Nanette Workman: The Bilingual Rock and Pop Powerhouse
Nanette Workman is a versatile singer and performer whose career spans rock, pop, and country music across two languages. Born in New York but raised in Montreal, she became a major star in Quebec and France, notably for her powerful live performances and successful 1979 album Nanette Workman.
Early career
Born in 1945, Nanette Workman moved to Montreal as a child and began her professional journey in the 1960s. Her early work included singing commercial jingles and performing as a backup vocalist, which led to her first record deal and the release of early singles that blended pop and soul influences.
Breakthrough
Workman's true breakthrough came in the late 1970s with her self-titled album on the Kébec-Disc label. The 1979 record, produced by Michel Berger, went platinum in France and spawned several hit singles, cementing her status as a top-tier rock and pop artist in the Francophone world.
Key tracks
Lady Marmalade — Her 1975 French version of the Labelle hit became a signature song and a dance floor staple across Europe.
Faut que j’me pousse — This energetic rock track from her 1979 platinum album became an anthem and a concert highlight.
Just to Be Your Baby — This earlier English-language single showcased her soulful roots and helped build her initial audience.
L’Amour est un oiseau rebelle — Her powerful rock adaptation of the "Habanera" from Carmen demonstrated her vocal prowess and dramatic flair.
Heart of Stone — A later country-rock influenced track that highlighted her adaptability across genres.
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Nanette Workman maintained a prolific output, releasing albums like Rock n’ Rose and collaborating with major figures such as Serge Gainsbourg and Julien Clerc. She also expanded into television hosting and acting, becoming a familiar entertainment figure in Canada.
Her legacy in rock and pop is marked by her dynamic stage presence and bilingual catalog. For fans of her style, similar artists include Ginette Reno, another powerhouse vocalist who commanded the Quebec stage. Robert Charlebois shares her innovative spirit in blending rock with Quebecois musical identity. The theatrical rock energy of Plume Latraverse also finds a cousin in Workman's performances. Furthermore, the cross-genre success of Diane Dufresne parallels Workman's own journey in Francophone music.
Nanette Workman's music remains in rotation on classic rock FM stations and popular music channels that feature Quebecois artists. Her hits are regularly featured on online radio streams dedicated to 70s and 80s rock, ensuring her sound reaches new generations of listeners.
You can hear the music of Nanette Workman on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover her rock and pop classics through a variety of independent music radio stations available on onairium.com.
