José Hoebee: Portrait of a Luv' lady

Photo by Marco Rens

José Hoebee is the voice of Luv'. As the most talented singer of Holland's greatest girl group, she recorded the majority of the vocal lines on Luv's songs in the studio. With Marga Scheide and Patty Brard (later replaced by Ria Thielsch), she conquered the pop charts of Continental Europe and beyond (South Africa, Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Mexico) in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After Luv's first break-up in 1981, she had a fabulous solo career in the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium).

Recruited as a member of Luv' because of her girl-next-door image, José has always been very close to her fans. She is the Luv' lady who took part the most in fan club meetings and lunches with her admirers.

Previously, I posted the solo biographies of Ria and Marga. Now it's José's turn. Here are the highlights of her career.

Pre Luv' years

Josina van de Wijdeven was born on March 29th, 1954 in Best, a village in the south of the Netherlands. 

At age 15, she made her debut in a folk & country band (Young Tradition) with her two sisters (Marijke and Yvonne) and her best friend Ad van Genechten. This group toured the folk circuit in North Brabant.

In 1971, they were discovered by record producer Piet Souer on a talent show "Het cabaret der onbekenden" (the cabaret of the unknowns) in Eindhoven, Netherlands. One year later, Young Tradition took part in a national TV talent show "Nieuwe Oogst" (New Harvest) on AVRO channel (they finished second).

In 1976, José, Marijke and Yvonne formed a new group named after the first single they recorded with Piet Souer: "Elongi". It was a cover version of a classic of Makossa and World Music initially performed by Cameroonian singer Ekambi Brillant in 1975. The record flopped, unfortunately.

José, Marijke & Yvonne

Elongi (1976)

Shortly afterwards, Souer and Hans van Hemert chose José as a singer of a female pop trio called "Luv'". The two other girls were Marga Scheide and Patty Brard.

Luv' (1977 - 1981)

José, Marga & Patty

Luv' scored hit after hit in the Netherlands and abroad. Among their greatest singles were "U.O.Me" (1978), 'You're the Greatest Lover" (1978), "Trojan Horse" (1978), "Casanova" (1979), "Ooh, Yes I Do" (1979) and "My Number One" (1980). 

You're the Greatest Lover

In 1979, Luv' were "Holland's best export act". In August 1980, Patty Brard was replaced by Ria Thielsch. In early March 1981, Luv' disbanded after selling 7 million records worldwide.

My Number One

Ria, Marga & José

1980s: solo and duets

Just after Luv's first break-up, José kept a low profile for several months. Marga and she secretly provided vocals on "Tick-a-thumps my heart", a single by Babe (one of Luv's rivals) which reached the Top 20 in Belgium and the Netherlands in the summer of 1981. Though all the songs of Babe were written by Peter Koelewijn, "Tick-a-thumps" was an exception as Hans van Hemert wrote and produced it.

Babe: Tick-a-thumps my heart

In October of that year, José and record producer Will Hoebee got married. The wedding reception took place in David Soul's villa in Los Angeles. Soul became world famous for his role in the TV series "Starsky & Hutch" in the late 1970s. Will produced his album "Best Days Of Our Lives" which came out in 1981.

David Soul congratulating José and Will Hoebee

Just before the launch of her solo career, José recorded the background vocals on the first album of Doris D. & The Pins produced by Piet Souer. She was not credited on the record sleeve, which was common practice in the music industry at the time (it was before the Milli Vanilli scandal). This LP included the Top 10 hit "The Marvellous Marionettes". 

Doris D & The Pins: The Marvellous Marionettes

Late November 1981 was a milestone in José's existence when CNR/Carrere Records released her first solo single "I'm so sorry". The song was written by Piet Souer and produced by Pim Koopman (member of the legendary pop-rock band Kayak and producer of the sister duo Maywood). Moreover, José had a helping hand from Marga Scheide for her styling and her husband Will Hoebee for musical expertise. Though the singer was surrounded by generous and devoted people, her debut record wasn't a mainstream success.

