Hans van Hemert receives a "Buma Lifetime Achievement Award"

Yesterday, Dutch record producer and songwriter Hans van Hemert won the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the latest Buma Awards (the most prestigious music ceremony in the Netherlands). Congratulations!!!

This prize rewards the maestro's oustanding contribution to Dutch music. 

Van Hemert's acceptance speech

Hans' backstage interview

After a standing ovation, Hans van Hemert gave an emotional speech. "I've always tried to stay in the shadow but tonight I don't succeed. Now I have this prize. I'm very honored," he said. Click here to listen to his talk. 

Earlier today, he gave an interview on TinekeShow (Tineke de Nooij's program on MAX/NPO Radio 5). Click here to listen to it. 

Hans is the father of Luv'. Between 1977 and 1981, Luv' scored hit after hit in Holland and abroad ("U.O.Me", "You're the Greatest Lover", "Trojan Horse", "Casanova", "Ooh, Yes I Do"....). 

Moreover, he produced hits for many other artists and bands (Q65, The Motions, Ro-d-ys, Zen, Group 1850, Big Wheel, Sommerset, Cardinal Point, Ramses Shaffy and Liesbeth List, Sandra & Andres, Mouth & MacNeal, Kamahl, American Gypsy, Vulcano, André Hazes, Glennis Grace...). He also composed three songs for the Eurovision Song Contest: "Als het om de liefde gaat" by Sandra & Andres (#4 in 1972), "Ik Zie Een Ster" ("I See A Star")  by Mouth & MacNeal in 1974 (#3) and "The Party's Over" by Sandra Reemer (#9 in 1976).

His best selling production is "How do you do" by Mouth & MacNeal (from 1971). This classic pop song hit the number one spot in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland and New Zealand. It reached #5 in Germany and #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA (where it sold one million copies alone). This track has been covered and sampled on many occasions. 

Hans van Hemert's best productions

Hans collected 40 gold and platinum records as well as several trophies including:

• two Conamus Export Prizes: in 1972 (with Mouth & MacNeal) and in 1979 (with Luv').
• a Gouden Harp (Golden Harp) in 1974 for his talents as a producer.
• an ASCAP award in the United States for the song "How Do You Do" by Mouth & MacNeal.

He still has a music production company located in Laren, NL. In addition to the exploitation of an impressive back catalogue, Van Hemert's studio also releases jingles, TV tunes, children's music and music downloads. 

Hans also spends time in his houses in the south of France and Bali, Indonesia with family and friends.

Source: Buma, NOS, De Telegraaf, RTL Nieuws, ANP, Facebook....