Popular Dutch singer Rob de Nijs dies after a six-decade career
Popular Dutch singer Rob de Nijs has died on Sunday at the age of 82 after a career lasting over six decades.
De Nijs, who had Parkinson’s disease, died at his home in Bennekom surrounded by his family, MediaLane, the production company responsible for the current musical about his life, said.
His wife Jet told magazine Linda recently that his health had deteriorated in recent months.
The popular Dutch singer never stopped performing during his long career and gave his final concert from a wheelchair in June 2021.
RIP Rob De Nijs.💔🕯️
Ik heb de eer gehad om Rob heel persoonlijk te kennen.
We correspondeerden nog zolang het kon.
In mijn begincarrière in de media regelde ik dingen voor hem hier in Vlaanderen.
Rob was een “mooi mens met een heel groot hart”.
Rust zacht Rob en sterkte aan de… pic.twitter.com/jf28hETFdR— Cis Rits (@cisrits) March 17, 2025
De Nijs, who sang mainly in Dutch, started his career in 1962 after winning a talent contest. His first two singles flopped but the third, Ritme van de Regen (rhythm of the rain), became a solid hit and turned De Nijs into a teenage idol.
In the 1970s his career was given a boost when he started singing material by singer/songwriter Boudewijn de Groot, including Malle Babbe, one of his biggest hits.
Zanger Rob de Nijs overleden op 82-jarige leeftijdhttps://t.co/5CtGYnkZpe
— AD.nl (@ADnl) March 17, 2025
Despite his successes, he reached the nummer one spot only once, with Banger Hart (a heart more afraid) in 1996.
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