Dutch music stars who deceased at age 57
Here are 12 famous musicians from Netherlands died at 57:
Jo Cals
Jo Cals (July 18, 1914 Roermond-December 30, 1971 The Hague) was a Dutch lawyer, politician, teacher, jurist and civil servant.
Cals served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from July 1965 until April 1966, during which time he implemented several major reforms, including the introduction of a minimum wage and the creation of a Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning. Prior to his role as Prime Minister, he was the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science and played a significant role in the construction of the Open University of the Netherlands, which aimed to provide higher education to people who were unable to attend traditional universities. Outside of politics, Cals was known for his passion for education and he served as a professor of law and administration at the University of Nijmegen. He was also a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Jo Cals faced major political turmoil when the Dutch government lost two major military campaigns in Indonesia and the Netherlands Antilles. Additionally, he faced criticism for his handling of the Dutch economy, which was facing inflation and slow growth. Despite these challenges, Cals was respected for his intellect, integrity, and commitment to social justice. After leaving politics, he returned to academia and focused on research in the field of civil law. He also published several books, including "Constitutional Law of the Netherlands" and "The Legal Position of the Union-Citizen." Today, Cals is remembered as a respected statesman and advocate for education and social progress. In his honor, the Jo Cals Plateau, a square in the city of Nijmegen, was named after him.
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Robert van Gulik
Robert van Gulik (August 9, 1910 Zutphen-September 24, 1967 The Hague) a.k.a. Robert Hans van Gulik, Robert Gulik or R. H. Van Gulik was a Dutch writer, novelist and diplomat.
He was most famous for his crime fiction novels that featured the fictional character Judge Dee, a respected magistrate and detective in ancient China. Van Gulik was well-versed in Chinese culture and language, having studied it extensively during his time in East Asia as a diplomat. He was also an accomplished calligrapher and artist, often incorporating his own artwork into his publications. Apart from the Judge Dee series, Van Gulik also wrote non-fiction works on East Asian history, art and music. In recognition of his contributions to East Asian studies, he was awarded an honorary professorship at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Van Gulik's legacy continues to live on through his writings, which remain popular among readers of detective and historical fiction.
In addition to his literary and cultural pursuits, Robert van Gulik also had a successful career as a diplomat, serving in various capacities for the Dutch government. He held a number of prominent roles during his career, including serving as the Dutch ambassador to Japan from 1958 to 1964. Van Gulik was known for his diplomatic skills and his commitment to improving relationships between the Netherlands and its international partners, particularly in East Asia. Despite his busy schedule as a diplomat, he remained dedicated to his writing, churning out a series of successful novels and non-fiction works over the course of his career. Van Gulik passed away in 1967 at the age of 57, but his contributions to Chinese cultural studies and detective fiction continue to be celebrated by readers and scholars around the world.
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Eduard van Beinum
Eduard van Beinum (September 3, 1901 Arnhem-April 13, 1959 Amsterdam) also known as Beinum, Eduard van was a Dutch conductor and teacher.
Discography: Original Masters: Eduard van Beinum, Best of Britten, The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, op. 34, Water Music & Music For The Royal Fireworks, Orchestral Music, Le martyre de Saint Sebastien and Other Orchestral Works, Spring Symphony / Four Sea Interludes / The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, , Dutch Masters, Volume 30 and Trois Nocturnes / La Mer / Images pour orchestre. Genres he performed: Classical music.
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Wim Gijsen
Wim Gijsen (August 20, 1933 Zwolle-October 30, 1990) was a Dutch writer.
He was known for his controversial and often provocative work, which included both fiction and non-fiction. Gijsen's most famous novel is perhaps "The Pope's Wedding," published in 1979, which explores issues of sexuality and Catholicism in a humorous and satirical way. Throughout his career, Gijsen wrote about a wide range of topics, including politics, religion, and philosophy. Despite being a polarizing figure in Dutch literature, Gijsen was widely regarded as one of the most important and influential writers of his generation, and his works continue to be studied and analyzed today.
Gijsen was born in Zwolle, but grew up in The Hague. After completing his education, he worked as a teacher for a brief period, before turning to writing full-time. He published his first novel, "De Lachende Hollander," in 1962, which received critical acclaim, and was followed by several others in the years that followed.
