Musician. He was the front singer of the well-known Dutch band "The Outsiders" from 1964 to 1970 . He started the band when he was eleven years old. Many of his hits were in the Netherlands Top 30. As well as his band, he was a songwriter for many other Dutch artists. Though his songs were in English, his records were not released in the United States. He was known for his long hair. He had a brief solo career in the 1970s but faded into obscurity after 1980. His parents had met in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. In 1997 "The Outsiders" had a reunion tour in the Netherlands, which ended very soon after it started. In his 1998 autobiography, he admits that success came too quick, alcohol and drugs took their toll, and even though he made a great deal of money, his life style did not lead him to save for a rainy day in his later years or pay taxes as he should. In 1974 he was the recipient of the Silver Harp, a Dutch award given annually to promising musical talent. After his death, money was donated for the cost of his funeral and a year later, money from a benefit concert paid for his grave marker.
Musician. He was the front singer of the well-known Dutch band "The Outsiders" from 1964 to 1970 . He started the band when he was eleven years old. Many of his hits were in the Netherlands Top 30. As well as his band, he was a songwriter for many other Dutch artists. Though his songs were in English, his records were not released in the United States. He was known for his long hair. He had a brief solo career in the 1970s but faded into obscurity after 1980. His parents had met in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. In 1997 "The Outsiders" had a reunion tour in the Netherlands, which ended very soon after it started. In his 1998 autobiography, he admits that success came too quick, alcohol and drugs took their toll, and even though he made a great deal of money, his life style did not lead him to save for a rainy day in his later years or pay taxes as he should. In 1974 he was the recipient of the Silver Harp, a Dutch award given annually to promising musical talent. After his death, money was donated for the cost of his funeral and a year later, money from a benefit concert paid for his grave marker.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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