In her latest column posted on the website of Weekend Magazine, Patty Brard has paid tribute to Dutch furniture designer Jan des Bouvrie who is one of her closest friends. The diva first met him in the early 1990's when she was romantically involved with Eric Peute who provoked her bankruptcy. On August 2nd, Jan will celebrate his 71st birthday in St. Tropez, France. Tomorrow Patty will leave Holland to go there. As a present to Jan, the guests will have to donate money to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals.
Talking of St. Tropez where Des Bourvrie's birthday party will be held, it reminds me of a Disco-pop track recorded by Luv' in 1979 and named after the internationally-known seaside resort. Click here to listen to it.
On July 29th 1978, "You're the Greatest Lover", Luv's fourth single, entered the Dutch Top 40 and became the trio's signature song and their breakthrough abroad.
Background
In March 1978, Luv' reached fame and fortune in the Netherlands and Belgium with their "U.O.Me" single (see article posted on March 11th 2013). But the girls were not satisfied by the way their manager Han Meijer developed their career and wanted to dispense with his services. Meijer considered the name of the pop goup as his ownership and took the three singers to court about the use of it. Finally, in early June 1978, the ladies won the legal action and were officially allowed to be named Luv'. Pim ter Linde became their new manager. He ran Interlinde Artists Management, the legendary “House of Dutch Stars” (including Bonnie St. Claire, Don Mercedes, Saskia & Serge, Ron Brandsteder, Lee Towers.... ).
Picture published in Leidsch Dagblad on May 26th 1978 (Luv' Vs Han Meijer)
Article published in Leidsch Dagblad on June 2nd 1978 (The group is allowed to be named "Luv")
The ladies were ready to concentrate on their main goal: to have an international career. Their songwriters Hans van Hemert and Piet Souer composed "You're the Greatest Lover" which featured Spanish guitars. In the book "Nederpop, met hart en ziel", a history of Dutch pop music written by Jan van der Plas in 2003, Van Hemert told: "The music had to be uncomplicated but not too vulgar. Preferably with a South American touch....My songs were easy but Piet made refined arrangements for them."
Reception
The Luv' singers took advantage of their attractive look and promoted the "Greatest Lover" on the major European TV shows (TopPop, Musikladen, Disco, Roxi, Top Club, Musik & Gäste...). As a result, the track was a chart topper in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany (where it sold 600.000 copies), Switzerland and Denmark. It reached the Top 5 of the Europarade (a compilation of European charts). It peaked at #2 on the Austrian charts and #15 in South Africa. In France, the song was entitled "Sing me, sing me a chanson" and was a minor hit there (#37 on the Hit Parade RTL). Moreover, it was also popular behind the Iron Curtain, especially in East Germany, Poland and Hungary . In early 1979, Phonogram/Philips Records announced that the single sold 1 million copies worldwide.
Leidsch Dagblad - September 1st 1978 (Luv' hit the number one spot with "The Greatest Lover")
Leidsch Dagblad - September 20th 1978 (Luv' about their success)
YouTube Videos
TopPop - Broadcast date: October 21st 1978
All You Need Is Luv' (TROS Special) - Brodcast date: November 19th 1978
André van Duin's show
Roxi (Germany)
Disco (Germany) - Broadcast date: October 30th 1978
Top Club (France) - Broadcast date: December 8th 1978
Des Magiciens (France) - Broadcast date: January 1st 1979
Tracklisting & release
You're the Greatest Lover
7" vinyl single (45 pm) - original release by Philips/Phonogram Records in July 1978
A side: "You're the Greatest Lover" - 2:50
B side: "Everybody's Shaking Hands On Broadway" - 3:27
Original Dutch sleeve
German sleeve
Spanish version (Tu eres mi mejor amante)
French sleeve
Italian sleeve
Japanese sleeve
Turkish sleeve
Cover versions
In 1978, Ulla Norden covered the song in German as "Wir Sind Verrückt (Wir Beide)".
In 1979, Jonathan King recorded a cover version of Luv's hit that peaked at #67 on the UK Singles Charts.
Disco Light Orchestra from Germany performed an instrumental version for their LP Disco Sensation in 1979.
James Last Orchestra performed an instrumental version on his album "New Non Stop Dancing 79".
Teenage singer Eini covered the song (entitled Vetonaula) in Finnish in 1979".
Irish pop group Gina, Dale Haze and the Champions had a top 10 hit with this song on the Irish Charts in 1979.
In 1980, British group Brotherhood of Man recorded a version of the song for their Good Fortune album.
