Piet Souer's birthday

Piet Souer is very important in the success story of Luv' in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With Hans van Hemert, he co-wrote many of the group's classic hits. On March 29th, he celebrated his birthday (the same day as José Hoebee) and turned 70!!! 

Two days prior to this event, Dutch local newspaper ED (Eindhovens Dagblad) published an article about his impressive career which is very hard to sum up due to its eclectism. In addition to Luv', Piet wrote, produced and arranged many other hits (including Why Tell Me Why by Anita Meyer, Upside Down by Vanessa and Shine Up by Doris D. and the Pins) as well as film soundtracks and television jingles.

The prolific Maestro is still active in his recording studio in Blaricum. Currently, he is working on an opera based on the book "Eline Vere" by Louis Couperus (which came out in 1889). 

One part of the article deals with Luv'. As an arranger at Phonogram Records, Piet Souer - under the pseudonym "Janschen & Janschens" - developed a successful partnership with Hans van Hemert in the 1970s. Usually, Hans recorded demo tapes and Piet improved his compositions. For Luv', the duo wrote bubblegum pop songs such as "You're the Greatest Lover" or "Trojan Horse" (featuring a pipe band from Hilversum). Here's what Piet remembered about Luv's formation: "At a certain moment Hans said: "I want to launch a girl group". That's what we did. We got in touch with a secretary who could sing and a gorgeous blonde girl who wanted more than posing for photos. I knew another girl from Best (José van de Wijdeven) who was talented. Once I told her: "If I can help you, I will let you know". 

Even Luv's debut and breakthrough were mentioned. "Their first single came out just after a hostage-taking in a train. It was a catastrophe," he explained. Thanks to the TV series "Het is weer zo laat!" (featuring the theme song "U.O.Me" performed by the trio), Luv' reached fame and fortune. "The ladies looked very good and glittery. We baked the cake. All we needed was a box to wrap it up. Wim van der Linden brought this box," Piet added. 

Click here to read the complete article.

Source: ED, Luv' Official Facebook Page (Marco Rens)