Legendary photographer and Luv's ally Govert de Roos awarded Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau!!!

Govert de Roos & Luv': a 43-year history between the Artist and the First Ladies of Dutch Pop!!!

Govert de Roos & the Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema.

 

Yesterday, the renowned photographer Govert de Roos was awarded Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau by the Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema. His breakthrough came in 1969 when, at the age of fifteen, he photographed John Lennon and Yoko Ono during one of their Bed-ins for Peace at the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam. The artist got emotional as he received the prestigious award.

On behalf of the Official Luv' and José Hoebee's Fan Pages on Facebook and all the fans, we would like to congratulate Govert de Roos!!!!

Govert de Roos was honoured for his "long and successful international career" and because he has volunteered for several charities over the years. Actress Angela Schijf, theater and television personality Maurice Wijnen, curator Sidney Brandeis, as well as other VIPs nominated the talented photographer.

"It comes as a complete surprise," De Roos said. “I thought I had a meeting for an exhibition and suddenly I was led to mayor Femke Halsema. Only then did things start to dawn. But so much emotion went through my mind that I still have to recover. I am proud and deeply honoured that this has happened to me. I love the people who made this possible,” he added.

Govert de Roos has photographed many pop and rock artists including David Bowie, Debbie Harry, Grace Jones, Michael Jackson, Sade, David Bowie, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, André Hazes, Rob de Nijs, Dolly Dots and Patricia Paay in his studio in the Jordaan district in Amsterdam. 

De Roos is considered the father of Dutch glamour photography. “Because of his way of photographing, he made the Netherlands look differently at glamour and stars. He took it to an international level,” Maurice Wijnen told about the Maestro. 

Moreover, Govert de Roos has been an ally of the Luv' ladies since the late 1970s as he collaborated with them on several occasions. 

His work with Luv' started in the late 1970s during the trio's heyday.

Luv' in 1978: Marga Scheide, Patty Brard and José Hoebee

Luv' in 1980: Ria Thielsch, Marga Scheide, José Hoebee

When José Hoebee went solo in the 1980s after Luv's first break-up, she often had the honour to be photographed by Govert de Roos.

Front Cover of José's debut solo album "The Good Times" (CNR/Carrere, 1982)

In the mid-1980s when José and Bonnie St. Claire formed a duo to cover ABBA songs in Dutch, the ladies chose Govert de Roos to take pictures of them for their "Herinnering" LP. Recently, Bonnie & José's album was reissued on CD/DVD. 

Bonnie & José (1985)

2020 reissue of Herinnering by Bonnie & José (CD-Licious, original release by RCA Records in 1985)

In 1989, when Marga Scheide relaunched Luv' with two other singers (Diana van Berlo and Michelle Gold), Govert de Roos was in charge of their photography for their "For You" mini-album.

Front cover of For You (Dureco/High Fashion Dance Music, 1989)

Back cover of For You

Luv' in 1989: Diana van Berlo, Marga Scheide & Michelle Gold

In late 2014, as Peter Boonstra prepared his book "The Story Of Luv'" (including exclusive pictures), José and he visited Govert de Roos in his studio. The artist immediately believed in the potential of Peter's publication and supported this project. He officially authorized Peter to use unique photos for his book. The Story Of Luv' came out in May 2015 but one month later it was banned due to Patty Brard's behind-the-scenes manoeuvres who convinced other photographers (including Claude Vanheye and Patricia Steur) to threaten Peter with legal action. 

Govert & José (photo by Peter Boonstra in 2014)

In 2016, Govert de Roos took the official pictures of Luv's comeback (featuring Ria Thielsch).

Luv' & Govert (2016)

On January 4th, 2019, Luv' announced an unexpected line-up change illustrated with Govert's photos. Chimène van Oosterhout replaced Ria Thielsch.

Luv' in 2019: Chimène van Oosterhout, José Hoebee & Marga Scheide

On September 13th, 2019, Chimène van Oosterhout attended the private viewing of the "Album Sleeve Art" exhibition set up by Govert de Roos and Rens Benerink at the American Hotel in Amsterdam (see news posted on September 16th, 2019).

The front cover for José's solo album "The Good Times" was part of the exhibit. Chimène posed next to it for a photo. 

A book named after the exhibition was published on that occasion.

Govert de Roos and Rens Benerink

Source: De Telegraaf, Volkskrant, Villamedia, Facebook (Govert de Roos)...