LUV'

Luv' is a girl group which was one of the most successful Dutch pop acts in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During its heyday (between 1977 and 1981), it scored a string of hit records in a large part of Continental Europe (Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Poland) and also South Africa and Mexico. In 1979, Luv' was Holland's best export act and received the Conamus Export Prize^[1].

Contents

Biography

Luv's creation

The Golden Years (1977-1981)

Luv's comebacks

Luv' music videos on Youtube and Dailymotion

Albums

Charts sources

Luv's awards and gold/platinum certifications

Luv' and the girls bands mania

Behind the curtain: Luv's business

Patty Vs José

Discography

References

External links

Biography

Luv's creation

In 1976, two famous Dutch music producers, Hans Van Hemert and Piet Souer, and a manager Han Meijer, twenty years before the Spice Girls phenomenon, decided to form a girl group, inspired by the German disco trio Silver Convention. They had already recorded the music of a self penned composition ''My Man'' and were looking for singers. They recruited three lovely girls:
- the sweet José Hoebee, born on March 29. 1954 in Best (a village in the south of the Netherlands). She started her career as a professional singer in the early 1970’s as a member of a folk & country band, ''Young Tradition'', formed with her two sisters. This formation took part in casting shows, changed its name into ''Elongi'' and recorded a single produced by Piet Souer who suggested José to join Luv'.
- the gorgeous Marga Scheide, who was a blonde haired and blue eyed model born on February 15. 1954 in Amsterdam.
- the exotic Patty Brard, from Sorong in New Guinea, born on March 25. 1955, who first applied for a job as a secretary by Hans Van Hemert who offered her something that couldn’t be refused: a career in the show business.

The Golden Years (1977-1981)

After the singles "My Man" (#12 in Holland and a Belgian Top 10 hit) and "Dream Dream" (a flop) were issued in 1977, Van Hemert was asked by VPRO (a Dutch TV channel) to write a theme for a programm: "Waldolala". With the help from Souer, he composed ''U.O.Me (Welcome To Waldolala)'' which was recorded by the girls. Moreover, Luv' appeared in this TV show. It became an instant hit in the Netherlands and Belgium (#3 in both countries).

The ''You're The Greatest Lover'' single was their international breakthrough in 1978 and one million unit of this record were sold. Luv' conquered the music charts in Germany, in Austria, in Switerzland, in Denmark, in Poland, in South Africa and in Mexico. The next singles (''Trojan Horse'' (a million seller), ''Casanova'', ''Ooh, Yes I Do''...) were successful. Their albums were big selling records (especially ''With Luv'' and ''Lots of Luv'').

At a time when export divisions were not as developed as they were later in record companies, Luv' was Holland's best export act. They received the prestigious Export award in 1979 (2,5 million records sold this year) from Conamus, a foundation dedicated to the promotion and support of Dutch music abroad.

They were especially appreciated in Germany (their "biggest" market) where they were often invited in two popular TV programms: ''Disco'' and ''Musikladen'' (other celebrities such as ABBA, Amanda Lear, Boney M, Wham, Village People, The Jacksons, Sister Sledge, Chic or Blondie also sang in these shows).
''You're The Greatest Lover'' ( which reached the gold status in Germany because 600 000 copies were sold in this country) was also used for the soundtrack of an episode of the Derrick series. Two decades later, a dance music oriented cover version of this track by Loona renamed ''Latino Lover'' was a hit single in German speaking countries (#6 in Germany, #9 in Austria and #6 in Switerzland in 2000).

Some tracks were even recorded in Spanish. Eres Mi Mejor Amante (a.k.a "You're the Greatest Lover") was a minor hit in Spain and "Si, Que Si" (a.k.a "Ooh Yes I do") was a #1 single in Mexico where it reached the gold status.

In 1979, the three pop princesses, their producers and their new manager (Han Meijer was replaced by Pim Ter Linde) changed their strategy for better opportunities. They founded a limited company,"Interluv'/Luv' BV" , to improve their career. They chose a new publisher and a new record company (after a deal with Philips/Phonogram, they signed a one million Dutch Gulden contract with Carrere, a French label).

