Obituaries

🇸🇪 RIP Lars Berghagen

Today the sad news came to us that Lars Berghagen passed away. Berghagen represented Sweden in the 1975 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Jennie Jennie”. Lars “Lasse” Nils Berghagen was born on May 13, 1945, in Enskede, Stockholm, Sweden. From a young age, he showed an inclination towards music and started his journey in the Swedish entertainment scene in the 1960s. Berghagen is known for his melodic and sometimes folk-influenced music. Over the years, he has released numerous albums and singles. Some of his most famous songs include “En kväll i juni”, “Sträck ut din hand”, and “Teddybjörnen Fredriksson”, which has become a beloved children’s song in Sweden. In 1969, he wrote one of the winning songs in Melodifestivalen, “Hej Clown!”. Unfortunately, singer Jan Malmsjö ended up in 2nd place after a revote. In 1973 (“Ding Dong”) and 1974 (“Min kärlekssång til dig”) he took part in Melodifestivalen as a singer. In 1975, Berghagen represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Jennie, Jennie”. Although he did not win, the experience added to his prominence in the European music scene. Beyond his music career, Berghagen is also recognized for his work on television. He hosted the popular Swedish television show “Allsång på Skansen” from 1994 to 2003. The show, which features sing-along segments with the audience, has been a staple of Swedish television for many years. He has also acted in several films and stage productions, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. Lars Berghagen has been married several times, and his family has also been involved in the entertainment industry. His daughter, Malin Berghagen, is a well-known actress and yoga instructor in Sweden.

🇮🇹 In memoriam: Toto Cutugno

1990 Eurovision winner Toto Cutugno passed away. He died in the San Raffaele hospital in Milan Tuesday afternoon. That is what news agency ANSA announced today. Early Life and Beginnings: Born on July 7, 1943, in Fosdinovo, Tuscany, Salvatore “Toto” Cutugno began his foray into music at a young age. His innate musical talent was evident early on, paving the way for a career that would span decades. Career Highlights: 1970s: Toto started his music career as a drummer, but soon transitioned to singing. He became a familiar figure in the European music scene, especially after forming the band Albatros. They were known for hits such as “Volo AZ 504” and “Africa.” 1980s: This decade marked the pinnacle of Cutugno’s career. He wrote, composed, and performed songs that would become iconic. In 1983, his collaboration with Adriano Celentano on the track “L’italiano” became a major hit, turning Toto into a household name in Italy and beyond. His pinnacle came in 1990 when he won the Eurovision Song Contest representing Italy with the song “Insieme: 1992.” The song, reflecting on European unity, struck a chord during a time when the continent was undergoing significant political and social changes. 1990s and Beyond: In 1991 Toto Cutugno hosted the Eurovision Song Contest along with Gigliola Cinquetti. Toto continued producing music and collaborating with other artists. While he may not have reached the commercial peaks of the 80s, he remained an influential figure in Italian pop music. Over the years, he released multiple albums and continued to tour. Toto Cutugno passed away after a prolonged illness. He was 80 years old.

🇧🇪 Luc Smets (Dream Express) passed away

Today, the sad news came to us that Luc Smets, member of the group Dream Express, passed away. Luc Smets was born in Steendorp, Belgium, in 1947. When he was 19, he joined the band The Pebbles. He played the keyboard in the band. They had a couple of hits in Belgium, of which “Seven horses in the sky” and “Mackintosh” were the biggest. However, Smets had to leave the band. He started a new band, Shampoo. They started working with the Hearts Of Soul, a Dutch group. In the end, Luc joined the girls of the Hearts Of Soul, and together they started a new group: Dream Express. In 1977 they won the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “A million in 1, 2, 3”. Despite being among the favourites, the four reached a 7th place. In 1981, one of the girls left the group, the others continued under the name LBS. Smets also co-wrote the 1982 Eurovision song “Si tu aimes ma musique” for Stella. He also wrote numerous songs for Belgian national finals. Subsequently, Luc made significant contributions to the music industry as a composer, arranger, and producer. His talents graced children’s TV shows. In late 2002, he joined forces with some familiar faces, including Marcel De Cauwer, a former member of the Pebbles, to create the cover band “No Joke.” Luc was the go-to arranger and leader for the Strato-Vani orchestra, renowned for their fresh renditions of classic and popular tunes. Tragically, after battling an illness, Luc departed on August 20, 2023, at 76 years old.

