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Dutch singer and actress (1950–2023) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Heddy Lester (born Heddy Affolter, 18 June 1950 – 29 January 2023) was a Dutch singer and actress of Jewish-Surinamese origin,[1] best known outside the Netherlands for her participation in the 1977 Eurovision Song Contest.
Heddy Lester | |
|---|---|
Lester in 2007 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Heddy Affolter |
| Born | 18 June 1950 |
| Origin | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Died | 29 January 2023 (aged 72) |
| Genres | Pop, Musical theatre |
| Occupation | Singer |
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.[2]
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.[3] 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.[4]
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).[2]
In 2009, Lester, along with several other former Dutch Eurovision contestants, was a special guest on that year's Eurovision selection television programme.[5]
Lester died on 29 January 2023, at the age of 72, of bladder cancer.[6]
Singles
April Shower
Solo
Album
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