Carla Van Renesse

Born on September 9, 1940 (Hoogkerk, Groningen, the Netherlands), she sang in churches at an early age. She discovered that her voice had more possibilities and in 1958 she joined Rock And Roll band "The Rhythme Comets". Her parents, who were very religious, disapproved. To make things worse(!) she won a talent course at "Frigge" (famous dancehall at Groningen) where she was discovered by Addy Kleyngeld (Heintje, Gert Timmermans a.o.) which earned her a recording contract at CNR-Records. Her first record, a cover of Andy Williams' "The Village Of St. Bernadette" b/w "Cara, Cara, Mama" was very popular but didn't hit the charts. The release of her second single, "Papieren Rozen" (a cover of Anita Bryant's "Paper Roses"), hit the jackpot reaching # 9 on the charts. Carla was now a regular on television ("Pas Geperst", "Springplank" a.o.) and performed in Pesaro (Italy) at a song-contest. She ended 8th of 34 contestants. She continued recording high standard material (making a "rock" record, "De Taal Van De Liefde"), but after she married (1961) and gave birth to two boys (1962 and 1964) she focused on raising the children. After 8 years of non-performing she was back, recording with Eddy Kamstra on "De Gouden Stad", released to celebrate the opening of the "new" Eemshaven. A year later, in 1974, she started a band with Theo Hoekstra called "The Oldtimers". Playing 30's and 40's jazz-oriented material, she toured (in the northern parts of) the country doin' successful gigs. In 1971 she became officer of the Civil Registry and finally, in 1980 she stopped professionally performing because of her work. Carla still lives in Zuidlaren with her husband. Although Carla van Renesse DID hit the POP-charts in Holland, she didn't accomplish the breakthrough many thought she would have; She chose to stay in the northern part of the country, instead going west where all the major gigs where. Through this choice, her career/popularity was short-lived. She performed with Willy and Willeke Alberti, Johnny Kraaykamp, Imca Marina, among others.