🇬🇧 R.I.P. Patricia Bredin

The first ever British Eurovision participant, Patricia Bredin, passed away last Sunday 13 August. Patricia Bredin was an English actress, born in Hull, England. She represented the United Kingdom in the 1957 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “All”. ranking seventh out of ten contestants with her song “All”, marking the debut of the English language in the Eurovision arena. Remarkably, at a duration of 1:52, “All” stood as the briefest performance in Eurovision’s annals for many years. However, this record was surpassed in 2015 by Finland’s Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät with “Aina mun pitää”, clocking in at just 1:27. Some highlights of her career: In 1957, Bredin portrayed Molly, the island damsel, in the inaugural cast of the musical, Free as Air. 1959 saw her in a starring role in the British comedic film, Left Right and Centre, alongside Ian Carmichael, earning her a position among the year’s most promising British stars, as voted by British exhibitors. She stood in the esteemed company of personalities like Peter Sellers and Hayley Mills. As the calendar rolled over to Boxing Day in 1959, she made her mark on BBC TV’s acclaimed variety series, The Good Old Days. This performance was later showcased again in 2016 on BBC4, as part of the BBC’s tribute to the show. 1960 brought with it leading roles for Bredin, one in the adventurous period film, The Treasure of Monte Cristo, and another starring alongside Sid James in Desert Mice. A pivotal moment in her career came when she stepped into Julie Andrews’ shoes, portraying Guenevere in the Broadway rendition of Camelot. She held this role from 16 April 1962, only to pass the torch to Janet Pavek three months thereafter. By 1964, she married the melodious Welsh vocalist, Ivor Emmanuel. Their union, however, remained childless and they divorced within a couple of years. Subsequently, Patricia found love again with Canadian entrepreneur, Charles MacCulloch. However, fate played a cruel twist as Charles passed away during their honeymoon. Adopting the name Patricia Bredin-McCulloch, she passionately reared a group of cows on their estate. This venture continued for a decade, but due to financial hurdles, her journey into cattle breeding concluded. She penned down memories of this chapter in her life in a book titled “My Fling on the Farm” (1989). Patricia Bredin died in Nova Scotia, Canada, on 13 August 2023 when she was 88 years old.

🇹🇷 Özkan Uğur passed away

Today the sad news came to us that Özkan Uğur passed away. Uğur represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest twice: in 1985 and 1988, both times as a member of the group MFÖ. Özkan Uğur was 69 years old. Early years Born on February 16, 1954, in Ankara, Turkey, Özkan Uğur is a renowned Turkish musician, singer, and songwriter. His career is spanning several decades Uğur’s passion for music blossomed at a young age. Growing up in a musically inclined family, he was exposed to various genres, from traditional Turkish folk music to Western rock and pop. This diverse musical upbringing played a crucial role in shaping Uğur’s artistic identity, allowing him to effortlessly blend different styles and create a unique sound of his own. Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan In the late 1970s, Uğur’s career took off when he became the lead vocalist and bassist for the influential Turkish rock band MFÖ (Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan). Alongside his bandmates Mazhar Alanson and Fuat Güner, Uğur contributed to the band’s success with his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. MFÖ’s innovative approach to rock music, infused with elements of Turkish folk and pop, resonated with audiences and propelled them to national stardom. MFÖ and Eurovision Uğur’s collaboration with MFÖ resulted in numerous hit songs, including “Ele Güne Karşı Yapayalnız,” “Peki Peki Anladık,” and “Mazeretim Var Asabiyim Ben.” Their distinctive sound and energetic performances earned them a dedicated fan base, and they continue to be revered as pioneers of the Turkish rock scene. In 1985, MFÖ represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. Their song “Didai didai dai (aşık oldum)” reached a 14th place. Three years later, the band was in Eurovision again with the song “Sufi”, being 15th in the ranking. Solo career Despite his success with MFÖ, Uğur embarked on a solo career in the 1980s, eager to explore his creative boundaries beyond the confines of a band. His solo albums showcased his versatility as an artist, as he experimented with various musical genres, including pop, jazz, and even classical music. Collaborations Throughout his career, Uğur has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians and songwriters, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist. He has worked with notable Turkish composers such as Fikret Kızılok, Timur Selçuk, and Sezen Aksu, contributing his unique vocal talents to their compositions. Uğur’s collaborations have resulted in timeless classics, including “Küçük Bir Aşk Masalı,” “Benimle Oynar Mısın,” and “Öpüşmek İstiyorum.” Film and television Aside from his musical endeavors, Uğur has also ventured into acting, showcasing his versatility as a performer. He has appeared in several films and television series, earning critical acclaim for his on-screen presence and natural acting ability. Awards Özkan Uğur’s contributions to Turkish music have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He has received prestigious honors, including the Golden Butterfly Award for Best Male Performer and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kral TV Music Awards.

Dario Campeotto passed away

The sad news reached us that Danish singer Dario Campeotto passed away. Campeotto represented Denmark in th 1961 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Angelique”. The singer and song became 5th. Campeotto had to share his 5th place with Italy. A coincidence, because Dario Campeotto was of Italian descent. Born in 1939, his breakthrough came by winning Dansk Melodi Grand Prix in 1961, with that song “Angelique”. In the years to come, he acted as entertainer and sang the schlagers of the time and the evergreens of the operetta. In 1962 (“Carissima”), 1963 (“Tiden er en gammel bekendt”), 1964 (“Shangri-la”) and 1966 (“Hjerte for hjerte”) he took part again in the Danish Melodi Grand Prix. Even in 1987, he took part in Melodi Grand Prix with the song “Stjerner på himlen”. He scored several hits in the Danish charts. As an actor, he made his debut in 1960 in the film “Eventyrrejsen”. He made fame as Captain Von Trapp in the musical “Sound of Music”. He got the role in 1995. Campeotto lived in Frederiksberg for almost all his life, with an exception in the late sixties and early seventies, when he lived in Turin. Dario Campeotto was 84 years old when he passed away in Frederiksberg last Saturday.

