CASANOVA: 35TH ANNIVERSARY

1978 was a great year for LUV'. The ladies enjoyed a wonderful breakthrough not only in Benelux but also abroad. In a short time, they scored three hit singles ("U.O.Me", "You're the Greatest Lover" and "Trojan Horse") and an album ("With LUV") on the European pop charts. All of these records were certified gold and platinum. Due to the uncertainty of the music business, would the trio's success story go on in 1979? The answer was YES!!! 

35 years ago exactly, on April 28th, 1979, a single entitled "Casanova" entered the Dutch Top 40 and rapidly became a smash hit in the Netherlands and the neighbouring countries. 

* History 

Since 1977, producers and songwriters Hans van Hemert and Piet Souer had teamed up to compose catchy pop songs for LUV'. So why change a winning formula? The group's first release in 1979 through Philips/Phonogram records was the 7" single "Casanova". It was a foretaste of the ladies second LP ("Lots of LUV") that came out a few weeks later. The lyrics of the song dealt with an unfaithful man who couldn't help seducing women. The arrangements were inspired by Flamenco and Latin American music as well as 1970s Europop. The group promoted the track on the most famous TV shows (like "TopPop" in Holland or "Musikladen" in Germany). Once again, the girls got the public at their feet. 

* Chart performance 

"Casanova" peaked at #6 on the Top 40 and at #6 on the Nationale Hitparade (currently Single Top 100) in the Netherlands. It was a Top 5 hit in Austria, Denmark, Switzerland and Belgium, Top 10 single in Germany and Top 20 in Spain. The single reached #2 on the Europarade (a compilation of European charts).

* YouTube videos

TROS Top 50 / Rockplanet (April 14th, 1979, TROS)

AVRO's TopPop, April 12th 1979

Musikladen, Radio Bremen, Germany, May 17th 1979

Dolle Dinsdag, BRT, Belgium, June 12th 1979

German TV

Musik Jahrmarkt 1979, German TV

Jetzt Geht Die Party Richtig Los!, ZDF, Germany, December 31st, 1979

Tracklisting & release

Casanova

7" vinyl single (45 rpm) - original release by Philips/Phonogram Records in April 1979

A side: "Casanova" - 3:48
B side: "DJ" - 3:20

Original Dutch cover

Spanish version 

Japanese edition

Cover versions

• Kirstin Lill: "Du bist ein Casanova" (Germany, 1979)
• Mona Carita: "Voi Mikä Casanova!" (Finland, 1979)
• Claudius Alzner Und Seine Solisten: "Casanova" (Switzerland, 1980)
• Lindsay: "Casanova" (Belgium, 2009)

* Bibliography: 

· Hit-Lexikon des Rock und Pop Vol. 1 by Frank Laufenberg, publ: Verlag Ullstein 

· Top 40 Hitdossier 1956-2005 (9e editie) by Johan van Slooten, publ: Gottmer 

Bech 

Source: Wikipedia, Discogs.com, Dutchcharts.nl...

Sterren Springen 2014: final

Jeffrey Wammes

The final of "Sterren Springen" (Season 2) drew 1.030.000 viewers (market share: 14.5%) yesterday evening. It was the 10th most-watched program of the day in Holland according to Stichting KijkOnderzoek.

Dutch gymnast Jeffrey Wammes won the SBS 6 diving competition. Patty Brard appeared as a guest judge on the TV program. 

Patty & Jeffrey

Finalists of "Sterren Springen 2014": Jeffrey Wammes, Anna Alicia Sklias and Joey Spaan 

Photos + videos: http://www.sbs6.nl/programmas/sterren-springen/

Sterren Springen YouTube channel: click here to watch the videos

Source: SBS 6, Stichting KijkOnderzoek, RTL Nieuws, De Telegraaf, Televizier, AD....

Patty Brard: latest media news

* Here are the latest viewing figures of "Shownieuws" (SBS 6 entertainment news show featuring Patty Brard):

• April 21st (5.30 pm): 203.000 viewers / market share: 6.1%
• April 22nd (11.00 pm): 445.000 viewers / market share: 10.7%
• April 23rd (5.30 pm): 112.000 viewers / market share: 4.3%

Patty Brard & Kees Tol on "Shownieuws"

* The latest issue of "Weekend" magazine features an interview with Patty. The diva explains that her fiancé Antoine brings her "rest and love"....

