Jetty Paerl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jetty Paerl |
|
|---|---|
Paerl during a television broadcast in 1956
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Henriette Nanette Paerl |
| Also known as | Jetje van Radio Oranje |
| Born | 27 May 1921 Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Died | 22 August 2013 (aged 92) Amstelveen, Netherlands |
| Genres | Cabaret, chanson |
Henriette Nanette "Jetty" Paerl (May 27, 1921 – August 22, 2013) was a famous Dutch singer. She was also a brave member of the Dutch resistance during World War II. Jetty was of Jewish background.
She is well-known for being one of the first singers ever to perform in the Eurovision Song Contest. This happened in 1956, where she represented the Netherlands with her song "De vogels van Holland".
Contents
Jetty Paerl's Life Story
Growing Up and War Years
Jetty Paerl was born and grew up in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In May 1940, Germany invaded the Netherlands. Because of this, Jetty and her parents had to leave their home. They fled to London, England, to escape the war.
In London, Jetty worked as a designer for children's clothes. She also became a voice for her home country. She joined Radio Oranje, a special radio show. This show was created by the Dutch government-in-exile. This means the Dutch government was operating from outside the Netherlands during the war.
Through Radio Oranje, Jetty became known as Jetje van Radio Oranje (which means "Jetty of Radio Orange"). She sang songs that made fun of the Nazis and their supporters in the Netherlands. Her father, Jo Paerl, wrote some of these songs.
Helping Out in the War
Towards the end of World War II, Jetty joined the Women's Auxiliary Corps. This was a part of the Royal Netherlands Army. She helped with the war effort.
When the Netherlands was freed in May 1945, Jetty returned home. She went back through Zeeland and was stationed in Rotterdam. Soon after, she found out that both of her older brothers were safe. One had gone to Switzerland, and the other had stayed in the Netherlands during the war.
Life After the War
In 1951, Jetty Paerl married Cees Bantzinger. He was a Dutch artist who drew pictures for books and magazines.
A few years later, in 1956, Jetty took part in the Nationaal Songfestival 1956. This was a competition to choose who would represent the Netherlands in the first-ever Eurovision Song Contest. She came in second place with her song "De vogels van Holland". This song was written by Annie M. G. Schmidt and composed by Cor Lemaire.
Because she did so well, Jetty Paerl got to represent the Netherlands in the very first Eurovision Song Contest 1956. She performed first that evening. This made her the first singer ever to perform in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest! At that time, the contest was only heard on the radio. Only the winning song was announced.
Jetty Paerl passed away on August 22, 2013, in Amstelveen. She was 92 years old.
Music Jetty Paerl Released
EPs (Extended Play Records)
- Jetty Paerl – 1957
- Jetty Paerl 2 – 1957
Albums
Fun Facts
- Jetty Paerl appeared in episode 18 of a British TV show called The World at War. This documentary series was made between 1973 and 1974.
See also
In Spanish: Jetty Paerl para niños
