André Hazes

Andreas Gerardus Hazes (June 30, 1951 - September 23, 2004) was a Dutch singer. He was born in 1951 in the Pijp, a neigbourhood in Amsterdam. At the age of eight, he was discovered at the famous Albert Cuyp day market by Johnny Kraaykamp, a Dutch TV personality. His first big hit was Eenzame Kerst ("Lonely Christmas"). In 1979 he signed a contract with EMI, and soon after that his career started to take off. Een Vriend ("A Friend") and Een Beetje Verliefd ("A Little Bit In Love)" were both top ten hits of his. On september 23, 2004 André Hazes was struck by a cardiac arrest which resulted in his death. Four days later a ceremony was held in the Amsterdam Arena where ten thousands of fans paid respect to one of the most popular Dutch singers of the late 20th century. The next day his last single Zij Gelooft In Mij ("She believes in me") became number one in the Dutch charts.