Gijsen also wrote extensively about his personal spiritual journey, which included time spent in monastic orders and a prolonged interest in Zen Buddhism. Despite his spiritual pursuits, he was critical of organized religion, particularly Catholicism, which he saw as a repressive force in Dutch society.
As a writer, Gijsen was known for his unconventional style, which often included elements of surrealism and absurdity. His work was also marked by a strong sense of social commentary, and he was not afraid to tackle taboo subjects such as sexuality and drug use. Despite the controversy that surrounded him, Gijsen remained committed to his craft, and continued to write until his death in 1990.
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Hans Kindler
Hans Kindler (January 8, 1892 Rotterdam-August 30, 1949) was a Dutch conductor.
He emigrated to the United States in 1914 and became the founder and conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. in 1931, leading it until his death. Kindler was known for his exceptional skill as a conductor, particularly in his interpretations of Beethoven's works. He also championed contemporary American composers, regularly performing their compositions with the National Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his conducting work, Kindler was a gifted cellist and played in various orchestras throughout his career. He was highly respected within the music community and continues to be recognized for his contributions to classical music in America.
Kindler also made significant contributions to music education, advocating for the incorporation of music in public schools and founding the Washington Conservatory of Music. He was committed to bringing music to underprivileged audiences and organized free outdoor concerts in Washington, D.C. During World War II, Kindler conducted benefit concerts to support the war effort and performed for troops both at home and abroad. Kindler died in 1949 while on tour in Turkey with the National Symphony Orchestra. He was widely mourned and remembered for his passion, dedication, and excellence in music. Today, the National Symphony Orchestra continues to be a prominent institution in the Washington, D.C. area and one of the leading orchestras in the United States.
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Dominicus Arumaeus
Dominicus Arumaeus (April 5, 1579 Leeuwarden-February 24, 1637 Jena) was a Dutch lawyer.
He is most notably remembered as being the founder of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jena in Germany. After completing his studies in Leiden and Orleans, Arumaeus worked as an advocate in Groningen before being appointed as a professor of law at the University of Franeker in 1615.
In 1623, he went on to found the Faculty of Law at the University of Jena, bringing together experts and scholars from across Europe to create an institution that would become known for its excellence in legal studies. Arumaeus was also known as an author, having written several works on legal topics, including "De Jure Vetustatis" and "De Arbitrii Jurisprudentia".
Throughout his career, he remained dedicated to his Christian faith and wrote extensively on religious and spiritual matters. Despite facing several challenges and obstacles throughout his life, Arumaeus is remembered as one of the most influential legal scholars of his time, and his contributions to the field of law continue to be studied and celebrated today.
Arumaeus was also known for his strong belief in the importance of education and was highly invested in the academic community. He served as the rector of the University of Jena in 1626 and was heavily involved in the establishment of the university's library, which would eventually become one of the largest in Europe. Arumaeus is also remembered for his efforts to promote tolerance and understanding among different religious groups, an unusual stance during a time marked by religious conflicts and warfare. In addition to his work as a lawyer and educator, Arumaeus was an accomplished linguist and was fluent in several languages, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and German. His intellectual curiosity and passion for knowledge continue to inspire scholars and thinkers today.
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Max Westerkamp
Max Westerkamp (October 8, 1912-May 6, 1970) was a Dutch personality.
He was a versatile personality who made significant contributions to different fields of work in his lifetime. Max Westerkamp was a well-known actor, playwright, and singer. He started his career in the entertainment industry in the 1930s and appeared in several Dutch plays and movies.
Apart from his acting career, Max Westerkamp was also a successful writer and playwright, and he authored several plays, songs, and poems throughout his career. His work has left a lasting impact on the Dutch cultural scene.
In addition to his work in the arts, Max Westerkamp was also known for his political activism. He was a member of the socialist party and advocated for social justice and equality. In 1966, he was appointed as a member of the Amsterdam City Council, where he worked towards the betterment of his community until his death in 1970.
Despite his untimely death at the age of 57, Max Westerkamp's contributions to Dutch arts, politics, and society continue to be treasured and remembered to this day.
Max Westerkamp was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 1912. He came from a working-class family and grew up during a time of great social and political upheaval in Europe. Despite facing economic challenges, Westerkamp showed an early interest in the arts and began performing in local theater productions as a teenager.