Heddy Lester passed away

Heddy Lester At the age of 72, Dutch singer and actress Heddy Lester passed away. Heddy Lester is especially known in The Netherlands for representing the Netherlands in the 1977 Eurovision Song Contest. Carreer pre-eurovision Heddy Lester started her carreer in 1971, when she had a huge hit in The Netherlands with the “Railroad song” as half of the duo April Shower. The duo also toured throughout the USA. Since 1974 Heddy performed solo and in 1977 she won the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. De Mallemolen “De mallemolen” was composed by Heddy’s brother Frank Affolter. After the Eurovision Song Contest Heddy has been seen especially in theatres. The last role she played was in the Dutch movie “Groeten van Gerri”, where she played the role of a mother. There have been times when she didn’t want to sing “De mallemolen”. She wanted to concentrate on other things in her carreer. The last few years she embraced the song again. In The Netherlands it became a Eurovision classic.

Galit Burg died in car accident

Galit Burg passed away. The singer, who represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1989, was killed in a car accident. According to the Times of Israel, she was involved in a collision between a truck and two vehicles near Kfar Daniel in central Israel. Youth Galit Burg was born on June 8, 1968. She was born and raised in Bat Yam as the eldest daughter in a family of six children. Kdam Eurovision In 1989, musician Shaike Paykov submitted his song “Derech ha’melech” to Kdam Eurovision, the Israeli preliminary round for the Eurovision Song Contest. He chose 12-year-old Gili Netanel to perform his song. Shortly before the competition, the producers of the Eurovision song contest decided to attach an adult singer to it. That then became Galit Burg. Thus was born the duo “Gili and Galit”. Eurovision Song Contest After winning Kdam Eurovision 1989, the two represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Lausanne, Switzerland. The song placed 12th out of 22 contestants. The two recorded an English version of the song called “Shine for Tomorrow”. Although the song was unsuccessful in other countries, it became a hit in Israel. The English version of the song was not a success and the duo split up shortly afterwards. Tramp In 1991, two years after the Eurovision appearance, Burg founded the band “Tramp”, with which she performed at “Telrock” in Holon. In 1995, they competed for the “Wheel of Fortune Girl” title. United States and Europe Burg married the band’s guitarist and intermittently moved to the United States, where she was engaged in music. In 1994 she released a rock album in Israel that was not a success. Three years later, she went to the European market under the stage name “Galecia”, and published a dance song in English called “You Are The One”, which received a lot of airplay. Later, in 2005, she released an album called “Nogat Bach” consisting of her and her husband’s material. In 2013, she entered the auditions for the first season of X Factor Israel. Private life Borg was the mother of two children. In the first decade of the 21st century, she returned to Israel. Galit Burg was 54 years old.

Claes-Göran Hederstrom passed away

Today, the sad news reached us that Claes-Göran Hederström died last night. Hederström is best known for his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1968. His song with the particularly long title “Det börjar verka kärlek banne mej” reached fifth place. Hederström was discovered in 1967 by conductor Mats Olsson. A year later he won Melodifestivalen and therefore participated in the Eurovision Song Contest. It became a number 1 hit in Sweden. A greater success than “Det börjar verka kärlek….” would not come. In 1968 he collaborated with many other Swedish artists. Together with Nina Fizell he scored another hit, “Flickan i fönstret mitt emot”, and in 1972 he had a solo hit, “Här ute på landet”. Claes-Göran Hederström made another attempt to enter the Eurovision Song Contest in 1973, but his “Historien om en vän” became eighth out of ten. Claes-Göran Hederström died last night at the age of 77 years.

Nicole Josy passed away

Today, the sad news came to us that Nicole Josy passed away. Nicole was the female half of the duo Nicole & Hugo. In 1971 Nicole Josy and her husband Hugo Sigal would participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. With the song “Goeie morgen, morgen” they won the Belgian national final. Unfortunately, Nicole got jaundice and had to stay in bed. At the Eurovision Song Contest, the two were replaced by Jacques Raymond and Lily Castell, who had to rehearse the song and dance in haste. A new chance came two years later. Again Nicole and Hugo won the national final. With the song “Baby, baby” they could participate this time. Unfortunately, the duo came last. Yet their performance was unforgettable. This was mainly due to the bright purple suits that the two wore. In 2004 the duo again made a bid for Eurovision participation. However, they did not succeed with their song “Love is all around”. In 2015, the two decided to stop and enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Nicole had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for some time. However, she did not die from that. She fell on her head at home. She died from the injuries she sustained. Nicole was 76 years old.