East German sister duet, Die Molly Sisters, sang a German version entitled He, hallo, du bist ein Mann geworden.
The Hallmond All Stars orchestra performed an instrumental version on the compilation Night Fever Hammond Hit Parade released in the UK in 1996.
In 1999, Kristina Bach sang a Schlager version (entitled Hey, ich such' hier nicht den größten Lover).
In 2000, a dance music cover version by Loona renamed Latino Lover was a Top 10 hit single in German speaking countries (#6 and gold single (250 000 units sold) in Germany, #9 in Austria and #6 in Switerzland).
Loona performing "Latino Lover" on ''Hitparade im ZDF" in 2000 (with an excerpt of Luv's Greatest Lover)
German industrial band Massiv in Mensch recorded an electro version in 2004.
In 2005, the version of The Greatest Lover by Flemish dance group Swoop peaked at #25 on the Ultratop singles charts in Flanders.
Bibliography:
• Nederpop met hart en ziel (History of Dutch Pop Music) by J. van der Plas, publ: Kosmos
Z&K (2003)
• Hit-Lexikon des Rock und Pop Vol. 1 by Frank Laufenberg, publ: Verlag Ullstein
• 50 jaar nummer-1-hits 1956-2006 by Johan van Slooten , publ: Gottmer Uitgevers Groep
• De 500 Nummer 1-Hits uit de Top 40 (1997) by Johan van Slooten, publ: Gottmer Becht
• Top 40 Hitdossier 1956-2005 (9e editie) by Johan van Slooten, publ: Gottmer Bech
In early June, I announced that Bonnie St. Claire and José Hoebee could be booked for live performances (see news posted on June 2nd 2013). Last week, ShowNu.nl posted an article about the ladies' comeback. "Bonnie called me some time ago and asked me if I wanted to work with her again and it was a good idea," José told the celebrity gossip site.
In the mid 1980's, Bonnie & José were famous for their Dutch cover versions of ABBA songs. They recorded a LP entitled "Herinnering" (produced by Will Hoebee and approved by the gentlemen of ABBA: Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson). The album has never been issued officially on CD. However, digitally remastered copies were available through the now-defunct Fonos.nl site but they were not authentic.
"Our plan is to release the album on CD with a new single", José said enthusiastically.
In August, the two singers will be performing on SBS 6 music show "Nederland Muziekland". On July 30th, De Telegraaf will publish an article about their new collaboration.
Source: ShowNu.nl, José Hoebee's Official Fan Club, José's Facebook Page...
José Hoebee has not performed on stage for ages. Her latest live show took place at the Dutch Valley Festival last year with her Luv' colleagues (see news posted on August 12th 2012). The singer has decided to relaunch her career and will be performing during the "Week der Besten" (week of the best) in Vlagtwedde, NL on August 8th at 8.00 pm. This performance is sponsored by Simone FM and will feature other artists such as Monique Smit & Tim Douwsman, Kevin Smit and DJ Hermen.
* On July 14th, BNN/Nederland 3's panel game show "Ranking the stars" (featuring Patty Brard) attracted 539.000 viewers (overall market share: 9.4%). In this episode, the diva faced her rival Chazia Mourali (see news posted on June 27th 2013).
* On July 20th, the all-round entertainer finished the shooting of St.Nicholas film with Gerard Joling (see news posted on June 20th 2013).
Source: Pat's Facebook Page
Pat & Mai Tai: Disco Queens
* On July 22nd, the former Luv' singer and Dutch-Surinamese girl group "Mai Tai" performed live on the RozeMaandagExpress (Pink Monday Express), a disco train which travelled from Amsterdam to Tilburg where theRoze Maandag (the biggest gay festival in the Netherlands) took place. La Brard had a lot of fun and expressed satisfaction on social networks.
Source: Patty Brard's Facebook Page / Mai Tai Facebook Page / Weekend / RTL Boulevard....
Pat at Tilburg's train station
* Here are the latest subjects of Patty's columns published in Weekend Magazine:
Holland's most popular soap opera "Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden" (July 12th): click here to read it
Her fiancé Antoine (July 17th): click here to read it
Her role as Mrs Wijntje in St. Nicholas film and her secret project on TV (July 25th): click here to read it
* On July 17th, Patty did a photo shoot in her newly decorated house for Vrouw Glossy Magazine:
Source: Vrouw Glossy / Brard's Twitter account
* Patty told Veronica Magazine that she refused to take part in some TV programs including "Killer Karaoke" (RTL 5's game show which features celebrities attempting to sing in front of a live studio audience whilst various attempts are made to disrupt their performances).