In the 1930s, Westerkamp began his professional career in the entertainment industry, working as a stage actor and singer. He quickly gained a following for his witty and irreverent performances, and he soon became a well-known figure in Dutch theater and music circles.
In addition to his work as a performer, Westerkamp was also an accomplished writer and playwright. He wrote several plays, songs, and poems throughout his career, many of which reflected his progressive political beliefs and his commitment to social justice.
Despite his success in the arts, Westerkamp was deeply involved in politics and believed in the power of activism to effect change. He joined the socialist party early in his career, and throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to promote progressive causes and challenge the status quo.
In 1966, Westerkamp's political efforts were recognized when he was appointed to the Amsterdam City Council. He used his position to advocate for better living conditions for the city's residents, particularly those in low-income neighborhoods. He also worked to promote cultural diversity and to celebrate the city's rich cultural heritage.
Max Westerkamp passed away in 1970 at the age of 57, but his legacy continues to resonate in the Netherlands and beyond. His contributions to Dutch arts, politics, and society have made him a beloved figure in Dutch history, and his work continues to inspire new generations of artists, activists, and social justice advocates.
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Henk van Woerden
Henk van Woerden (December 6, 1947 Leiden-November 16, 2005) was a Dutch writer.
He was both a visual artist and a writer, and his works often explored themes of identity, race, and culture. As a child, van Woerden spent a portion of his childhood in South Africa, an experience that would later influence much of his work. He studied art in Amsterdam and later moved to South Africa, where he became involved in the anti-apartheid movement.
Van Woerden's novels often centered on characters who were struggling with questions of identity and belonging. His best-known book, "A Mouthful of Glass," explored the life of a mixed-race woman in South Africa who was attempting to navigate the complicated racial landscape of the country. Van Woerden also wrote several books about his own family history, including "Beloved Stranger," which chronicled his search for information about his father, who had been a member of the Dutch SS during World War II.
Throughout his career, van Woerden also exhibited his artwork in galleries around the world. His work often drew on his experiences in both Europe and Africa, and he frequently explored themes of cultural hybridity and transformation. Van Woerden died in 2005 at the age of 57.
In addition to his literary works and visual art, Henk van Woerden also worked as a filmmaker. He directed several documentaries, including "The Shoe," which examined the life of an Iranian refugee living in Amsterdam. He was also involved in theater, collaborating on productions with a variety of companies in South Africa and the Netherlands. Van Woerden's work and life were celebrated in the documentary "The Human Race," which was released after his death. The film chronicled his experiences growing up in South Africa, his involvement in anti-apartheid activism, and his artistic pursuits. Van Woerden's legacy continues to be felt in the cultural world, where his art and writing continue to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world.
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Willem de Vlamingh
Willem de Vlamingh (November 28, 1640 Vlieland-April 5, 1698) was a Dutch personality.
He was a sea-captain and explorer who sailed on several expeditions to Western Australia. In 1696, he was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company to explore the western coast of Australia and search for survivors of a previous Dutch shipwreck. De Vlamingh discovered the Swan River and Rottnest Island, and renamed the latter due to its abundance of quokkas, which he called "rats". He also left a commemorative plate at Dirk Hartog Island to mark the first recorded European landing on the west coast of Australia. His logs and journals of his expeditions provide valuable information on the geography, flora, and fauna of the area during the 17th century.
De Vlamingh was born in the Frisian island of Vlieland, which was a part of the Dutch Republic. He grew up in a seafaring family and went on his first sailing expedition at the age of 16. He later worked for the Dutch East India Company and sailed to various parts of the world, including the East Indies, Batavia (present-day Jakarta), and the Cape of Good Hope.
De Vlamingh is also known for his contributions to the study of aboriginal culture in Western Australia. He encountered the indigenous Noongar people during his expeditions and documented their way of life, language, and customs. He also exchanged gifts with the Noongar and established friendly relations with them.
After his explorations in Western Australia, De Vlamingh returned to the Netherlands and became a wealthy man. He was appointed as a director of the Dutch East India Company and served in various administrative positions. Today, he is regarded as an important figure in Dutch colonial history and is remembered for his explorations of the western coast of Australia.
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Dirk Schäfer
Dirk Schäfer (November 25, 1873 Rotterdam-February 16, 1931 Amsterdam) was a Dutch film director and film score composer.
