Piet Veerman
| Piet Veerman | |
|---|---|
Veerman in 2008
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Piet J.A. Veerman |
| Also known as | De Koster |
| Born |
March 1, 1943 Volendam |
| Genres | Palingsound |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | Since early sixties |
| Labels | EMI Columbia |
| Associated acts | The Cats |
| Website | pietveerman |
Piet Veerman is a Dutch pop musician. From 1964 to 1985 he was a guitarist and singer for The Cats, and since 1968 the lead singer for all the singles of this band. He released a first solo album in 1975 but started his solo career definitely in 1987 after The Cats broke up for the last time. During his career, Veerman received more than thirty gold records.
Veerman was born in the fishing village of Volendam. His father played many instruments, like recorder, harmonica, guitar, banjo and sitar, and taught his son to play music. His mother was a painter and taught her son to paint. At an age of twelve the young Piet obtained his first guitar. At that time he didn't know if he wanted to choose art or music.
Together with his cousin Jaap Schilder, they performed as the Everly Kosters. This name was formed by De Koster, the nickname of their family, with a reference to The Everly Brothers that were immensely popular during their youth. However, the greatest influence for them came from The Hi-Lo's.
A dance teacher and promoter of local music groups at that time was Jan Buijs, nickname Spruit, not to be confused with the later artist manager of The Cats with the same name, nicknamed Tuf. Due to Spruit the duo was introduced to Arnold Mühren and Cees Veerman, that were members of his band Electric Johnny & The Skyriders.
Shortly afterwards they formed The Mystic Four, which was renamed to The Blue Cats and subsequently to The Cats. From the release of the single Times Were When (1968) Piet Veerman became the lead singer for all the singles of The Cats. Up to 1974 it was the most popular Dutch band in the country. They became popular in Belgium, Germany, Indonesia and Suriname as well. In 1974 the band broke up for the first time.
...
Wikipedia