Paul de Leeuw

Paul de Leeuw, born March 26, 1962, in Rotterdam, built a broad following in the Netherlands through work as a pop singer, television host, and screen actor. He first gained notice in the late 1980s by presenting satirical programs on the VARA network, whose executives responded by signing him to their affiliated label, VARAgram. The 1991 release Voor U, Majesteit! marked his entry into the album market and yielded the Top 20 single “Giddy Up Go.”

A year later, Van U Wil Ik Zingen climbed to the Top Five on the Dutch albums chart, driven by the number-one duet “Gebabbel” with Willeke Alberti; the track’s success established de Leeuw as a recording artist in his own right while also lifting the earlier Voor U, Majesteit! back onto the listings at number 14. Plugged (1993) and ParaCDmol (1994) each reached the summit, producing the Top Five hit “Blijf Bij Mij” and the chart-topping “Ik Wil Niet Dat Je Liegt,” respectively.

Throughout the rest of the decade, In Heel Europa Was Er Niemand Zoals Jij (1995), Filmpje (1996), Encore (1996), Lief (1997), and Stille Liedjes (1999) all lodged inside the Top Ten, with Encore claiming the top spot. Three singles from this period—“Voorbij” (1994), “’K Heb Je Lief” (1997), and “Je Bent M’n Maatje” (1999)—likewise reached the Top Ten.

After 2000, de Leeuw sustained his recording career at a consistent level of popularity. Zingen Terwijl U Wacht (2001), Duizel Mij (2005), Mooi! Weer Een CD! (2006), Symphonica in Rosso (2007), and Het Wordt Winter! (2008) each entered the Top Ten, the live double album Symphonica in Rosso occupying the number-one position for six consecutive weeks.