Jules de Corte

Julius (Jules) de Corte (March 29 1924, Deurne – February 16 1996, Eindhoven) was a famous blind singer-songwriter from the Netherlands.cite book | last = De Corte | first = Jules | coauthors = Cees van der Pluijm | title = Ik zou weleens willen weten | publisher = Nijgh & Van Ditmar | date = 2005 | location = Amsterdam | pages = 7–17 | isbn = 9038814305] cite web | title = Jules de Corte | url = http://www.julesdecorte.nl/Biografie.htm | accessdate = 2007-05-17]

Early life

De Corte was born to Peer de Corte and Anna van Eijk. His father had socialist ideals and in 1923 led a strike the failure of which had a significant impact on the already poor family. At fourteen months, Jules developed a middle ear infection, which eventually led to him becoming blind. He would spend the rest of his childhood in two Catholic institutions for the blind in Grave, which provided him with a good education but no affection. In the last year of the Second World War, allied soldiers were accommodated in the institute and De Corte sang songs for them and played the piano.

Post-war years

In 1945 De Corte became a professional musician. Initially he played at dance schools and parties and so on, but soon afterwards he began to make radio and stage appearances. Over the years, he colloborated with many other famous performers, including Louis van Dijk, Albert Mol and Rita Reys.

Although he did other work too, De Corte is best known for his songs, such as "Ik zou weleens willen weten". It is estimated he wrote over 3,000 songs, some poetic and sad, others funny.

Prizes

De Corte received the following prizes:
* Edison award in 1962, for the LP "Liedjes die eigenlijk niet mogen"
* Visser-Neerlandia Prize in 1967, for his complete works
* Gouden Harp (Golden Harp) in 1969
* Louis Davids Prize in 1975, for the song "Het land van de toekomst"

References

(See in case of unclarity.)