Piet Veerman

Piet Veerman (born 1 March 1943) is a Dutch pop musician. From 1964 to 1985 he was a guitarist and singer for The Cats, and since 1968 the lead singer for all the singles of this band. He released a first solo album in 1975 but started his solo career definitely in 1987 after The Cats broke up for the last time. During his career, Veerman received more than thirty gold records.

Biography Veerman was born in the fishing village of Volendam, Netherlands. His father played many instruments, like recorder, harmonica, guitar, banjo and sitar, and taught his son to play music. His mother was a painter and taught her son to paint. At an age of twelve the young Piet obtained his first guitar. At that time he didn't know if he wanted to choose art or music.

Together with his cousin Jaap Schilder, they performed as the Everly Kosters. This name was formed by De Koster, the nickname of their family, with a reference to The Everly Brothers who were immensely popular during their youth.

A dance teacher and promoter of local music groups at that time was Jan Buijs, nickname Spruit, not to be confused with the later artist manager of The Cats with the same name, nicknamed Tuf. Due to Spruit the duo was introduced to Arnold Mühren and Cees Veerman, who were members of his band Electric Johnny & The Skyriders.

In 1975, The Cats reunited but record company EMI gave them the opportunity to record their own solo albums. Veerman recorded an album and a single, both called Rollin' On A River. The single landed on number 9 of the Dutch Top 40.

The Cats were also successful again, although not as big as several years earlier. Veerman continued to be their lead singer until the band broke up for the second time in 1980. He again released a solo album, called Back To You, and the single "Living To Love You". In the Netherlands it was the biggest selling single of the year of 1987. and in the following years ten more singles reached the Dutch charts. He continued releasing singles until 1993. More than ten albums reached the charts and several received a gold status. He continued to support Mell who has since become the front lady of Mell & Vintage Future; for health reasons he has limited performing to special occasions.

Awards In his career, Veerman received more than thirty gold records. He is an honorary citizen of California (1974), Aruba (2004) and Edam-Volendam (2004). In 2006 he and the other former members of The Cats were decorated members of the Order of Orange-Nassau.