Dutch Top 40: 50th anniversary

On January 2nd, the Dutch Top 40 (Nederlandse Top 40) celebrated its 50th anniversary. This weekly music chart (compiled by Stichting Nederlandse Top 40) started as a radio program entitled "Veronica Top 40" on the offshore station Radio Veronica. 

The first #1 hit on the Dutch Top 40 was "I Feel Fine" by The Beatles on January 2nd, 1965. In 1974, the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40 took over the famous hit parade and named it De Nederlandse Top 40. In addition to record sales, it later included airplay data, downloads and streaming. Currently, Radio 538 airs this list in association with Media Markt.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary, a book entitled "50 Jaar Top 40" (written by Martijn van Stuyvenberg) has been published by Kosmos Uitgevers and PostNL has released a set of special stamps.

As a successful pop group, Luv' dominated the Top 40 in the late 1970s. Because of their two chart toppers (You're the Greatest Lover and Trojan Horse), the ladies won two Veronica Awards in December 1978:

Luv' receiving their Veronica Awards (Countdown '78)

The trio scored 13 hits:

- My Man, Date: June 11th, 1977, Peak position: #11, Weeks on chart: 6

- U.O.Me, Date: March 11th, 1978, Peak position: #3, Weeks on chart: 13

- You're the Greatest Lover, Date: July 29th, 1978, Peak position: #1, Weeks on chart: 15

- Trojan Horse, Date: November 18th, 1978, Peak position: #1, Weeks on chart: 11

- Casanova, Date: April 28th, 1979, Peak position: 6, Weeks on chart: 9

- Eeny Meeny Miny Moe, Date: August, 25th, 1979, Peak position: #11, Weeks on chart: 7

- Ooh, Yes I Do, Date: November 10th, 1979, Peak position: #5, Weeks on chart: 10

- Ann-Maria, Date: February 23rd, 1980, Peak position: #11, Weeks on chart: 8

- One More Little Kissie, Date: June 7th, 1980, Peak position: #9, Weeks on chart: 7

- My Number One, Date: November 15th, 1980, Peak position: #5, Weeks on chart: 9

- Tingalingaling, Date: August 8th, 1981, Peak position; #29, Weeks on chart: 3

- Welcome To My Party, Date: October 21st, 1989, Peak position: #22, Weeks on chart: 5

- Megamix '93, Date: May 15th, 1993, Peak position: #23, Weeks on chart: 5

List on September 2nd, 1978 (including the #1 hit You're the Greatest Lover" by Luv')

List on December 16th, 1978 (incl. Trojan Horse by Luv' which hit the number one spot)

José Hoebee is one of the few female singers who had #1 singles with a group and on her own. That's why she won a Veronica Award in 1982 thanks to the success of "I Will Follow Him":

José showing her Veronica award on "Terug naar Luv' (AT5, 1996)

In the 1980s, she had 5 Top 40 hits (two solo songs and three duets).

- I Will Follow Him, Date: June 5th, 1982, Peak position: #1, Weeks on chart: 10

- Secret Love, Date: September 18th, 1982, Peak position: #11, Weeks on chart: 6

- So Long Marianne (with Ron Brandsteder), Date: February 2nd, 1984, Peak position: #11, Weeks on chart:7

- Cassandra (with Bonnie St. Claire), Date: July 7th, 1984, Peak position: #24, Weeks on chart: 5

- Zoals Vrienden Doen (with Bonnie St. Claire), Date: August 3rd, 1985, Peak position: #36, Weeks on chart:4

Patty Brard only scored one Top 40 hit:

- Hold On To Love, Date: February 21st, 1981, Peak position: #19, Weeks on chart: 6

Source: Nieuws.nl, De Telegraaf, NOS, Top40.nl, Wikipedia....