* The latest column written by Miss Brard for "Weekend" deals with "Koningsdag". Celebrated on 27 April, "King's day" is THE national holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and marks the birth of King Willem-Alexander. Click here to read the column. 

* On April 20th, Patty took part in the taping of RTL 4's new show "Alles mag op vrijdag". This program is based on a French format "Vendredi Tout est Permis Avec Arthur". Two teams of three celebrities competed in a number of challenges and parlour games, including one on a huge set that slides.

* The former Luv' singer will appear as a guest judge on the final episode of SBS 6 celebrity diving competition "Sterren Springen" tomorrow at 6.00 pm. 

The finalists of "Sterren Springen" (season 2)

Source: Stichting KijkOnderzoek, RTL 4, SBS 6, Weekend, Patty Brard's Facebook Page and Twitter Account....

José on RTV-Ridderkerk

The radio show "The Story of José Hoebee" aired on RTV-Ridderkerk on April 20th. The program featured an interview with the singer. José told stories about her greatest hits (I Will Follow Him, Secret Love, So Long Marianne, Cassandra, Zoals Vrienden Doen....). She also mentioned other lesser-known tracks from her Luv' and solo repertoire (Mother of The Hearts, I'm so sorry, The Good Times...)

My friend and Luv' expert Martin Vink made this program possible and even talked a bit. I would like to thank him. Moreover, Karin Angeleyes (one of my Facebook contact) posted the interview on YouTube. Many thanks to her as well!!!

José Hoebee - Interview Radio Ridderkerk (April 2014)

Source: RTV-Ridderkerk, José Hoebee's Fan Club, Karin Angeleyes, Martin Vink, José Hoebee's Facebook Page....

Patty on "Shownieuws": viewing figures on April 17th

Patty Brard, Alain Clark & Kees Tol on "Shownieuws"

Patty Brard appeared on the 5.30 pm edition of "Shownieuws". SBS 6 entertainment news show attracted 151.000 viewers (market share: 5.3%). 

Source: SBS 6, Stichting KijkOnderzoek

"Bonje met de buren" (feat. Patty Brard): broadcast date postponed

Patty Brard & Jochem van Gelder: the golden duo of "Bonje met de buren"

SBS 6 has announced that the broadcast date of "Bonje met de buren" (featuring Patty Brard and Jochem van Gelder) is postponed. The TV format is produced by John de Mol's Talpa and is also known as "Trouble with the Neighbours". Patty and Jochem join forces to solve long-term conflicts between neighbours. They have been busy taping the show since December (see news posted on December 16th, 2013). Initially, "Bonje met de buren" was supposed to air next month but instead, the TV channel prefers to broadcast the Dutch version of the sitcom "Cheers" (featuring Bastiaan Ragas). The viewers will have to wait after summer to enjoy Patty's latest TV project. 

Source: SBS 6, De Telegraaf...

Patty's column about Peaches Geldof

Peaches Geldof in 2012

The latest column written by Patty Brard for Weekend Magazine deals with Peaches Geldof. The daughter of Bob Geldof and Paula Yates died, at the age of 25, at her home in Wrotham, Kent on April 7th, 2013. Last week, it was reported that Geldof's autopsy had been inconclusive and toxicology testing, which could take "several weeks", will be conducted to determine her cause of death. 

Click here to read Pat's column.

Source: Weekend

Patty shocked by Reinout on the cover of "Party"

Patty Brard appeared yesterday on the 11.00 pm edition of "Shownieuws". SBS 6 entertainment news program drew 547.000 viewers (market share: 13.5%). The former Luv' singer told that she was shocked by the picture of Reinout Oerlemans on the cover of "Party". The celebrity gossip magazine has published the first photos of Oelermans after his heart bypass operation. "I was frightened when I first saw it. I didn't recognize him. Of course he has been weakened," the diva said. 

Reinout Oerlemans on the cover of "Party"

Oerlemans is the CEO of the TV production company Eyeworks which conceives the celebrity diving competition "Sterren Springen" (aka "Celebrity Splash!"). The sequence of Patty's famous dive was used to sell the format to TV networks all over the world and boosted Brard's TV career (see news posted on March 24th, 2013). 

