Martine Bijl

Martine Catharina Maria Bijl (19 March 1948 – 30 May 2019) was a Dutch singer, actress, television presenter, and writer. She achieved national prominence from the 1960s onward through her work in music, theatre, television, and books.

Early life Bijl was born in Amsterdam in 1948 as the daughter of a general practitioner. She attended secondary school at the and subsequently followed a preparatory course at a conservatory. As a teenager Bijl performed self-accompanied songs on guitar and was discovered at the age of seventeen by chanson expert Ben Levi. In 1966 she released her debut album Martine Bijl zingt, which marked her breakthrough. This was aided by radio and television appearances facilitated by presenter Willem Duys. That same year she represented the Netherlands at the Knokke Song Contest, where the Dutch team won.

Later life and death In 2015 Bijl suffered a severe brain haemorrhage, followed by long-term health complications and periods of depression. She documented her experiences in the book Rinkeldekink, published in 2018, which was well received by critics and readers. Martine Bijl died on 30 May 2019 in Maarssen at the age of 71 due to complications related to the brain haemorrhage.

Television (selection) Wie van de drie? (1971–1983, panelist). Martine (1975–1979, her own television series). Nationaal Songfestival (1979, presenter). Dinges (1986–1988, presenter). Eurovision Young Musicians 1988 (1988, presenter). Het zonnetje in huis (1993–2003) Kees & Co (1997-2006, screen writer/translator) Wie van de drie? (2010–2013, panelist). Krasse Knarren (2012–2014, presenter). Heel Holland Bakt (2013–2015, presenter).

Filmography (selection) Ram-Jam (1966, television film) Luister naar dit leven (1967, television film) Help, de dokter verzuipt! (1974, film) Vroeger kon je lachen (1983, film) Alles is familie (2012, film)

Theatre Theatre shows Martine (1983–1985) De Martine Bijl Show (1985–1986) Martine Bijl (1987–1988) Mevrouw Bijl (1989–1990) Musicals (selection) Aida (2002, translator) The Lion King (2004, translator) Tarzan (2007, translator) Mary Poppins (2010, translator) La Cage Aux Folles (2011, translator) Billy Elliot (2015, translator)

Discography (selection) Martine Bijl recorded numerous gramophone records, including singles, full-length albums, and appearances on compilation albums. Notable releases include: ’t Bloemendaalse bos (1966) 12 Nieuwe Luisterliedjes (1967) Benjamin (1972) Martine Bijl Zingt Andersen (1975) Het lelijke jonge eendje (1976) Limburgs klaaglied (1977) Tovenaarsleerling (1982) Vanmorgen vloog ze nog (1988) Kinderen van Toen (2002) Hollands Glorie (2008)

Bibliography (selection) Elfje twaalfje. Unieboek, 1969. Sprookjes van de Efteling, with Anton Pieck. Uitgeverij Kok, 1972. Martines tekstboek, with Henk van der Molen. Omniboek, 1981. Poppen. Pictures Publishers, 1995. Hindergroen. Atlas Contact, 2016. Rinkeldekink. Atlas Contact, 2018.

Awards and honours Edison Award (1968) Louis Davids Prize (1976) Gouden Televizier-Ring (1980) Johan Kaart Prize (1983) Scheveningen Cabaret Prize (1984) Gouden Beeld (Dutch Academy Award) (1998) John Kraaijkamp Musical Award (2002, 2007, 2015)