Famous Dutch Lyricists & Songwriters

Robbie van Leeuwen is a prominent Dutch musician known for his contributions as a guitarist, sitarist, background vocalist, and primary songwriter for various Dutch bands, including The Motions and Shocking Blue. He played a pivotal role in the success of Shocking Blue, notably co-writing their worldwide hit "Venus." His talent extended to collaborations with other groups like "The Six Young Riders," showcasing his versatility and skill as a musician. As the sole surviving member of Shocking Blue's renowned lineup, his impact on the music industry remains enduring and influential.

Dotan is a talented Dutch-Israeli artist known for his work as a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. With a focus on creating heartfelt and emotive music, he has gained recognition for his unique sound and storytelling abilities. Dotan has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry, consistently delivering soulful performances and producing captivating music that resonates with audiences worldwide. His dedication to his craft and innovative approach to music have solidified his reputation as a respected and influential artist in the industry.

YoungKio, known professionally as YoungKio, is a Dutch record producer and songwriter acclaimed for producing the hit song "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X in 2019. Following the success of the track, he secured contracts with Victor Victor Worldwide, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Cash Gang. With a notable affiliation with French producer CashMoneyAP, YoungKio has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. His Surinamese heritage adds a unique cultural background to his creative endeavors.

Danny Vera is a prominent Dutch singer-songwriter and musician known for his soulful voice and versatile musical talents. With a career spanning several years, he has released multiple albums and singles that have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Vera is recognized for his unique blend of rock, country, and blues influences in his music, captivating audiences with his emotive performances. He has established himself as a respected figure in the Dutch music industry, consistently delivering high-quality music and captivating performances.

Lenny Kuhr is a prominent Dutch singer-songwriter known for her captivating vocals and heartfelt lyrics. She rose to fame with her victory at the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest, where she represented the Netherlands with the song "De Troubadour." Kuhr has since released numerous albums showcasing her versatile musical talents and has continued to enchant audiences with her soulful performances. With a career spanning decades, she remains a respected figure in the Dutch music scene, admired for her poetic songwriting and distinctive voice.

George Baker, born Johannes Bouwens, is a renowned Dutch singer and songwriter recognized for his work with the George Baker Selection band. Throughout his career, he achieved significant success with three international hits: "Little Green Bag" in 1969, "Paloma Blanca" in 1975, and "Santa Lucia by Night" in 1985. His music resonated with audiences worldwide, showcasing his talent for crafting memorable melodies and lyrics. George Baker's contributions to the music industry have solidified his legacy as a respected and influential artist.

Guus Meeuwis is a prominent Dutch singer-songwriter known for his successful music career. He gained fame as a member of the band Vagant, achieving numerous hit songs in the Netherlands and Flanders. Meeuwis made history by being the first Dutch language performing artist to hold a sold-out concert at London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall in May 2015. His music has resonated with audiences across generations, solidifying his reputation as a talented and influential figure in the Dutch music industry.

Sanne Hans is a Dutch singer-songwriter and guitarist known for her work in the music industry. She began her career as a member of the band Ysis before forming her own band, Miss Montreal. With her distinctive voice and musical talent, she has gained recognition for her captivating performances and heartfelt songwriting. Throughout her professional life, Sanne has continued to evolve as an artist, captivating audiences with her unique sound and genuine passion for music.

Herman van Veen is a versatile Dutch stage performer, actor, author, singer-songwriter, and musician known for his collaboration with pianists and composers Laurens van Rooyen and Erik van der Wurff. He gained international recognition as the creator of the popular character Alfred J. Kwak, which was adapted into a successful cartoon series. Van Veen wrote, composed, and performed most of the music for the show, in addition to providing voice-overs for key characters in the Dutch and German versions.

Ilse DeLange is a highly acclaimed Dutch country and pop rock singer-songwriter known for her chart-topping hits like "I'm Not So Tough", "Miracle", "So Incredible", and "The Great Escape". She gained further recognition as the lead singer of The Common Linnets, achieving second place at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014. DeLange's talents extend to mentoring and directing, as seen in her successful collaboration with Duncan Laurence for his Eurovision victory in 2019. Throughout her career, she has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Jeff Walker Global Country Music Award and multiple Edison Awards.

Karsu is a Turkish-Dutch singer known for her jazz pop music style. She gained recognition for her performances at Carnegie Hall and appearances on Dutch television. Her albums, including Live aan 't IJ, Confession, and Colors, have received positive reviews. Karsu's compositions are characterized by playfulness and cheerfulness, reflecting her bicultural background. She received the Edison Award for her album Colors and is involved in humanitarian efforts, such as establishing a music school for refugees. Karsu's journey from a restaurant performer to a renowned musician is documented in a film by director Mercedes Stalenhoef.

Murda, known by his stage name, is a Turkish-Dutch rapper, singer, and songwriter. He has gained recognition for his collaborations with fellow rapper Ezhel on multiple tracks. With a career focused on music, Murda has established himself as a versatile artist, blending rap and singing in his work. His professional life is characterized by a commitment to creating engaging and innovative music, showcasing his talents through various projects and collaborations within the music industry.

