Corry Brokken
Early Life
Corry Brokken was born on December 3, 1932, in Breda, Netherlands. Her full name is Cornelia Maria Brokken. She was the daughter of a family of bakers, and she grew up in a traditional Dutch household. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in music and singing, which was encouraged by her family.
Career
Brokken started her career in the mid-1950s as a singer. She gained recognition in her home country after participating in local singing contests. Her breakthrough came in 1956 when she represented the Netherlands in the first-ever Eurovision Song Contest. She performed the song "Voorgoed voorbij" (Over for Good), finishing in the last place. Despite this setback, Brokken continued to pursue her singing career.
In 1957, she again represented the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest. This time, she performed the song "Net als toen" (Just like then), and won the contest. This victory catapulted her to international fame, and she became one of the most popular singers in Europe.
In addition to her singing career, Brokken also ventured into acting. She starred in several Dutch films and TV shows, showcasing her versatility as an artist. She also trained as a lawyer and worked in the legal profession for several years.
In the late 1970s, Brokken made a successful comeback in the music industry. She released several albums and singles that were well-received by the public and critics alike. She continued to perform and record music until her retirement in the 1990s.
Personal Life
Corry Brokken was married twice. Her first marriage was to television producer René Sleeswijk. The couple had one child together, a daughter named Renée Sleeswijk. After her divorce from Sleeswijk, Brokken married television director Cees de Ruyter. The couple remained together until de Ruyter's death in 1991.
Brokken was known for her philanthropic work. She was actively involved in various charitable organizations, particularly those that supported children's education and welfare.
Corry Brokken passed away on May 31, 2016, at the age of 83.
Legacy
Corry Brokken left a significant legacy in the music industry. She is remembered as one of the pioneers of the Eurovision Song Contest and a trailblazer in the Dutch music scene. Her songs continue to be popular, and her influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary Dutch artists.
