Secret Love by José: 30th Anniversary

1982 was a fabulous year in the solo career of José Hoebee. One year after Luv's break-up, the singer scored a #1 hit with her cover version of "I Will Follow Him" in Holland and Belgium (see article posted on July 2nd 2002). The follow-up single "Secret Love" was also popular. José's recipe for success was to perform American classic hits from the 1950's and 1960's. Indeed, the artist was nicknamed "the cover queen".

Song History

Secret Love was a song originally performed by Doris Day in the film "Calamity Jane" in 1953. The track was written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster. It received an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1954. It reached the number one spot on both the Billboard and Cash Box charts in the USA. The record was also a chart topper in the UK. Many international recording artists (including Connie Francis, Kim Weston & Marvin Gaye, Freddy Fender, George Michael, Viola Wills, Mandy Moore, Engelbert Humperdinck,  and K.d Lang) covered the song. 

Secret Love by Doris Day

José's version of Secret Love was produced by Pim Koopman (ex-member of Dutch band "Kayak" and producer of the iconic sister duo "Maywood") and released by CNR/Carrere Record. It entered the Dutch singles chart on September 18th 1982. The hit single later peaked at #11 on the Dutch Top 40, #14 on the Nationale Hitparade in Holland, #3 on the BRT Top 30 and #4 on the Flemish Ultratop 50. It even reached #19 on the Europarade (a list combining the charts of ten European countries).

S.L by José

Source: Wikipedia, Discogs.com

Bibliography: Top 40 Hitdossier 1956-2005 (9e editie), 2006 by Johan van Slooten published by Gottmer Becht GroepTop 40 Hitdossier 1956-2005 (9e editie), 2006