After the ''One More Little Kissy'' single was released during the summer of 1980, Patty Brard (famous for her outrageous behaviour) suddenly left the band. One year before, she married Ron Brandsteder, a Dutch TV host. This marriage was a tragedy and Patty forgot Ron when she met Carlo Nasi, an Italian business man who worked for the Fiat car
company. She followed her new lover to Los Angeles. She was immediately replaced by a model and limbo dancer from the "Ricardo and The Flames" revue, Ria Thielsch born on August 25. 1951 in Manokwari, New Guinea. Ria was officially introduced to the public when the ''My Number One'' single and the ''Forever Yours'' album were released in the fall of 1980. These records sold well but a few months later, in March 1981, the girls and their producers decided to split up when they were expected to sing at a UNICEF gala in Greece and to conquer Japan, Soviet Union and Australia. Then a compilation album (''Good-Bye Luv') and a single (''Tingalingaling'') were released.).

Luv' sold from 1977 to 1981 seven million records (singles and albums).

Luv's comebacks

In 1988, the original line-up was reunited for a Dutch TV charity show. The public was so enthusiastic that Luv' planned to record a come back album. Even, the British hit factory Stock, Aitken & Waterman (famous for the songs they composed for Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, Dead or Alive, Sonya, Jason Donovan, Big Fun, Samantha Fox, Lonnie Gordon, Mel & Kim, Bananarama and Donna Summer) were said to produce this opus. Unfortunately, it never happened.

Then, José and Patty didn't want to belong to the band anymore.

Marga seemed to be the only one to carry on. That's why, with two other singers, Diana van Berlo and Michelle Gold, she recorded as Luv' a single (Welcome To My Party) which reached the 22th position in the Dutch charts in the autumn of 1989. It was the only minor hit of the "new" Luv'. Moreover, the trio was involved with other Dutch girls bands (Frizzle Sizzle, Mai Tai...) in the ''All Stars'' project to help Third World children with the ''Star Maker'' single.
In 1990, Michelle Gold was replaced by another vocalist, Carina Lemoine. During the first Gulf War, Luv' performed in Dubai to support the Dutch troops. The group splitted up in 1992.

Because of the 70's revival due to the success of ABBA and Boney M compilations, the original Luv' girls got together and an anthology CD (''Luv' Gold'') that was released in 1993 topped the Dutch album charts (peak position:#14).
The ladies really took advantage of the disco nostalgia and went on tour in Holland, Belgium, Germany and Denmark.
Then, what turned out to be their last album (All You Need Luv') was issued but it was far from being a hit. Later, the divas broke up again.

In 2003, to celebrate Luv's 25th anniversary, a double CD compilation (''25 Jaar Na Waldolala'') was released by Universal Music Netherlands. This Greatest Hits album contains interesting bonus tracks: Spanish versions of four hit singles but also José and Marga's solo recordings.

In 2005, the divas made a surprise showcase at the 40 year business anniversary of Hans van Hemert. One year later, Luv' had a busy schedule: a docusoap (''Back In Luv'') about their comeback was broadcast on RTL 5 (a Dutch TV channel) and VTM (a Flemish channel), a DVD (also titled ''Back In Luv'') and a 4 CD Box (''Completely in Luv'' with bonus tracks and remixes) came out. On May 26, 27 and 28, Luv' and Bobby Farrel (of Boney M) were the guest stars during three big shows of the "Toppers"
(a group with three popular singers in the Netherlands: Gerard Joling, René Froger and Gordon) in the Amsterdam ArenA. ^[2]
Patty, Marga and José performed in TV shows, discos, private parties and festivals until 2007.