He started his career in the early 1900s as a theater musician and composer, and eventually moved on to film composition. He composed scores for over 100 films during his career, including the Dutch silent film "De Gevloekte Jacht" (The Cursed Hunt) in 1913. Schäfer later transitioned into directing films, and directed several successful Dutch silent films such as "Op hoop van zegen" (1934) and "De Jantjes" (1930). He was a prominent figure in the Dutch film industry during his time and is considered one of the pioneers of Dutch cinema.
Schäfer was also known for his innovative use of camera techniques and storytelling methods in his films. He often collaborated with his wife, actress Annie Bos, who starred in many of his films. In addition to his work in the film industry, Schäfer was also a member of the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences, and taught at the Amsterdamse Toneelschool, a prestigious acting school in Amsterdam. Despite his success, Schäfer's career was cut short by his sudden death in 1931 at the age of 57. His legacy still lives on in the Dutch film industry, as he helped pave the way for future filmmakers and composers in the country.
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Pieter Nuyts
Pieter Nuyts (April 5, 1598 Middelburg-December 11, 1655 Dutch Republic) was a Dutch personality. He had one child, Pieter Nuyts.
Pieter Nuyts was a merchant, explorer, and diplomat who played an important role in Dutch trade and exploration in Southeast Asia. He was appointed as the Governor of Dutch Cape Colony in 1636-1637, where he tried to extend the Dutch influence over the Khoikhoi people. Nuyts later served as the governor of Formosa in 1627-1629, where he was involved in clashes with the Spanish and Portuguese.
After returning to the Netherlands, Nuyts served as the ambassador to Japan in 1647-48. He also wrote several accounts of his travels and explorations, including "An embassy from the East-India Company of the United Provinces, to the Grand Tartar Cham Emperor of China" and "Oost ende West-Indische Spiegel." Nuyts played a significant role in Dutch colonial expansion in Southeast Asia, and his writings provided valuable insights into the culture and politics of the region.
Nuyts' early career was as a merchant, trading in Southeast Asia under the Dutch East India Company. He was appointed the Governor of the Dutch East India Company's stronghold at Fort Zeelandia, in present-day Tainan of Taiwan, where he engaged in conflicts with the Spanish and Portuguese who tried to establish their presence there.
During his time in Japan as the ambassador, Nuyts negotiated a trade agreement with the Japanese government, which allowed the Dutch to maintain a trading post in the port of Nagasaki. He also introduced Japanese porcelain to Europe and other parts of the world.
Nuyts' writings were highly regarded by his contemporaries and continue to be studied by scholars today. His book, "An embassy from the East-India Company of the United Provinces, to the Grand Tartar Cham Emperor of China," is considered an important historical account of the Dutch East India Company's interactions with China.
His legacy also included the establishment of trade relations between the Dutch East India Company and Tanjore in India, which helped to expand the company's influence in the region. Overall, Pieter Nuyts played a significant role in the expansion of Dutch trade and colonialism in Southeast Asia and beyond.
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Henk Bosveld
Henk Bosveld (July 10, 1941-August 6, 1998) was a Dutch personality.
Henk Bosveld was primarily known for his work as a television and radio presenter, as well as a writer. He hosted several popular TV shows, including "De Stoel," "Zeskamp," and "Ren je Rot." Bosveld also worked as a radio host for Radio Veronica, Radio 10 Gold, and Omroep Max.
Aside from his work in the entertainment industry, Bosveld was also an accomplished author. His most well-known book, "Alles is Zoals het Hier Scheen," was published in 1980 and was a collection of comedy sketches and observations about life in the Netherlands.
Bosveld was widely regarded as a beloved figure in the Netherlands, known for his humor and charm. His sudden death at the age of 57 came as a shock to many of his fans and colleagues.
Despite his untimely death, Henk Bosveld's legacy continues to this day. The Henk Bosveld Talent Foundation was established in his honor, providing financial support to young Dutch artists and performers. In 2001, a statue of Bosveld was unveiled in his hometown of Arnhem, paying tribute to his contributions to Dutch entertainment. Additionally, many of his TV shows have been rerun in the years since his passing, introducing a new generation to his unique brand of humor. To this day, Henk Bosveld is remembered as one of the most beloved personalities in Dutch television and radio history.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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