Heddy Lester
Dutch singer and actress (1950–2023)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hendrika Georziena Affolter[1] (18 June 1950 – 29 January 2023), known as Heddy Lester, was a Dutch singer and actress of Jewish-Surinamese origin,[2] best known outside the Netherlands for her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 1977.
18 June 1950
- Pop
- musical theatre
Heddy Lester | |
|---|---|
Lester in 1977 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Hendrika Georziena Affolter 18 June 1950 Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Died | 29 January 2023 (aged 72) Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Genres |
|
| Occupation | Singer |
Career
Early career
Lester was born in Amsterdam. Her professional career started with Gert Balke as the duo April Shower, who had a minor hit with "Railroad Song" in 1971. Her father ran a restaurant in Amsterdam, where she met singer Ramses Shaffy, with whom she started touring. Lester launched her solo career in 1974.[3]
Eurovision Song Contest
In 1977, Lester's song "De mallemolen" ("The Merry-Go-Round"), with music written by her brother Frank, was chosen by a celebrity panel as the winner in the Dutch Eurovision selection.[4] Lester went forward to take part in the 22nd Eurovision Song Contest, held in London on 7 May. Although "De mallemolen" had been considered a strong contender prior to the contest, it could only manage a disappointing 12th-place finish of 18 entries.[5]
Later career
After her Eurovision appearance, Lester worked in a variety of both musical and dramatic stage roles, including works by Lorca (Blood wedding), Euripides (The Trojan Women) and Joshua Sobol (Ghetto).[3]
In 2009, Lester, along with several other former Dutch Eurovision contestants, was a special guest on that year's Eurovision selection television programme.[6]
Personal life and death
Lester died on 29 January 2023, at the age of 72, of bladder cancer.[7]
Discography
Singles
With April Shower
- 1971: "Mama Look Upon Me"
- 1971: "Railroad Song" (#30)
- 1972: "It's So Funny"
- 1973: "Danny's Song"
As solo artist
- 1974: "Friend of Mine"
- 1977: "De mallemolen" (#28)
- 1977: "Words Keep Turning"
- 1978: "Samen"
Albums
- 1977: Deel van m'n bestaan
