In Memoriam: Mies Bouwman

Mies Bouwman in 1979

Earlier today, the Dutch media announced the death of the legendary TV host Mies Bouwman at age 88. May she rest in peace. Mies started her career in 1951 on KRO channel. She presented a string of shows on several networks (KRO, AVRO, VARA). She definitively ended her work on TV in 1993 due to health restrictions and was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau. In later years, she appeared as a guest on programs on the small screen. 

Luv' had the honour to perform on her shows. 

The ladies premiered their single "Ann-Maria" on her TV program "Telebingo" on AVRO on February 11th, 1980. Mies presented the trio as "Holland's best export product" (because of the Conamus Prize they won a few weeks earlier thanks to their good record sales abroad). The famous TV host had a short interview with Luv' just after their performance of "Ann-Maria". When asked how busy the group was, Patty Brard answered that they were on a promo tour through Europe (Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Wiesbaden, Zurich...). When asked which country was the best, Marga Scheide immediately replied "the Netherlands!". Then Mies asked Luv's blonde singer how she considered their success. "We work hard for it but it remains a wonder," she said. 

Ann Maria on Telebingo

In late December 1980, as Luv' was at a complete standstill due to Marga's burnout, José Hoebee appeared alone on "Telebingo" to sing "Mother of the hearts", a track from "Forever Yours" penned by Hans van Hemert and dedicated to his mother. Before her performance, she told Mies that Luv' would be performing again after Marga's rest cure. But Luv' disbanded a couple of months later. 

Mother of the hearts on Telebingo (1980)

On October 27th 1988, more than seven years after their first break-up, Luv' took everybody by surprise when they reunited on a TV charity show ("Samen") hosted by Mies Bouwman on AVRO. They sang their signature song "You're the Greatest Lover". Their former producer Hans van Hemert greeted them backstage. This unique performance caused a profusion of positive reviews in the media. At that time, no-one knew that the girl group would reunite on several occasions.

You're the Greatest Lover on "Samen" (1988)

Source: De Telegraaf, AD, Televizier...