Luv' music videos on Youtube and Dailymotion

★ Luv's ''Hitmedley'' live from the Amsterdam ArenA (during the concert of the Toppers; broadcast on Talpa/Tien (a Dutch TV channel) in 2006):
([2] on Youtube)


★ a Luv' medley made by a fan:
([3] on Youtube)


★ Luv' performing ''You're The Greatest Lover'' in a German TV show ''Disco'' (1978):
([4] on dailymotion)


★ ''Who Do You Wanna Be'' in the ''All You Need Is Luv'' TV special on TROS (1978):
([5] on Youtube)


★ ''Trojan Horse'' from the ''All You Need Is Luv'' TV special on TROS (1978):
([6] on Youtube)


★ ''Trojan Horse'' in the ''Showbizzquiz'' on TROS (1978):
([7] on Youtube)


★ ''Trojan Horse'' in the ''Disco'' TV show in Germany (1978):
([8] on Youtube)


★ ''I.M.U.R'' from the ''Lots Of Luv' TV special on TROS (1979):
([9] on Youtube)


★ ''Eeny Meeny Miny Moe'' from ''Musikladen'', German TV show (1979):
([10] on Youtube)


★ ''Ooh, Yes I Do'' from ''Musikladen'', German TV show (1979):
([11] on dailymotion)

★ ''Getaway'' from the ''This Is True Luv' TV special on NCRV (1980):
([12] on Youtube)
==Luv' in the record charts==

''Singles''

(peak position in the singles charts) :

★ ''My Man'' (1977) : N°12 in the Netherlands, N°10 in Belgium.

★ ''U.O.Me'' (1978) : N°3 in the Netherlands and in Belgium.

★ ''You're The Greatest Lover'' (1978) : N°1 in the Netherlands, in Belgium, in Germany, in Switerzland and Denmark, N°2 in Austria et N°15 in South Africa.

★ ''Trojan Horse'' (1978) : N°1 in the Netherlands, in Belgium, in Denmark and Poland, N°2 in Austria and Switzerland, N°3 in Germany et N°17 in South Africa.

★ ''Casanova'' (1979) : N°2 in Austria, N°3 in Denmark, N°4 in Switerzland and Belgium, N°6 in the Netherland and Germany.

★ ''Eeny Meeny Miny Moe'' (1979) : N°10 in Belgium, N°11 in the Netherlands, N°14 in Denmark, N°28 in Switzerland and N°36 in Germany.

★ ''Ooh, Yes I Do'' (1979) : N°1 in Mexico, N°2 in Denmark, N°5 in the Netherlands, N°7 in Belgium and N°27 in Germany.

★ ''Ann-Maria'' (1980) : N°11 in the Netherlands, N°13 in Denmark, N°14 in Belgium and N°37 in Germany.

★ ''One More Little Kissy'' (1980) : N°9 in the Netherlands, N°15 in Belgium, N°17 in Denmark and N°75 in Germany.

★ ''My Number One'' (1980) : N°5 in the Netherlands, N°7 in Belgium and N°60 in Germany.

★ ''Tingalingaling'' (1981) : N°29 in the Netherlands.

★ ''Welcome To My Party'' (1989) : N°22 in the Netherlands.

★ ''Megamix'93'' (1993) : N°23 in the Netherlands.

Albums

(peak position in the album charts) :

★ ''With Luv' (1978) : N°6 in the Netherlands, N°50 in Germany and N°15 in Austria.

★ ''Lots Of Luv' (1979) : N°7 in the Netherlands, N°39 in Germany and N°13 in Austria.

★ ''True Luv' (1979) : N°13 in the Netherlands.

★ ''Forever Yours'' (1980) : N°13 in the Netherlands.

★ ''Luv' Gold'' (1993) : N°13 in the Netherlands.

★ ''Completely In Luv' (2006) : N°95 in the Netherlands.

