why he is not just the singer of “Vanina”

80 years old. The age of reason and wisdom? Certainly not for Dave. The Dutch singer celebrates his birthday on Saturday May 4. Colorful character, variety star in the 1970stube collectors, animator in the 1990s and 2000s and viper’s tongue since always, the artist is a popular figure. His choruses remain in the memories as do his rants or his outings, notably during a legendary Eurovision contest commented with his friend Marc-Olivier Fogiel. To pay tribute to Dave, Le Figaro has selected eight titles from the Dutchman sang.

On the Swann side, Proust for dummies

A real wave. In 1976, Dave released this madeleine by Proust, much more accessible than the masterpiece of the great Marcel. Carried by a very delicate melody on the verses and energetic on the chorus, the song is a pop gem that can be consumed without moderation. Perfect lock and charming smile, Dave enhances the words signed by his companion, Patrick Loiseau. Nearly 50 years later, we still want “to take another look at Swann’s» .

Vanina, the most effective

French singers have plundered a lot of the Anglo-Saxon variety. And yet, she should (sometimes) say thank you. Obscure title published in 1961, Runaway was adapted in 1974 by Dave. The slight accent and the vocal power on the chorus transform the song (for the better). “Vanina ah ah ah ah» and here we go for a ride (“ah” is used around thirty times). Simple words, but sweetly addictive. A classic end of karaoke.

My heart is sick, miracle cure

Among the most effective covers, we could have cited Is it by chance?, Boulevard des sans amours, Too beautiful, Or Dance now, but this adaptation of Banana Rock Wombles is a little gem. This is a classic love story with a “incendiary girl», named after Laura, but which is enhanced by very effective brass instruments. Heartbreak can be celebratory.

Celebration, his heart is sick

Dave is not just this singer with blonde bangs and a pearl necklace who came out of a production workshop in kindergarten. In 1978, he released this beautiful, poignant plea about a man abandoned on New Year’s Eve. “We’re sorry, you’re not part of the party. Sorry, you’re not invited. You are not dressed in formal attire. Good night and happy new year!» The melody is simple, but effective, carried by very seventies. A real gem.

Hello Elisa, Dave techno version

Dave Punk! With this electro-disco-techno song published in 1979, Dave enters the psychedelic with many references, including one to Serge Gainsbourg. Listen in moderation at the risk of having an auditory epileptic attack.

Letter to Helene, the anti Rock Voisine

In 1977, Dave asked an essential question: “Hélène what does that mean?
to live in the South to be cold?» Real questions for this title carried by the bagpipes. The singer shouts his epistolary love to a girl from Kerguelen – handy for the rhyme – who abandoned him. Of all the songs dedicated to a Hélène (Julien Clerc, Rock Voisine or Hélène Rollès), choose this one.

And tomorrow, the premonitory title

The intro sets the tempo: we are far from Vanina. In 1976, Dave sings of abandonment, but optimism. If everything were to end, it would not sink. He would remain what he is. The chorus is poignant and this title would have made a great hit, but the artist is already thinking of the difficult years. “If it’s just a flash in the pan, I’ll follow my destiny. We never know what our tomorrows will bring. But one day in your memory, a street song
Will revive the flame of a lost melody.» 54 years later, the opportunity to rediscover this little nugget?

Sweet Tam-Tam, the last hit

The 1980s, 1990s and 2000s were difficult for the singer. After an excursion as a presenter on TF1 (the “SLC” remake with Sheila), Dave recorded a very jazzy album, from which this lovely Soft Tam-Tam. In 2011, he released a wonderful album of covers of these hits in a soul version, Blue-Eyes Soulwith duets, notably an exceptional one with his friend Daniel Auteuil on Near Swann.