan


Ottawan was a French pop music duo, who had the hit singles "D.I.S.C.O." and "Hands Up " in the early 1980s. Fronted by Caribbean-born Patrick Jean-Baptiste and Annette Eltice, they were masterminded through a cooperation between French producer Daniel Vangarde and Belgian producer Jean Kluger.

Career

In 1979, Ottawan was founded by record producers Daniel Vangarde and Jean Kluger and fronted by male singer Patrick Jean-Baptiste and female singer Annette Eltice. Kluger and Vangarde had also scored hits with The Gibson Brothers and Sheila B. Devotion.
In the United Kingdom, they had two Top 10 hits. "D.I.S.C.O." reached number 2 in September 1980, while "Hands Up " peaked at number 3 a year later. "Hands Up " reached number 1 in New Zealand during 1982, staying there for eight weeks. In France, their single "You're OK" is one of the Top 50 best-selling singles of all time. The duo recorded in French as well as English.
Patrick Jean-Baptiste left the group soon afterwards and attempted a comeback under the new name Pam 'n Pat, to little success. Esther de Bijl formed a new Ottawan line up together, with the New York-based C. Robert Walker.

Cover versions

The duo’s hits have been covered a number of times.
Canadian band Sway had a #7 hit in Canada in 1988 with their cover of "Hands Up ".
Norwegian band had a #10 hit in Norway and #7 hit in Finland in 1995 with their cover of "Hands Up".
Swedish band Army of Lovers had a #44 hit in Sweden in 2001 with their cover of "Hands Up".
Israeli band The Young Professionals had a #53 hit in France in 2012 with their version of "D.I.S.C.O.".

Discography

Albums

Singles