Source: Veronica Magazine, MediaCourant.nl, Media Nieuws....
* RTL 4 decided to rerun "Diva's Draaien Door" (a popular reality show which originally aired in 2011 and featured Patty Brard, Patricia Paay and Tatjana Simic). The repeat of the first episode drew 271.000 viewers (market share: 5.7%) on July 17th and the second episode attracted 307.000 viewers (market share: 6.2%) on July 24th. These viewing figures are not as good as the initial ratings. Two years ago, the program averaged 1 million viewers.
Moreover, Patricia Paay told Story magazine that Patty and her were working on a sitcom project. "I think we form a good couple. Patty is hysterical and I'm quiet. Patty wants a kind of sequel to the "Divas" but without Tatjana. We don't want to work with her anymore," La Paay said.
Source: RTL 4, Kijk Onderzoek, Story
* Nadja Hüpscher, famous for her role in NCRV/Nederland 1's series "Levenslied", told Mikro Gids that RTL 5's make-under show "Lust, Liefde of Laten Lopen" (hosted by Patty) was silly.
Hugh Jackman has spoken of his plans to take a break from acting.
The 44-year-old actor, who is currently promoting The Wolverine, told Australia's Kyle and Jackie O Show that he needs some time off following four major films in close succession. Jackman will also appear in X Men: Days of Future Past next year.
The exact length of his sabbatical was not revealed. "I'm taking a little while off. I don't know if I'm taking a year."
Hinting at a need to spend more time with his family, he added: "I'm being very greedy. There's a thing called being in the dog box, that's me.''
Speaking of his long standing role as X Men's clawed mutant, the actor said: "I'd be lying if I said I chose that role. At the time, I would have taken anything. It was my first job in America, but I happened to sort of find this character that is eternally fascinating to me."
The Wolverine opens in cinemas nationwide today (July 28, 2013).
Prince Harry has opened up about his nephew, Prince William and Kate Middleton's son, Prince George.
Speaking to reporters at a London charity event, the fourth in line to the throne said: "When I saw him he was crying his eyes out like all babies do I suppose, but it's fantastic to have another addition to the family.
"I only hope my brother knows how expensive my baby sitting charges are," he joked.
The 28-year-old royal also revealed that his brother is well suited to fatherhood after meeting his nephew for the first time on Wednesday.
Asked what role he will play in Prince George's childhood, he replied: "To make sure he has a good upbringing, to keep him out of harm's way and make sure he has fun. The rest of it I'll leave to the parents."
Harry's comments come after Kate and William relocated to the Middleton family home in Berkshire on Wednesday, after spending a night at their London bolthole in Kensington Palace.
Celebrities, Jesse Metcalfe and Cara Santana, caught out for a romantic date night. They both looked stunning and we really hope they had a great time!
The two actors, before their date they attented TNT's 25th Anniversary Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Recently Luv's signature song "You're the Greatest Lover" was ranked #233 on the "Foute Top 500" (a list of the 500 cheesiest pop songs compiled by Q-music radio station).
To see the complete list of the Foute Top 500, click here
The latest issue of Veronica magazine features an article about Patty Brard. The diva has had a hectic 2012-2013 TV season and is happy about her work on "Shownieuws".
Dutch Pop Star and TV personality Gerard Joling is a real friend to Patty Brard. He has always helped the diva in good and troubled times. Today's edition of De Telegraaf/Privé features an article about the two celebrities.
"Patty suffered so much during programs that I hosted. For example, in 2007 on "Sterren dansen op het ijs" (the celebrity ice skating competition on SBS 6) when she did the splits. Or her participation in "Sterren Springen" when she missed her dive. She's still in pain. It's terrible! That's why I offered her a role as my assistant in "Sinterklaas en de pepernoten chaos" (St. Nicholas movie)," Joling told.
Yesterday José Hoebee posted a message to her Facebook fans. Recently the singer spent one week with her friend Viola Holt in Euboea (Evvia), the second largest Greek island.
I've translated her text in English for the non-Dutch fans:
"Hi everybody!
