in 1965, after touring europe with earl "fatha" hines' band, singer stayed in france to settle near paris. he continued to record and also toured extensively around europe and africa, performing with various bands including charlie watts' and the duke ellington orchestra. his 1969 album, "paris soul food", featuring singer on saxophone and singing; robin hemingway, vocals, arrangements and album production; and manu dibango, saxophone, organ and arrangements won a french record academy award for best international lp in 1969.