Source: SBS 6, Stichting KijkOnderzoek, Mediacourant.nl

José to perform at Dancing Zaal Maenen

José Hoebee will be performing in Valkenswaard, NL on May 17th and June 14th at Dancing Zaal Maenen. Further details will be announced later.

Source: info@josehoebee.com, José Hoebee's Facebook Page

"The Story of José" on RTV Ridderkerk

The radio show "The Story Of..." airs every Sunday between 5.00 and 6.00 pm on RTV-Ridderkerk and features music, interviews and career information about the greatest singers and bands from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. It is repeated on Monday at 10.00 pm. Last year, the program dealt with Luv' (see news posted on April 27th, 2013).

On April 8th, the radio show was taped with José Hoebee and Luv' expert Martin Vink. The singer gave an interview to discuss her career. It was through Martin that this talk with the songstress was possible. 

"The Story of José" will air on April 20th from 5.00 to 6.00 pm on RTV-Ridderkerk.

José in RTV Ridderkerk studio

José and the team of "The Story of..."

José and Martin Vink

Source: RTV-Ridderkerk, Martin Vink, José Hoebee's Facebook Page and official fan club.....

José @ Midzomer Gracht Festival

José Hoebee will be performing during the "Midzomer Gracht Festival" at Jacobibrug in Utrecht, NL on June 20th between 11.00 and 11.30 pm. 

Info: click here

Source: José Hoebee's Fanpage (Facebook), José Hoebee's official fan club, www.midzomergracht.nl

Claude Carrere died

Sheila and Claude Carrere in the early 1970s

French record and TV producer Claude Carrere died on April 9th. In the 1960s, he founded Carrere Records whose main star was French songstress Sheila (who fronted the disco group "Sheila & B. Devotion", famous for 1970s hits like "Love, me baby", "Singing in the Rain" and "Spacer"). Carrere released albums by the "crème de la crème" of French pop music and Eurodisco: Claude François, Karen Chéryl, Linda de Suza, Sacha Distel, Dalida, Ottawan, Gérard Lenorman, Stéphanie de Monaco, F.R David.... Carrere's roster of artists also included British pop vocal duo "Dollar" and South African girl band "Clout". 

Info: http://www.discogs.com/label/28549-Carrere

International hit singles released by Carrere Records:

Sheila: Spacer (1980)

Clout: Substitute (1978)

Ottawan: D.I.S.C.O (1979)

Luv': Ooh, Yes I Do (1979)

F.R David: Words (1982)

Dollar: Shooting Star (1978)

Stéphanie: Ouragan/Irresistible (1986)

Sheila and Carrere were not on speaking terms due to lawsuits and conflicts. By the way, the French singer didn't pay tribute to her former Pygmalion and made no comments about his death. 

In October 1979, Luv' signed a lucrative deal with the Dutch subsidiary of Carrere Records (Read Chapter III of the group's biography). While the girls were under contract to the French label between 1979 and 1981, their biggest hit single was "Ooh, Yes I Do" (#2 in Denmark, #5 in Holland, #7 in Belgium, #27 in Germany, #10 in France, #13 in Austria, #10 on the Europarade, certified gold in Mexico) and their "True Luv" LP went gold in Holland. Moreover, the most popular solo records of José Hoebee ("I Will Follow Him" and "Secret Love") were released by CNR/Carrere in 1982. 

In 1991, Claude Carrere sold his record company to Warner Music. 

In 1986, he launched Carrere Television (which produced high-rated TV shows for TF1: “Avis de Recherche”, “Tous à la Une”, “Intervilles”, “Succès Fous”, “La Une est à Vous”, “La Roue de la Fortune”...). In the 1990s, the company changed its name to Carrere Group and thanks to acquisitions diversified into new activities: TV series ("Maigret", "Le juge est une femme"...), movies (including "Kirikou et la Sorcière”), eclectic TV programs (“Du côté de chez vous”, “Question Maison” (France 5), “C'est pas Sorcier” (France 3) , “Arrêt sur Images” (France 5), "Zone Interdite" (M6).....

