André Hazes (30 June 1951 – 23 September 2004) was a Dutch folk singer who became popular from the late 1970s with his contemporary form of levenslied. He is considered one of the most successful artists in the Netherlands, but also in Flanders. Besides his easily recognisable voice, Hazes distinguished himself by singing sentimental songs in simple language. Among his biggest hits are Eenzame kerst (1976), Een beetje verliefd (1981), Ik meen 't (1985), Wij houden van Oranje (1988), Bloed, zweet en tranen (2002), and posthumously Zij gelooft in mij (2004, originally from 1981) and Blijf bij mij (with Gerard Joling, 2007). Hazes released at least 300 different songs on 36 albums. Hazes died on 23 September 2004 after two heart attacks and a cardiac arrest. The farewell ceremony took place on 27 September 2004 in a packed Amsterdam ArenA. The tribute was broadcast by TROS and VTM, attracting about 6 million viewers, including 1 million from Flanders. On 23 September 2005, in accordance with the singer’s wishes, part of his ashes was launched into the sky with ten fireworks from the beach of Hoek van Holland. On the same day, his statue was unveiled at the Albert Cuyp Market, in Albert Cuypstraat, Amsterdam.
His singing talent was discovered on 5 May 1959 by Johnny Kraaijkamp Sr., when André was singing at the Albert Cuyp Market. Afterwards, Kraaijkamp launched him as a child star on the television programme AVRO's Weekend Show. A single (Droomschip) was released, but young Hazes did not break through. In 1976, Hazes was discovered for the second time; this time by Willy Alberti. After previously working as a factory worker, light sailor, bookbinder, flower delivery boy, bicycle mechanic, chimney sweep, butcher’s assistant, construction worker, earthworker, demolition worker, disc jockey, market trader, and waiter, Hazes was at that time working as a barman in café "De Krommerdt." He considered singing a hobby. The record Eenzame Kerst, produced by Job Maarse for Phonogram, was his first hit. In the National Hit Parade, the song rose from sixteenth to first place. The follow-ups Mamma and De vlieger were modest successes. Hazes never performed on a Friday the 13th.
After his death, Hazes had major hits in the Dutch charts. After the number 1 hit Zij gelooft in mij, Vaag en stil and Wij houden van Oranje also became top 3 hits. In 2005, De Toppers performed an André Hazes Medley during Toppers in Concert, immediately paying tribute to the recently deceased folk singer. Since 2013, Holland zingt Hazes has been held annually at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, a sing-along event, similar to the Samen met Dréin concert, where well-known Dutch artists sing Hazes hits.
Source: Wikipedia Photo: Henk Lindeboom / Anefo - National Archive / Sound and Vision