I'm not comfortable with Facebook. Tim (José's son) still has to help me. But because I've had so many kind reactions, I want to respond. My holidays on Evvia (Greece) that I got through Viola and Prinos Reizen (a travel agency) were fantastic. I highly recommend this destination. Will's birthday was very hard for me but my dear Viool eased my pain. Now I'm back home. Fortunately the weather is fine and I'm happy to see Tim and Toontje (my dog) again. Luckily, I'm kept busy. My dear friends visit me. Yesterday it was the birthday of my 80-year-old Indonesian aunt. This evening I'm going to eat Satay at my neighbour's home and next weekend I'll go to Maastricht. It feels so good to be surrounded by nice people. Thanks for your support. Even if I don't react often, I read everything.
* Patty's latest column in Weekend magazine is about her Shownieuws colleague Bridget Maasland. To read it, click here
Source: Weekend
* The July issue of HP/De Tijd magazine features an interview with La Brard. The diva discusses several issues (her showbiz colleagues (Tatjana Simic, Beau van Erven Dorens and Matthijs van Nieuwkerk), her TV career (Sterren Springen)...
Source: HP/De Tijd
* The larger than life TV personality appeared on the late-night edition of "Shownieuws" (SBS 6) on July 4th (710.000 viewers/overall market share: 16.9%) and on July 5th (535.000 viewers/overall market share: 12.4%). Info: www.shownieuws.tv
Source: SBS / Stichting Kijk Onderzoek
Kees Tol & Patty Brard on Shownieuws
* Filming of Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) movie (featuring Gerard Joling and Miss Brard) started last weekend. The former Luv' singer plays the role of Joling's assistant (see news posted on June 20th 2013).
Source: Patty Brard's Facebook Page
Pat & Geer on the set of St Nicholas movie
* Patty and Dutch-Surinamese girl group "Mai Tai" will be performing live on the RozeMaandagExpress (Pink Monday Express), a party train from Amsterdam to Tilburg on July 22. This special event is part of Roze Maandag (the biggest gay festival in the Netherlands). For more information go to http://www.rozemaandag.nl/
* Recently Pat reacted on "Shownieuws" to the eviction of her friend Patricia Paay from RTL 4. "Patricia has been a member of the jury of "Holland's Got Talent" for years and she has done it very well. She did it on SBS 6 and then the show was transferred to RTL 4. She was the leading lady of the jury but I think it's sad when everything stops," Miss Brard said.
Source: PowNed/Shownieuws
* RTL 4 will rerun "Diva's Draaien Door" (the reality show starring Patty Brard, Patricia Paay and Tatjana Simic helping small-sized companies in decline). The first episode will be repeated on July 17th at 9.30 pm. The program first aired in September 2011 and was successful. It averaged 1 million viewers.
Jessie J will guest edit the GLAMOUR website today.
The pop star will be answering fans' questions via the GLAMOUR MAG's Twitter account www.twitter.com/glamourmaguk from 11am.
Got a question for her? Then tweet it to us @GlamourMagUK, remembering to use the hashtag #GLAMOURJessieJ and follow the interview live to find out if she answered.
But Jessie's work won't be over there: she'll be specially selecting the magazine's editorial content for Friday's edition of the website.
Fans can expect to see Jessie J's guest fashion and shopping edit, as well as exclusive beauty content.
The star will also reveal juicy new details about her forthcoming album in our entertainment interview, as well as revealing her summer playlist.
On Friday, we will also be giving away one of Jessie J's own, personal clutch bags signed by the star on Twitter.
So check back on www.twitter.com/glamourmaguk on Friday and follow the tag #GLAMOURJessieJ for your chance to win.
Yesterday's episode of BNN/Nederland 3's game show "Ranking the Stars" drew 653.000 viewers (overall market share: 10.4%). The program hosted by Paul de Leeuw featured Patty Brard and other celebrities. A moment of conviviality and humour. The diva revealed funny news which was covered by De Telegraaf: she would like to go to a "swinger club" with one of the participant of the show, Dutch writer and columnist Heleen van Royen. Moreover, La Brard told that "Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden" actor Ferry Doedens once gave her a french kiss.
Patty with her "Shownieuws" colleagues: Bridget Maasland and Leco van Zadelhoff
After a twenty-month hiatus, Patty Brard made her comeback on "Shownieuws" ("the" entertainment news program on SBS 6) in January. In the beginning of this year, the diva appeared sporadically on the TV show but now she participates more often. Last week, four broadcasts featured the ex-Luv' singer. Here are their viewing figures:
June 24th: 458.000 viewers / overall market share: 11.9%
June 26th: 461.000 viewers / overall market share: 10.9%
June 27th: 563.000 viewers / overall market share: 11.9%
June 28th: 518.000 viewers / overall market share: 10.7%
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