The Lettersets

Pierre Kartner, Dimitri Van Toren and [a2001019]. The trio started in 1959 in Breda, a Dutch city "Below the rivers" first named the Headlines (1959/1962), changing name to New Headlines in 1962 before they renamed themselves to the Lettersets (1963-1965). They were leadsinger and guitarist Dimitri van Toren, who went solo in 1965 as a troubadour/songwriter, steadily growing a following until finally in 1973 he broke through with two big hits in Holland and stayed popular until he died 74 years old in 21-5-2015. Upright bassplayer/singer Pierre Kartner, was a member of the Boogey Stars before, and joined the Skiffle Three after 1965. In 1971 he surfaced as a singer/songwriter recording solo both under his own name and using the name Vader Abraham, which gave him over 40 hits in Holland way over next four decades, with many popular European artists covering his songs and even having a number One hit in England as Father Abraham & the Smurfs in 1978. The third member of the band joined them replacing three guitarists before him. He was Jaap Goedel and played guitar and banjo, but also sang.