I'm So Sorry

With the follow-up single, José reached the peak of her solo career in 1982. She covered "I Will Follow Him" (originally performed by Little Peggy March in 1963). Maywood provided background vocals on this track. This record hit the number one spot in the Netherlands and in Belgium in July 1982. It sold 100.000 copies. José was the first Dutch female singer who had #1 hits on Holland's Top 40 as a member of a group (Luv') and as a solo artist. Diana Ross (of The Supremes and The Wiz Stars), Yvonne Keeley (of the Star Sisters), Melanie C (of the Spice Girls), Sita (of K-Otic) and Beyoncé (of Destiny's Child) achieved the same feat.

I Will Follow Him

The next single "Secret Love" (a cover version of Doris Day's hit) peaked at #11 on the Dutch Top 40 and #3 on the BRT Top 30 in Belgium in the autumn of 1982. It maintained José's status as a household name in the Low Countries. 

Secret Love

In November 1982, the songstress released her debut solo album "The Good Times" produced by Pim Koopman. 

She scored other minor solo hits: "The Good Times" (# 37 on the Nationale Hitparade in Holland and #28 on the BRT Top 30 in Belgium in late 1982 and "I Can Hear Music" (a Beach Boys song from 1969 -  #48 on the Dutch Nationale Hitparade and #13 on the  BRT Top 30 in March 1983).      

The Good Times

        I Can Hear Music

In late 1983, José and TV star Ron Brandsteder recorded "So Long, Marianne". Their version of this Leonard Cohen's classic reached #6 on the Nationale Hitparade, #11 on the Dutch Top 40 and #20 on the BRT Top 30.

Ron & José

So Long Marianne

Then, José's version of "Time Goes By" (originally performed by Hungarian band Newton Family) peaked at #16 on the Nationale Hitparade.

Time Goes By

In the summer of 1984, José experienced a new phase in her career. She formed with her longtime friend Bonnie St. Claire a duo known as "Bonnie & José". 

Bonnie & José

The ladies recorded Dutch cover versions of ABBA songs (long before the success of "ABBA Gold" and the "Mamma Mia!" musical). Their first collaboration was "Cassandra" (#24 on the Dutch Top 40 and #19 on the Nationale Hitparade).

Cassandra

In March 1985, TROS channel broadcast "ABBAcadabra", a TV musical based on ABBA songs and featuring José, Bonnie St. Claire, Marga Scheide, Benny Neyman and Ron Brandsteder.

The cast of "ABBAcadabra"

Spiegel (I Wonder)

In July 1985, "Zoals Vrienden Doen" (the cover of ABBA's The Way Old Friends Do) by Bonnie & José reached #36 on the Dutch Top 40 and #18 on the Nationale Hitparade. It became the signature song of the duo.

Zoals Vrienden Doen

On October 14th, 1985, José gave birth to her son named Tim.

In December 1985, Bonnie & José had also a minor hit with Ron Brandsteder as a narrator: "Waarom" (the cover of ABBA's Move On): #35 on the Nationale Hitparade.

Waarom

Bonnie & José released an album entitled "Herinnering" including ABBA tracks and produced by Will Hoebee.

On May 27th, 1986, NCRV aired a TV special entitled "Bonnie & José in Zweden". The program was taped in Stockholm and included a scene filmed in the Polar Music Studios, ABBA's recording studios. Björn Ulvaeus (member of the legendary Swedish pop band) appeared on this TV show and gave an interview in which he approved the recordings of the ladies.

Herinnering

On October 27th, 1988, the original Luv' trio took everybody by surprise when they appeared on a TV charity show hosted by Mies Bouwman on AVRO. They performed their biggest hit "You're the Greatest lover". This unique show caused a profusion of positive reviews in the media. Suddenly the fans were hoping for a comeback of Luv'.