Charts sources

★ Dutch charts : Dutch Top 40/Stichting Nederlandse Top 40, Mega Charts/Megacharts/Media Control & Gfk International

★ Belgian charts : BRT

★ German charts : Musikmarkt/Media Control

★ Swiss charts : Swisscharts.com

★ Austrian charts : Austriancharts.com

★ Danish charts : BT Hitlisten

★ South African charts : www.rock.co.za

Luv's awards and gold/platinum certifications

★ 'Netherlands':

★
★ 1978: ''U.O.ME'', ''You're The Greatest Lover'' et ''Trojan Horse'' : Gold and platinum singles ^[3]

★
★ 1978: 'Veronica Top 40 Awards' for reaching the number one position in the Top 40 with the singles ''You're The Greatest Lover'' and ''Trojan Horse''

★
★ 1979: ''With Luv’'' et ''Lots Of Luv’'' : Gold and platinum albums


★
★ 1979: 'Conamus Export Prize' for being the best Dutch Export music act and selling 2,5 million records (singles + albums) in one year.

★
★ 1980: ''True Luv´'' et ''Forever Yours'' : Gold albums

★ 'Belgium':

★
★ 1979: ''You’re the Greatest Lover'' and ''Trojan Horse'': Gold and platinum singles ^[4]

★ 'Germany':

★
★ 1979: ''You're The Greatest Lover'' : Gold single (600 000 units sold)^[5]

★ 'Austria':

★
★ 1979: ''You’re The Greatest Lover'': Gold single ^[6]

★ 'Mexico':

★
★ 1980: ''Si Que Si'' (Spanish version of ''Ooh Yes I Do''): Gold disc

Luv' and the girls bands mania

In the late 1970's and early 1980's, some Dutch producers decided to follow Luv's example and formed girls bands.
Richard Dubois and Peter van Asten created the Dolly Dots. The girls were not only popular in Belgium and the Netherlands but also in Japan and Turkey. They even played in a TV series. In 2004, a musical, based on their songs, was presented to the public. On May 25, 26 and 27th, they made three big reunion shows in the Ahoy concert hall in Rotterdam.

Peter Koelewijn launched Babe. This trio was often compared to Luv'. They scored hits (even none of them reached the Top 10). Their success was limited to the Dutch and Belgian markets.

Mai Tai, whose members come from the Dutch West Indies, achieved something the other girls groups never reached: some of their singles topped the UK and the US charts.

The other successful female acts were Doris D. & The Pins (formed by one of Luv' s fathers, Piet Souer and Martin Duiser), Risqué, Frizzle Sizzle, Snoopy, The Star Sisters, Centerfold and Maywood.

Behind the curtain: Luv's business

The fact that a pop act like Luv' conquered the charts in a dozen of countries may be described as a lucky situation.
Actually, behind the curtain, Luv’s producer (Van Hemert & Souer) and managers (Meijer & Ter Linde), planned an effective strategy to become Holland’s biggest hit machine between 1978 and 1981.

They were inspired by ABBA’s example which created their own company which signed deals with different record companies in every territory. That’s how they could control the distribution of their records to plan their strategy in every country.

In Continental European countries, Luv’ had a contract with Phonogram (part of PolyGram, the music division of Philips at this time) from 1977 to 1979.

Afterwards, the band signed a million Dutch florin record deal with Carrere Records, a French label, which distributed their discs between 1979 and 1981.

Meanwhile, Luv’ had a deal with Privat Stock in the UK and with WEA for the Japanese market. However, the group didn’t have any hit singles in these countries.

As they changed their label, the girls also changed their publishing company (which controlled the copyright of their songs). Their first publisher was Banananas Music during their Phonogram years and their second one was Roba Musik Verlag during their Carrere periode.

With this complicated strategy, Luv’ s records were also issued in exotic countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Ecuador, Argentina, Zimbabwe, China, South Africa and Mexico.

In 1979, the three singers, their producers and their manager founded a limited company (Interluv’/Luv’ B.V) to control every aspect of their career.

After Patty Brard had left the band in August 1980, she sued Luv' BV to get 400000 Dutch florins and she won the lawsuit..

In 1981, the beautiful saga of Luv' ended. Holland's sweethearts were rewarded by good sales (more than 7 million records sold, which is excellent for a band from a small country like the Netherlands) and an Export Prize (for being Holland’s best export act in 1979).