Iris Kroes is a Dutch singer-songwriter and harpist known for winning the second season of The Voice of Holland in 2012. She gained recognition as "Harpmeisje" (Harp Girl) due to her exceptional harp skills. Kroes' victory on the show marked her as the second female contestant globally to win, following Steliyana Khristova. Her talent and unique musical style have garnered her a dedicated following, allowing her to establish herself as a successful artist in the music industry.

Thomas Puskailer is a Dutch-born Slovak singer, songwriter, and stage actor who gained prominence after his appearance on the first season of Czech & Slovak Superstar. He launched his music career with the release of his studio debut album "Make Believe" in 2012, under the label Championship Music in Prague. Puskailer also took on executive producer responsibilities and was a principal writer for the album. With performances across Europe and abroad in musicals, concerts, television shows, and series, he has built a substantial fanbase in Central Europe.

Ralf Mackenbach, a Dutch plasma physicist, artist, and former child singer, gained recognition by winning the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2009 with his song "Click Clack." As the first and only Dutch winner of the contest, he showcased his musical talent and captivated audiences. Transitioning into a career in plasma physics, Mackenbach has continued to make significant contributions to his field. Alongside his scientific endeavors, his passion for art remains evident, demonstrating his multifaceted talents and diverse interests.

Naaz is a Dutch-Kurdish singer who gained media attention following her audition for Holland's Got Talent in 2014. Raised in the Netherlands, she embarked on her professional music career after this exposure. Naaz's unique vocal talent and captivating performances have garnered her a growing fan base. She has since released music that showcases her distinctive style and has established herself as an emerging artist in the music industry. Naaz continues to make waves with her music and artistic vision.

Leona Philippo, a Canadian-born Dutch singer-songwriter of Jamaican descent, gained widespread recognition by winning season 3 of The Voice of Holland in 2012. Often known simply as Leona, she has established herself as a talented artist in the music industry. With a powerful voice and unique style, Leona has captivated audiences with her performances. Her success on the reality television show has paved the way for a successful career in music, showcasing her passion and dedication as a professional musician.

Loona is a prominent Dutch pop singer and dancer known for her vibrant performances and catchy music. She has achieved international success with her music, blending various styles such as dance, pop, and Latin rhythms. Loona's dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals have earned her a loyal fanbase around the world. With numerous hit singles and albums to her name, she continues to captivate audiences with her energetic performances and infectious music. Loona's career is marked by her passion for music and dedication to entertaining her fans.

Roger Francis Peterson is an accomplished Aruban-Dutch musician known for his role as the lead vocalist of the rock band Intwine, which operated from 2001 to 2010. His talent and passion for music led him to participate in the inaugural season of the Dutch talent show Idols. Throughout his career, Peterson has showcased his musical abilities, captivating audiences with his powerful vocals and stage presence. He continues to leave a lasting impact on the music industry through his contributions as a talented musician and performer.

Mark Jansen is a Dutch guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter known for his contributions to the symphonic metal subgenre. He gained recognition for his work with the bands After Forever and Epica, where he showcased his growled vocals alongside the lead vocalists. Jansen's versatility and talent have solidified his position as a prominent figure in the metal music scene. His ongoing involvement with Epica and MaYaN continues to showcase his musical prowess and dedication to the genre.

Dianne van Giersbergen is a talented Dutch spinto soprano singer known for her work in the progressive metal band Ex Libris, which she founded and fronts. She also gained recognition as the vocalist of the German symphonic metal band Xandria from 2013 to 2017. With a powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Dianne has captivated audiences with her performances in the metal music scene. Her contributions to these bands have solidified her reputation as a skilled and versatile vocalist in the genre.

Eefje de Visser is a talented Dutch singer-songwriter known for her captivating music and engaging performances. She gained recognition by winning the Grote Prijs van Nederland in 2009 and released her debut album, De Koek, in 2011. Throughout her career, she has showcased her music at major Dutch festivals like Oerol Festival, Lowlands, and the Uitmarkt. With the release of albums such as Nachtlicht and Bitterzoet, Eefje de Visser continues to captivate audiences with her unique sound and artistic flair.

Keren Ann, also known as Keren Ann Zeidel, is a versatile artist with a successful career as a singer, songwriter, composer, producer, and engineer. She is proficient in playing guitar, piano, and clarinet, showcasing her musical talents. Operating mainly in Paris, Tel Aviv, and New York City, Keren Ann is recognized for her exceptional skills in engineering and writing choir and musical arrangements. Her diverse talents and extensive experience make her a prominent figure in the music industry.

Nicole Bus is a Dutch singer signed to Roc Nation. Her 2018 single, "You", tied for the fastest debut single to top the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. She released her American debut album, Kairos, in 2019. Before Roc Nation, she released music in the Netherlands and won the Grote Prijs van Nederland in 2010. Bus has appeared on Dutch singing competition shows like X Factor and The Voice of Holland. Her professional life showcases her talent, versatility, and success in the music industry.