Luv' on Samen (hosted by Mies Bouwman)

In early 1989, British hit machine "Stock Aitken & Waterman" (whose artist roster featured Rick Astley, Mel & Kim, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Bananarama) were rumoured to produce an album for Luv'. José refused to be part of a Luv' reunion. She retired from show business to devote herself to her family.

1993 - 1996: Luv' Gold

In 1993, Luv' made a successful comeback. A "Luv' Gold" CD (including their most popular songs) came out and spent 18 weeks on the Dutch album charts. It peaked at #14. The trio went on a promo tour through Benelux, Germany and Denmark. 

Megamix '93

In early 1994, the group released a CD album entitled "All You Need Is Luv" (produced by Piet Souer and Martin Duiser and only available in Kruidvat shops (a Dutch chain of drugstores). Luv' gave sporadic shows until 1996.

In late 1994, José recorded a duet with Bonnie St. Claire ('n Engel Als Jij), the Dutch cover version of a Teutonic track ("Ein Engel Wie Du" originally performed by Juliane Werding, Maggie Reilly & Viktor Lazlo). 

'n Engel Als Jij

2000s: Back for good

In the autumn of 2003, as her son Tim was 18 years old, José decided to relaunch her solo career. She also started to write a weekly column on the now defunct website "muziekmaken.nl" to express her point of view on Dutch entertainment and to tell stories of her glorious past with Luv'.

In 2004, she put out her first digital single: "Walk Away René", a Dance cover version of a 1966 song by The Left Blanke and made famous by the Four Tops. She performed it under the pseudonym "Stuff".  Moreover, she sang two tracks ("My Happiness" and "Who's sorry now?") as a guest artist on a tribute album to Doris Day (Marjan Berger meets Doris Day).

In the Autumn of 2004, José hosted a music talent show (Tijd Voor Muziek) on a Dutch local channel (VSM TV). Her husband collaborated on the production of this program.

2005 - 2012: Back In Luv'

In April 2005, Luv' gave a surprise performance at the 60th birthday party of their former Pygmalion Hans van Hemert.  This event made front-page news in the Netherlands.

In September 2005, WVS Music released José's first CD compilation "Alle Hits & Unieke Bonustracks". This anthology included her smash hits, b-sides and bonus tracks.

Release party of José's CD compilation (including Willem van Schijndel and Flemish group Swoop)

In early 2006, the remix of "I Will Follow Him" by Serge Ramaekers (famous for his Eurodance productions in the late 1980s and the 1990s: Confetti's and Cartouche) peaked at #90 on Holland's Single Top 100.

I Will Follow Him (2005 remix)

In 2006, Luv' reunited once again. A reality TV show (Back In Luv) about their comeback was broadcast on RTL 5 in Holland and on VTM in Flanders. A DVD (also entitled "Back In Luv" and featuring TV archives from the trio's heyday) came out. With the help from the official fan club, Universal Music released "Completely In Luv'", a Box set (including their entire repertoire from the 1977-1980 period with bonus tracks and remixes).  On May 26th, 27th and 28th 2006, the three singers and Bobby Farrell (of Boney M.) made a guest appearance on the mega shows of De Toppers (a group formed by Gordon, René Froger and Gerard Joling) at the Amsterdam ArenA. In addition to TV performances, Luv' was booked for discos, festivals, private parties and corporate events until 2012.

Luv' @ Amsterdam ArenA for "De Toppers" show (2006)

In 2009, José recorded a duet with former BZN singer Anny Schilder: "Be My Baby" (originally performed by The Ronettes in 1963). Anny & José's version of this classic pop hit reached the 92nd position on the Dutch Single Top 100.

                                                           Be My Baby

                

In 2011, José's dream came true when she had the opportunity to re-record "I Will Follow Him" with Peggy March who originally performed it in 1963. This duet appeared on Peggy's album "Always and Forever" the following year.