During the 80’s, they were trials between the artists, the producers and the record company about amounts of money that were forgotten to be paid to José, Marga and Patty. It lasted years to find a compromise.

When Marga decided to form a new Luv’ band with two new members and without the original producers, she signed a deal with High Fashion Records/Dureco to release a mini-album ( ''For You'' which included the minor hit, ''Welcome To My Party'') and later another contract with RCA/BMG for the ''Sincerely Yours'' album.

In 1993, when the original line-up was reunited, the Dutch pop princesses had a new deal with Arcade Records for the release of the ''Luv’ Gold'' compilation which topped the album charts in Holland.

Then, they recorded their last studio album (''All You Need Is Luv''), issued by an independent label (Roman Disc) and only available in Kruidvat, a Dutch chain of dugstores.

Nowadays, Luv’s back catalogue belongs to the Hans Van Hemert Productions and Universal Music Netherlands which released compilations (the most interesting are ''25 Jaar Na Waldolala'' and ''Completely In Luv'').

Patty Vs José

The Dutch gossips shed light on the long battle between Patty Brard and José Hoebee. This conflict ended in the Spring of 2005.

The story started during the Luv's golden years (1977-1981). Because José was often chosen to sing the lead vocals, Patty became jealous.

Patty and José can be bad tempered. Marga is "neutral" and has always tried to make things better between her colleagues.

In 1996, in an interview about the craze of girls bands like the Spice Girls, when she was asked why she had left Luv' in 1980, Patty answered: "because José has stolen my vocal parts". Then she started an anti-José campaign, which was easy for her because she was often exposed in the media. Every opportunity was good to criticise José. Because of her many connections in the show business, she influenced some humorists, columnists or TV anchors to intensify her criticism. That's how, Robert Jensen, a famous "Patty friendly" tv-radio host, often made fun of José to ridicule her. He became her biggest enemy and she hated him more than Patty.

The controversy grew up. It took years for José to express her point of view about her relationship with Patty. In November 2003, she started to write a column on internet to answer to all the attacks she and her family were suffering from. Patty and Jenssen continued to laugh at José. La Brard told the journalists that she didn't take this story too seriously and that " this was just show biz' ". José didn't agree with it, considering that Patty had gone too far and that her words had cut like a knife. This "war" also affected the fans because Patty exercised a veto against the release of a Luv' DVD.

In November 2004, a secret meeting between the Luv' girls and Hans Van Hemert was organized by René Moonen, the founder of the Luv' fanclub. The ladies could explain themselves and things got better.

However, a few days later, Patty was invited in Jenssen's TV show and again mocked at José, as if she had forgotten the promise she made to stop her attacks. The fight went on.

But in April 2005, the girls found a compromise. José forgave Patty. This "peace process" was shown in Pat's Life (Brard's TV programme). Luv' was reunited to perform at Van Hemert's 60th birthday.

Discography

References

1. [1] - List of the Conamus Export Prize winners; Conamus (currently: Buma Cultuur) is an organisation which promotes Dutch music artists abroad. Every year, since 1972, this foundation has presented an "Export Prize" to reward the best selling Export acts from the Netherlands.
2. Popinstituut Biography René Froger. (Dutch) Accessed: October 8, 2006
3. Gold and platinum awards given by the Dutch recording industry association
4. gold and platinum certifications are given by the Belgian recording industry association (IFPI Belgium)
5. Gold certifications given by the German recording industry association (IFPI Deutschland)
6. Gold certifications given by the Austrian recording industry association (IFPI Austria)

External links

★ [13] - Luv's fanclub official site (in Dutch)

★ [14] - page about Luv' on the Dutch subsidiary of Universal Music

★ [15] - A fan blog written in English and French

★ [16] - Page about Luv' on the Dutch Rock And Pop Institute website (in Dutch)

★ [17] - infos about Luv's career on the Dutch Rock and Pop Institute website (in English)

★ [18] - Website about the Dutch girls groups in the 1970's and the 1980's (in Dutch)