Info: http://www.carreregroup.com/en/history.html

Source: Discogs.com, Wikipedia, YouTube, Le Monde, Le Figaro, Le Parisien, Voici, Gala, Carrere Group....

Bonnie & José @ "Piratenteam Drinkeland"

In early February, I announced that Bonnie St. Claire and José Hoebee would be performing in Lattrop, NL in May. Details have been revealed on Facebook recently. The ladies will be part of the "Piratenteam Drinkeland" show presented by Club Epic in Lattrop on May 3rd between 8.00 pm and 3.00 am. Entrance fee: 6.00€

Another legendary duo will be present on that occasion: Saskia & Serge

Special thanks to Karin Angeleyes for the info!!!

Source: Bonnie & José Facebook Group, Karin Angeleyes, Club Epic....

La Brard on Shownieuws: latest viewing figures

Here are the latest viewing figures of "Shownieuws" (SBS 6) featuring Patty Brard:

• April 8th, 11.00 pm: 523.000 viewers / market share: 12.2%
• April 10th, 5.30 pm: 154.000 viewers / market share: 5.5%

Shownieuws (April 8th)

Shownieuws (April 10th)

Source: SBS 6, Stichting KijkOnderzoek, Patty Brard's Twitter Account

Patty on "RTL Late Night"

Dutch stylist Fred van Leer and Patty Brard on "RTL Late Night"

Yesterday evening, Patty Brard was interviewed by Humberto Tan on RTL 4's high-rated talk show "RTL Late Night" (893.000 viewers / market share: 18.2%). The diva discussed the highlights of SBS 6 reality show "Utopia". She also talked about the RTL 5 program "Project P: Stop het pesten" (which deals with bullying at school). 

Excerpt from RTL Late Night (featuring Fred van Leer and Patty Brard)

Click here to watch RTL Late Night (complete broadcast)

Source: RTL 4, KijkOnderzoek, YouTube, Patty Brard's Twitter account, Mediacourant.nl, Televizier...

Patty's column about Conchita Wurst

Conchita Wurst (Thomas Neuwirth)

The latest column written by Patty Brard for Weekend magazine deals with Conchita Wurst. Born Thomas Neuwirth, Conchita will represent Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Wurst's selection has already proved to be slightly controversial with petitions filed in Russia, Belarus and Armenia to attempt to either have her removed, or edited out of the broadcast in their countries. 

Recently, Conchita was hailed by fans at the biggest pre-Eurovision event in Amsterdam: Eurovision in Concert. Dutch Eurovision commentator Cornald Maas and three-time representative Sandra Reemer hosted the evening. There were tensions between the Austrian singer and Aram Mp3 (who represents Armenia at the ESC). Aram was booed by almost half the audience because of his homophobic statements about Conchita. On April 6th, Wurst appeared on RTL 4's high-rated talk show "Carlo & Irene: Life 4 You". In addition to the performance of her Eurovision song "Rise Like a Phoenix", she answered questions of Carlo Boszhard and Irene Moors. Click here to watch her interview on "Carlo & Irene". Patty predicts that Conchita might crack the Top 3 at the ESC and might have an international carreer. 

Conchita Wurst: Rise Like A Phoenix

In her text, La Brard has also mentioned "The Common Linnets" (a duo formed by Ilse DeLange and Waylon who will represent the Netherlands at the ESC). The diva feels that the Dutch entry won't win. 

The Common Linnets: Calm After The Storm

Click here to read Pat's column. 

Source: Weekend, RTL 4, ESCDaily.com, YouTube.....

Patty on "Shownieuws": viewing figures on April 7th

Miljuschka Witzenhausen, Patty Brard and Kim-Lian van der Meij on "Shownieuws"

Yesterday, the 5.30 pm edition of "Shownieuws" featured Patty Brard, Kim-Lian van der Meij and Miljuschka Witzenhausen. SBS 6 entertainment news program drew 163.000 viewers (market share: 5.2%). 

Source: SBS 6, Stichting KijkOnderzoek, Patty Brard's Twitter Account

Burn baby burn....Disco inferno!!!!

In the late 1970s, Disco music reached its peak. So did Luv' (mainly in Continental Europe). Recently, two books paying tribute to this genre and the artists from this era were published.

