Effective period / Period of releases: 1963 - 1987

Members: Nicole Darde, Christiane Legrand, Anne Germain, Alice Herald, Ward Swingle, Claude Germain, José Germain, Jeanette Baucomont, Jean Cussac, Claudine Meunier, Jean-Claude Briodin, Claude Chauvet, Hélène Devos, Joseph Noves

This is the original French group. For the British group after 1973, see Swingle II and its aliases.
Originally a French vocal group, founded in 1962 by Ward Swingle, specialized in singing classical songs with a capella/jazz arrangement. They were very popular in the USA, and won 3 Grammy Awards in 1964 and 1965. The group disbanded in 1973. Ward moved to England where he formed Swingle II with an expanded repertoire.
The original double-quartet:
Alto: Alice Herald, Anne Germain; Soprano: Christiane Legrand, Jeanette Baucomont; Tenor: Claude Germain, Ward Swingle (Arranger); Bass: Jean Cussac, José Germain