Esmée Denters is a Dutch singer and YouTube sensation who gained popularity by posting cover songs online in 2006. She was discovered and signed by Justin Timberlake to his label Tennman Records, releasing her debut album "Outta Here" in 2009. Denters toured with Timberlake in the United States before moving to London to compete on The Voice UK. In 2017, she released the EP "These Days" and followed up with "Past, Present, Future" in 2020.

Mr. Probz is a prominent Dutch record producer, singer, and songwriter known for hit songs such as "Drivin'", "Sukkel voor de liefde", and "Nothing Really Matters". His breakthrough came with the 2013 guitar ballad "Waves", which gained international success after a remix by Robin Schulz. As the first Dutch artist to reach one billion streams on Spotify, Mr. Probz has collaborated with various renowned artists across genres, including Chris Brown, 50 Cent, and Dolly Parton. Alongside his music career, he has ventured into real estate and established his record label, Left Lane Recordings.

Jerney Kaagman is a Dutch singer-musician and music executive renowned for her role as the lead singer of Earth and Fire, a progressive rock group. During her career, she achieved international success with numerous hit songs. Apart from her work with Earth and Fire, she also pursued a solo music career. Post-music, she transitioned into various roles within the music industry, serving as the president of BV Pop, a Dutch musicians' union, a public relations manager for a radio station, and a judge on the television talent show Idols.

Eva Maria Simons is a talented Dutch singer and songwriter hailing from Amsterdam. She gained international recognition for her hit song "Policeman" and successful collaborations with artists like Afrojack. In 2012, she made a significant breakthrough with her feature on will.i.am's single "This Is Love". Throughout her solo career, Eva has released a total of 12 singles, showcasing her versatility and skill as a musician. One of her notable tracks, "Bludfire," was released in November 2015, further solidifying her presence in the music industry.

Daniël Sahuleka is an accomplished Indonesian-Dutch singer-songwriter and performing artist with a prolific career spanning decades. He has created over 110 compositions, owning all copyrights to his songs. Several of his tracks, such as "You Make My World So Colourful" and "Don't Sleep Away the Night," have become timeless classics. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Sahuleka continued to produce hits like "Wake Up," "We'll Go Out Tonight," "I Adore You," and "If I Didn't." His talent was recognized in Europe with the success of "Giddyap a Gogo," and he has garnered numerous awards and accolades globally, performing at prestigious jazz festivals.

Douwe Bob, a Dutch singer-songwriter, gained recognition after winning the talent show De beste singer-songwriter van Nederland. Specializing in folk and country music, he has released four albums showcasing his musical prowess. His talents led him to represent the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, further solidifying his presence in the music industry. With a focus on heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies, Douwe Bob continues to charm audiences with his unique blend of folk and country music.

Amber, a Dutch singer and songwriter, gained fame for her hit single "Sexual (Li Da Di)" that has been featured on MTV since 1999. Known for her association with the Tommy Boy Music label, she also founded her own label, JMCA Enterprises. Amber's professional life is marked by her successful music career, with her unique sound and style resonating with audiences worldwide. Through her music and entrepreneurial ventures, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry, leaving a lasting impact on fans and peers alike.

Nathalie Makoma is a talented Congolese Dutch singer-songwriter who gained recognition as the lead singer of the Makoma group before pursuing a successful solo career. She showcased her vocal abilities on the popular talent show Dutch Idols, finishing as the runner-up in its fourth season. This led to a record deal with Sony BMG. Makoma further showcased her versatility by participating in Dutch Dancing With the Stars and De Mattheus Masterclass, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished artist in the music industry.

Boudewijn de Groot is a prominent Dutch singer-songwriter recognized for his impactful contributions to the music industry. He gained widespread acclaim with his iconic song "Welterusten Meneer de President" released in 1966. De Groot's professional journey is characterized by a diverse repertoire of music that resonates with audiences, showcasing his talent for crafting meaningful lyrics and memorable melodies. His enduring legacy as a musician has solidified his position as a revered figure in the Dutch music scene, inspiring generations of artists and music enthusiasts.

RANI is a talented Dutch-Surinamese singer-songwriter known for her captivating music and powerful vocals. She has garnered attention with her unique style and ability to infuse various genres into her music, creating a fresh and dynamic sound. RANI's career has been marked by successful collaborations with renowned artists and producers, showcasing her versatility and creativity in the music industry. With a growing fan base and critical acclaim, RANI continues to make waves with her distinctive voice and compelling songwriting skills.

Youp van 't Hek is a versatile figure in the Dutch entertainment industry, excelling in various roles. As a comedian, he is known for his sharp wit and observational humor. He has also made significant contributions as an author, columnist, and playwright, showcasing his writing skills and social commentary. Additionally, Youp is a talented singer-songwriter, adding musical dimensions to his creative pursuits. As a critic, he offers insightful perspectives on various cultural and societal issues, shaping public discourse through his work.