I Will Follow Him by Peggy & José

2012: Dark clouds on the horizon

2012 was a difficult year for the songstress. On March 12th, Marga Scheide confirmed the definitive break-up of Luv' on NOS/Radio 1. The ladies took this decision without anger. On June 10th, Will Hoebee passed away and it took José months to recover.

Luv' gave their final live performance on August 11th, 2012 at the Dutch Valley Festival in Spaarnwoude, NL.

Luv's final show at the Dutch Valley Festival: an emotional moment

2013 - present: Resurrection 

In January 2013, José took part in "Sterren Dansen Op Het Ijs" (SBS 6 celebrity figure skating show). She was rapidly eliminated from the competition but the artist considered it as a great learning experience.

Simon Crowhurst and José

Sterren dansen op het ijs

In the summer of 2013, Bonnie & José relaunched their duo for several performances.

Bonnie & José on "Nederland Muziekland" (2013)

June 2014 saw the release of "Noheyo", a cover version of a 2011 single by Polish band Blue Café. This single quickly became a #1 hit on SBS 6 download chart in the "Dutch-speaking" category. José had a hectic schedule again. She promoted her new track on TV and on the radio. She gave several interviews in the press and was booked for gigs.

Noheyo

In September 2014, the song "Who's sorry now?" was re-issued. 

Who's sorry now?

In May 2015, the 1980-1981 line-up of Luv' (Marga, José and Ria) took part in the release party of a photo book "The Story of Luv" (including exclusive pictures of the ladies) at the Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum. Dutch illusionist Hans Klok attended this event. Patty Brard was opposed to this project. The publication was eventually banned due to copyright issues.

Luv' @ release party of "The Story of Luv" (May 1st, 2015)

In March 2016, after months of speculations, Marga and José announced the umpteenth comeback of Luv' in De Telegraaf (Holland's most read newspaper). Patty was not involved in this resurrection and was replaced by Ria Thielsch. 

Since June 2016, the Luv' ladies have been touring the nostalgia circuit in the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium). In July 2017, they celebrated the 40th anniversary of the group with fans in Best, the native village of José.

José's discography

* Singles :

• Elongi (Philips, 1976)
• I'm So Sorry (Carrere, 1981)
• I Will Follow Him (Carrere, 1982)
• Secret Love (Carrere, 1982)
• The Good Times (Carrere, 1982)
• I Can Hear Music (Carrere, 1983)
• Hey Now, Watcha Gonna Do (Carrere, 1983)
• So Long Marianne (with Ron Brandsteder, CNR, 1984)
• Time Goes By (Carrere, 1984)
• Cassandra (with Bonnie St. Claire, Philips, 1984)
• Wij Zijn Vrij (from ABBAcadabra, Indisc, 1984)
• I Love You (CNR, 1984)
• Zoals Vrienden Doen (with Bonnie St. Claire, RCA, 1985)
• Waarom (with Bonnie St. Claire & Ron Brandsteder, RCA, 1985)
• De Flierefluiter (with Bonnie St. Claire, RCA, 1986)
• Herinnering (with Bonnie St. Claire, RCA, 1986)
• All Around My Hat (RCA, 1986)
• In The Sign Of Love (Corduroy, 1987)
• 'N Engel Als Jij (with Bonnie St. Claire, Bunny Music Bucs/Dino, 1994)
• Walk Away René (Recorded as Stuff, digital single, 2003)
• I Will Follow 2005 (WVS Music, 2006)
• Be My Baby (with Anny Schilder, Marista, 2009)
• My Christmas Wish (with Peggy March, Night Dance Records, digital single, 2012)
• Noheyo (MAP Records, digital single, 2014)
• Who's Sorry Now? (Hit It! Music, digital single, 2014)

* Albums :

• The Good Times (Carrere, 1982)
• Herinnering (as Bonnie & José with Bonnie St. Claire, RCA, 1985)
• Alle Hits & Unieke Bonustracks (compilation, WVS Music, 2005)

