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.

🇧🇪 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.

🇹🇷 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.

Svante Thuresson passed away

The sad news came to us that Svante Thuresson passed away on May 10th. The news was announced yesterday. Thuresson, together with Lill Lindfors, represented Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest of 1966 with the song “Nygammal vals eller hip man svinaherde”. They achieved second place, until ABBA’s victory the best score for Sweden. Svante Thuresson started his career in the early 1960s in the group Gals & Pals. After the Eurovision Song Contest he started a solo career. He released no less than 22 albums, mainly with jazz repertoire. Twice later he took part in Melodifestivalen, the Swedish national final for the Eurovision song contest: in 1977 and in 2007. Thuresson died after a long illness at the age of 84. photo credtis: Frankie Fouganthin, Wikimedia Commons