André Hazes

Amsterdam native André Hazes is by far the greatest folk singer the Netherlands has ever produced. His immense popularity received an extra boost in 1999 thanks to the candid documentary "She Believes In Me," made by John Appel about the singer's eventful life. It won him fans across all levels of society, even in circles that had previously kept him at a safe distance. When he died five years later, the shock was immense. The whole of the Netherlands seemed to pause for a moment. The farewell, broadcast live on television, resembled a state funeral. It became clear once again how much his songs touched people.

André Hazes was born on June 30, 1952, a stone's throw from the Albert Cuyp Market, where he was discovered by Johnny Kraaijkamp Sr. in 1959. André Hazes was launched as a child star, but he quickly faded into obscurity. A life of 12 trades and 13 misfortunes followed, but in the 1970s his career as a singer of popular Dutch songs finally took off, albeit in fits and starts. In December 1976, he scored a major hit with "Eenzame Kerst" (Lonely Christmas). Following up on that success proved difficult, but everything fell into place in 1980 when he signed a deal with the then-record company EMI. The singer was paired with Tim Griek and a team of experienced songwriters.

And it paid off. In 1981, André Hazes made his definitive breakthrough with "'N Beetje Verliefd," from the successful album "Gewoon André." Things took off quickly. In 1982, he starred in the film "De Boezemvriend" (The Bowel Friend) and performed at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Meanwhile, he scored a string of hits with songs like "Zeg Maar Niets Meer" (Say Nothing More), "Geef Mij Je Angst" (Give Me Your Fear), and the ultimate football anthem "Wij Houden Van Oranje" (We Love Orange). In 1989, he made a successful sidestep with "Dit Is Wat Ik Wil," a blues album featuring Jan Akkerman, Kaz Lux, and John Lagrand, among others. His immense popularity was further demonstrated when the 1994 compilation "Al 15 Jaar G ewoon André" (Al 15 Years of Just André) spent a remarkable 258 weeks in the album charts.

Although in later years it became clear that his grueling work schedule and lifestyle were taking a toll on his health, he continued to work tirelessly. André Hazes gave his all during performances at Paradiso, Ahoy, the Olympic Stadium, and the (then) Amsterdam ArenA. After his death on September 23, 2004, his legacy was kept alive in various ways. His son André Hazes (Jr.) and daughter Roxeanne Hazes followed in his footsteps. His life and work are central to the musical "He Believes In Me" and the film "Blood, Sweat & Tears." Just as his hits are the focus of the annual Holland Zingt Hazes sing-along concerts. In 2022, artists were invited to sing their own versions of Hazes songs on the television show "Hazes Is De Basis." Two decades after his death, André Hazes seems to be bigger than ever.