Guest appearances on other albums:

• Niet Alleen by Ron Brandsteder (CNR, 1983 / including So Long Marianne)
• ABBAcadabra (Indisc, 1984) / Musical for children based on Dutch cover versions of ABBA songs, including one solo track (Spiegel) and two tunes with a Dutch All Stars choir (Wij Zijn Vrij and Laat Het Feest Beginnen)
• Nederland Muziekland - 14 'Nooitgedachte' Hoogtepunten (CNR, 1986 / including De Postkoets with Bonnie St. Claire)
• Wie Gaat Er Me Naar Dinoland (Dino, 1993 / including De dinosaurus (deel 2), De dinosaurus (deel 3) and Tim en de brontosaurus)
• Marjan Berger Meets Doris Day (M.B Records, 2003 / including My Happiness and Who's Sorry Now)
• Always and Forever by Peggy March (2012 reissue, Night Dance Records/DA-Music / including a new version of I Will Follow Him and My Christmas

Backup vocals

• Babe: "Tick-A-Thums-My-Heart" (performed with Marga Scheide and produced by Hans van Hemert) - taken from the album "Blitzers" (TTR, 1981)

• David Soul: "That’s enough for me" - taken from the album "The Best Days Of My Life" (Philips, 1981)

• Doris D & The Pins: "I wanna be loved by you", "The Marvellous Marionettes", "Bad luck Honey", "Higher and Higher" - taken from the album "Doris D And The Pins" (Utopia, 1981)

• Bloem: "Ik wil alleen bij jou zijn", "Omdat" - taken from the album "Bloemstukken" (CNR, 1982)

• Lucy Steymel: "Midnight", "Red-handed", "You’re breaking my heart woman", "Night without you" - taken from the album "Three's A Charm" (CBS, 1982)

• Nancy Dubbeldeman:  "Tonight you belong to me" (Carrere, 1983)

• Dianne Marchal: "It’s my time now" (Carrere, 1983)

• Benny Neyman: "Een dag in Parijs" - taken from the album "Het Zwarte Goud" (CNR, 1984)

• Tina Selini: "I know about you", "All of my life", "Just in Time" - taken from the album "Tina Selini" (RCA, 1988)

• Nikos Ignatiadis: "Timmy’s song" - taken from the album "The Olympous Symphony" (CNR,1988)

• Johan Vlemmix: Neuro van de euro (Hollandia Music, 2016)

 Singles and albums Charts (solo & duets):

click on the chart to enlarge it

Source of record charts:

• TROS Europarade (European charts)
• Dutch Top 40 (Netherlands)
• Nationale Hitparade / Single Top 100 (Netherlands)
• SBS 6 Downloads Chart (Netherlands)
• Nationale Hitparade LP Top 50 (Netherlands)
• BRT Top 30 (Belgium)

Awards (solo):

• July 1982: one Veronica Top 40 Award for reaching the number one position on the Dutch Top 40 with the single "I Will Follow Him".

• January 1983: "Most popular female singer 1982" - Hitkrant (Dutch teen magazine)

In January 1983, Hitkrant journalist Yvonne gave José the award for the "most popular Dutch female singer of 1982"

Source: Luv' blog archives, Discogs, Dutchcharts.nl, NVPI, Jos Theuns, Marco Rens, YouTube,  Dutchcharts.nl, Official José Hoebee's Fan Club....

Bibliography: 

"Top 40 Hitdossier 1956-2005" (9e editie), book by Johan van Slooten, Gottmer Bech Publishing, 2006

The Story of Luv' by Peter Boonstra

Stars of 80s Dance Pop, The European Edition by James Arena (2015), publisher: AuthorHouse

Europe's Stars of '80s Dance Pop Vol. 2: 33 International Hitmakers Discuss Their Careers by James Arena (2018), publisher: BookBaby