Les Baronets

René Angélil, Jean Beaulne and Pierre Labelle met during their studies. They discovered a common affinity for singing, and performed in multiple contests.^[1]

In 1961, Les Baronets had their debut in cabarets, singing comedic songs and doing impressions of popular singers.^[2]: 15 They were originally inspired by English-speaking bands such as the The Four Lads and The Four Aces.^[1] The song "Johanne" on their first 45-rpm (1962) was successful, but they became highly popular (to an "unprecedented level" for a Québec band) thanks to their cover of "Hold Me Tight" by The Beatles called "C'est fou, mais c'est tout".^[2]: 15 They were one of the first Québécois artist to cover the Beatles in French.^[1] By then, they were already managed by Ben Kaye.^[2]: 15

Les Baronets covered many songs of the Beatles.^[2]: 15 They became the most prolific cover artists for the Beatles in Quebec, except a few tribute bands. ^[1] They performed at cabarets, on television and at Montreal's great venues such as the Comédie-Canadienne and the Place des Arts.^[2]: 15Les Baronets signed a contract with Vee-Jay Records in 1965, recorded songs and were about to enter the American market, but the label went bankrupt before they could do so.^[3]

In 1966, Beaulne's activities as an impresario stopped him from fully focusing on the group, and he was replaced by Jean-Guy Chapados. The band took the name of Les Nouveaux Baronets.^[1] Their popularity then declined, until the original trio reappeared at the Café de l’Est in March 1967.^[2]: 15 They passed under the label Canusa around 1967.^[1]

In the following years, Les Baronets performed in the cabarets in American tourist cities such as Atlantic City. In early 1970, Labelle and Angélil continued as a duo.^[2]: 15 They switched to the label Nobel in 1970.^[1] They were in the musical La belle amanchure. They were actively recording until 1972.^[2]: 15