At the BRT show, we had a chance to interview Ann Christy, the Flemish music phenomena, before her last performance due to her battle with cervical cancer. We had an opportunity to discuss and evaluate her singing career, musical intentions and the impact of her music on the Belgian society.
Fleur Vande Kerckhove: Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve had to miss her for a while, but she’s back. Please welcome the one and only Ann Christy!
…
Vande Kerckhove: Good afternoon Ann, as we all know, the past few months have been extremely rough for you regarding your health—we won’t dig into any further details. However, how are you feeling, do you see a light at the end of the tunnel?
Ann Christy: There are days where I can see the light, and there are days that are pitch black. Psychologically, I believe that there is still a long road of challenges I will have to conquer, which is holding me back at times. Yet, for me, the best medicine is my audience, the applause, the love, the emotions. Making it here today has been a huge accomplishment for me, and I’m grateful … very grateful.
Vande Kerckhove: For each and one of us, young and old, your music has a solid and warm place in the heart of the Belgian community. I’d like to go back a few years, and discuss where it all began; your collaboration with ‘The Adams’. How did this start your music career?
Christy: Hah, my carrier was one of trial and error. I started singing with the orchestra of ‘The Adams’, where I found my first true love; Marc Hoyois, the drummer. As I collaborated with The Adams, I was able to experience what it meant to sing and perform in the heart of my country; Ancienne Belgique in Brussels. The world of music opened wide-eyed with passion and ambition. Two years later, in 1968, I then won the Knokke-Cup “Caméra d’argent’ and I took part in the Festival of Inssbruck. After that, I then took part in the preselections of the Eurovision song festival with my single “Dag Vreemde Man” (Hi Strange Man).
Vande Kerckhove: And that’s when you developed hatred towards festivals?
Christy: I wouldn’t necessarily use the word ‘hatred’, more or less I believe that festivals don’t have the ability to capture you as an artist. In 1975 I finally made it on stage in Stockholm, with my single “Gelukkig Zijn” (To Be Happy), yet I only came 15th place. I don’t like to participate in festivals anymore. I find it challenging to present yourselves in three minutes. In three minutes you can also demolish your career.
Vande Kerckhove: After the Eurovision, you then stepped away from festivals for good. What struggles arose by doing so?
Christy: After 1975, I experienced the struggle of defining my music. Who was I writing to? What was my aim? My repertoire isn’t suitable for galas, and I also don’t quite belong to what one calls cabaret. I sit in-between the two, and that’s where I’ve settled.
Vande Kerckhove: In 1980, however, you published a cover of “The Rose” by Bette Midler. What was the intended impact of this song?
Christy: This particular song, is about the confrontation of love and hate, as “Some say love, it is a river, that drowns the tender reed.” (De Roos). The relevance and simplicity of the song is what captures everyone’s attention. I wrote songs that everyone can relate to at a personal level at some point in their lives. The simplicity and purity of the song allows my audience to sing along with ease, yet connect and relate the songs to their personal history. The chorus is simple and repetitive as each section starts with “Men zegt dat liefde…”. This song, for many people, created a sensation of understanding and emotional awareness.
Vande Kerckhove: Why do you think your songs, in general, had such a big influence on the Belgian society?
Christy: The only way I know I have succeeded with a song, is when I see my audience singing along with passion in their voices. Before 1965, popular ‘Schlager’ songs were published, however, they were songs to make fame and money while they didn't connect with a community. I wanted to create timeless, iconic, classic songs, and by doing so I wrote songs that grasped people’s emotions, that touched their hearts. People were astonished that music had the ability to do so, and that, for me, is the art of music…
Vande Kerckhove: Speaking of which, do you still plan on creating music? … Regarding your current situation.
Christy: I will never stop striving to create better songs. Being able to write songs with lyrics that matter to my society, is the only purpose I have. I will never give up on my passion. My passion is what shapes me, and what traces my cultural love for the Belgian society.
Vande Kerckhove: Thank you Ann, your determination and strength to strive is very inspiring. We wish you all the best in what the future serves.
15th April 1984.
(Ann Christy passed away three months later at the age of 38.)
Works Cited
Ikerremans. "25 Jaar Geleden Overleed Ann Christy." Gazet Van Antwerpen. N.p., 2009. Web. 11 Oct. 2016.
Maerevoet, Ellen. ""Mooiste Stem Van België" 30 Jaar Dood." De Redactie. N.p., 7 Aug. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2016.
Verdrengh, Mike. "Laatste Optreden Van Ann Christy (april 1984)." BRT. Hotel Americain, 7 Aug. 2009. Web. 11 Oct. 2016.
Cobra Editors. "Zoals Elk Mooi Verhaal." Cobra. N.p., 7 Aug. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2016.
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