France Joli may not be a household name for everyone, but if you’ve ever danced to the irresistible groove of her 1979 anthem “Come to Me,” you know exactly who she is. The song—a hallmark of the disco era—continues to light up dance floors and radio playlists across North America.
Born in Montreal in 1963, France Joli rose to fame in the early 1980s as one of Canada’s premier dance-pop artists. With six studio albums and a slew of chart-topping singles to her name, she became renowned not only for her infectious melodies but also for her bold, flirtatious stage presence.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | France Joly (stage name France Joli) |
| Born | January 26, 1963 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Genres | Disco, Dance-Pop, Pop |
| Years Active | 1979–present |
| Record Labels | Prelude Records (1979–1982) Epic Records (1983–1985) Popular Records (1996) |
| Debut Album | France Joli (1979) |
| Breakthrough Single | “Come to Me” (1979) #1 Billboard Dance Club #15 Billboard Hot 100 #36 R&B #47 Adult Contemporary |
| Other Notable Hits | “Feel Like Dancing”/“The Heart to Break the Heart” (#3 Dance) “Gonna Get Over You” (#2 Dance) |
| Key Albums |
|
| Early Life | Sang and performed since childhood; Appeared on TV and in commercials by age 6; Played piano, guitar, flute, violin in school ensembles. |
| Discovery | Spotted at age 15 by producer Tony Green; Signed to Prelude Records; recorded debut album in 1979. |
| Post-Disco Career | Released single “Touch” (1996) – #24 Billboard Dance; Continues to perform live in clubs and nostalgia festivals; “Come to Me” featured in films 54 (1998) and When Ocean Meets Sky (2003). |
| Current Status | Resides in Canada; active in live performances and disco revival events. |
Short Career Summary
Montreal, Quebec native France Joli is a singer best remembered for the disco favorite “Come to Me.” Exposed to music when she was a kid, and she eventually had her first hit (which is “Come to Me”) when she was only 15 years old.
She later would score other hits such as “Feel Like Dancing”/”The Heart to Break The Heart,” and “Gonna Get Over You.” She has released several albums, to name a few: “Tonight,” “Now!,” “If You Love Me” as well as her eponymous debut album.
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Early Life and Musical Start
France Joli was born France Joly on January 26, 1963, in Montreal, Quebec. Music ran deep in her veins. As a child, she loved to sing and often entertained family and friends. By the age of six, she had already made her first appearance on television. Throughout her childhood, she participated in talent shows and commercials, becoming a regular face on Canadian TV.
By the time she was eleven, Joli had logged more screen time than many adult performers. Her natural charisma and vocal ability set her apart early on.
A Chance Encounter and the Road to “Come to Me”
Producer Tony Green played a key role in Joli’s discovery. In one account, she approached him directly and asked him to help launch her music career. Another source suggests Green saw her singing at a school production. Either way, Joli impressed him enough to earn an invitation to his home studio.
Initially, Green declined her request to produce her music. But Joli persisted. Eventually, Green agreed, and they began working on her debut project. He wrote the song “Come to Me” and brought in The Sweethearts of Sigma Sound, legendary backing vocalists from Philadelphia, to contribute.
Joli recorded the track when she was just 15. In April 1979, her self-titled debut album was released through Prelude Records, a label known for its disco catalog.
Breakout Performance and Chart Success
“Come to Me” got a huge boost when Joli was called in as a last-minute replacement for Donna Summer at a Fire Island beach concert. Performing before thousands, she stunned the crowd with her vocal power and youthful energy. The performance made headlines and catapulted the single onto radio playlists across the U.S.
The song hit:
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#1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart (for 3 weeks)
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#15 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#47 on the Adult Contemporary chart
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#36 on the R&B Singles chart
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#26 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart
Though it didn’t break the Top 10 on the Hot 100, it sold over one million copies and was certified gold. For a new teen artist in a shifting music climate, this was a major achievement.
Television Appearances and Rising Fame
Following her success, Joli appeared on several U.S. television shows. Her American debut came on the NBC late-night music series The Midnight Special. She also appeared on The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show, Dinah!, and a Bob Hope special. Her poise, professionalism, and ability to command a stage helped her win over audiences beyond the dance scene.
The Challenge of a Changing Market
In 1980, she released her second album, Tonight. The lead single, “Feel Like Dancing” (paired with “The Heart to Break the Heart”), became a dancefloor favorite. It reached #3 on the Billboard Dance chart but failed to cross over to the pop or R&B charts. The album peaked at #175 on the Billboard 200.
By this time, disco’s popularity was rapidly declining in the mainstream. Radio stations were pulling disco from their playlists, and many artists found themselves struggling to adapt. Joli was one of them.
A Shift in Sound with Now
Joli’s third album, Now, came out in 1981 with new producers Ray Reid and William Anderson. While the production leaned toward post-disco and R&B styles, it couldn’t reverse her chart momentum.
The album failed to appear on major album charts. Still, the single “Gonna Get Over You” became a club hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Dance chart. Another single, “Your Good Lovin’”/“Can We Fall in Love Again,” peaked at #53 on the same chart.
Though disco was fading, Joli’s core fan base kept her dance tracks alive in clubs.
Moving to Epic Records and New Directions
Seeking to branch out from the disco label, Joli left Prelude and signed with Epic Records. She released two albums under the label:
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Attitude (1983)
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Witch of Love (1985)
Despite strong vocals and solid material, neither album gained commercial traction. Critics often praised her voice, but pop audiences had moved on. She was dropped from Epic shortly after.
Life After the Charts
Joli remained active in the music scene, especially in the club circuit. In the ’90s, she reunited with Tony Green and recorded “Touch,” released in 1996 on Popular Records. It reached #24 on the Billboard Dance chart in 1997—her last chart appearance to date.
She never fully left the stage, continuing to perform live in clubs, festivals, and pride events—especially in New York City and Montreal. Her fans remained loyal, especially those who remembered her golden moment during the peak of disco.
Legacy of “Come to Me” and Cultural Impact
France Joli’s signature hit “Come to Me” lives on. It’s featured in:
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The 1998 film 54, which centered on the famous New York nightclub Studio 54
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The 2003 documentary When Ocean Meets Sky
The song remains a staple in retro-themed parties and DJ sets. For many, it captures the energy, innocence, and glamour of late-1970s dance music.
Where Is She Now?
As of 2023, France Joli still lives in Canada and continues to perform regularly. She appears at special disco revival concerts, pride festivals, and dance events. Even after four decades, she brings her energy and voice to enthusiastic crowds who still adore the music she helped define.