* "First Legends of Disco: 40 Stars Discuss Their Careers in Classic Dance Music" by James Arena - Published by AuthorHouse 

This book is the follow-up to "First Ladies of Disco" (see news posted on September 5th, 2013). 40 legendary men and women who gained fame singing, producing, and spinning some of disco music's biggest hits during the '70s and early '80s look back at their careers. These acclaimed stars offer powerful new insights into their personal journeys before, during, and after the disco explosion. Interviewed artists include Alfa Anderson (formerly of Chic); William "Bubba" Anderson, James "Ajax" Baynard, LA Blacksmith, Tyrone Cox, Mark Lipetz and Phil "Flip" Thomas of Crown Heights Affair; Clare Bathé (formerly of Machine); Anthony Brooks of Harold Melvin's Blue Notes; Ed Cermanski and Robert Upchurch of The Trammps; Sarah Dash; John Davis; Leonard "Butch" Davis and Joe Harris of Double Exposure; Venus Dodson; Joy Dorris of Lime; Bob Esty; Jimmie Bo Horne; Geraldine Hunt; Carol Jiani; Janice Marie Johnson of A Taste of Honey; France Joli; Randy Jones (formerly of Village People); Shirley Jones (formerly of The Jones Girls); Denis LePage/Nini Nobless (formerly of Lime); Robbie Leslie; W. Michael Lewis; George McCrae; Denise Montana; Eddie O'Loughlin; Rob Parissi (formerly of Wild Cherry); Bonnie Pointer; Warren Schatz; Debbie Sledge, Joni Sledge and Kim Sledge of Sister Sledge; Arthur "Pooch" Tavares of Tavares; Richie Weeks (formerly of Weeks & Co.); and James "D-Train" Williams. Featuring additional commentary by Patrick Adams, Teri DeSario, Luci Martin, Precious Wilson and more.

The book also includes the words from Sofiane Hadjazi (Funk Nord) who promotes disco revival shows with top stars in France. 

Since its publication in early January, James Arena and some of the "Legends of Disco" have taken part in radio and TV interviews, signings and other events to promote this fabulous testimony of a unique period. 

Click here to buy a copy. 

* "Le Dico du Disco" by Jean-Marie Potiez and Alain Pozzuoli - published by Renaissance du Livre

From ABBA to Zager Band.....

A French dictionnary about Disco music and the people who helped to define this genre. This book deals with all the aspects of the Disco culture (the artists, the hits, the iconic clubs, the movies.....). This dictionnary includes a compilation (with 18 disco songs). 

A must-have!!!!!

Click here to buy a copy. 

Source: Facebook (First Legends of Disco / ABBA légende nordique)

Pat on "Shownieuws": viewing figures on April 3rd

Patty & Jeroen van der Boom

Yesterday, the 5.30 PM edition of "Shownieuws" featured Patty Brard with Kees Tol and Jeroen van der Boom. SBS 6 entertainment news program drew 140.000 viewers (market share: 5.8%). 

Source: SBS 6, Stichting KijkOnderzoek, Patty Brard's Twitter account and Facebook Page

Patty: guest judge on "Sterren Springen" (season 2)

Today SBS 6 has announced the list of guest judges on the new season of the celebrity diving competition "Sterren Springen". One of them is Patty Brard who will appear on the final. In 2012, the diva stole the show during the first season with her failed dive which helped Eyeworks to sell "Celebrity Splash!" to foreign TV networks. 

"Sterren Springen" (season 2) will start tomorrow at 8.00 pm on SBS 6. 

The hosts are Kim-Lian van der Meij and Gerard Joling. 

The competitors are Koen Verweij, Jeffrey Wammes, Dave Roelvink, Andy van der Meijde, Melisa Schaufeli, Dikke Dennis, Nathalie Makoma, Regilio Tuur, Britt Dekker, Femke Meines, Anna-Alicia Sklias, Joey Spaan , Sylvia Geersen, Marijke Helwegen, Lucia Rijker and Peter Jan Rens.

The regular members of the jury are Inge de Bruijn and Frans van de Konijnenburg.

Source: SBS 6, De Telegraaf, RTL Nieuws, AD.nl, Nieuws.nl, Totaal TV.....