Flemish singer Bob Benny, who twice represented Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest has died after a long bout of ill health, aged 84.
The singer enjoyed immense popularity in the 50’s and 60’s, with some of his biggest hits being Waar en Waneer and Hou Toch Van Mij. He got his major breakthrough in 1957, with Cindy, Oh Cindy. He then went on to represent his native Belgium for the first time in 1959 with Hou Toch Van Mij, ending in 6th place, one of Belgium’s better placings.
He made another attempt for victory in 1961 with September, Gouden Roos but was nowhere near as succesful, coming in 15th place and last position that year. Greater things were in store for Bob Benny however, with his biggest hit coming in 1963, Waar en Waneer (Where and when), a Dutch version of the song Als Flodder Geist, composed by Johann Strauss. The singer also went on to star in musicals such as My Fair Lady as well as performing aboard cruise ships.
The artist suffered a stroke at the age of 75 and was then admitted to a nursing home where he remained until his death. He would have turned 85 on the 28th of May.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43MPeTHlYP0
