Manke Nelis (born Cornelis Pieters; 1919-1993) was a Dutch singer in the levenslied genre.
Manke Nelis | |
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![]() Manke Nelis in 1987 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Cornelis Pieters |
Also known as | Carlo Pietro |
Born | Amsterdam, Netherlands | February 16, 1919
Died | October 8, 1993 | (aged 74)
Genres | Levenslied |
Occupation(s) | Bass player, singer |
Instrument | Double bass |
Years active | 1957-1987 |
Career
editManke Nelis was born in Groenlo on 16 December 1919 and began his musical career as a bass player, often accompanying his brother-in-law, accordionist Johnny Meijer. In the 1950s he performed under the stage name Carlo Pietro and started singing the Amsterdam levenslied. A motorcycle accident in France and a subsequent medical error cost him a leg; he reportedly spent the more than 100,000 guilders he received as compensation within a year. His biggest hit was "Kleine Jodeljongen" in 1987.
In 1987 he narrowly survived a bus crash on an American tour with Dutch artists, near San Diego. He died of cancer 8 October 1993, at age 73.[1]
Legacy
editA statue of Manke Nelis was placed on the Johnny Jordaan Square off the Elandsgracht, in the company of statues for Johnny Jordaan, Tante Leen, and Johnny Meijer.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b "Standbeeld Manke Nelis onthuld" (in Dutch). Nieuws.nl. 30 October 2005. Retrieved 8 May 2013.[permanent dead link]