Corry En de Rekels: The Pioneers of Dutch Rock 'n' Roll

Corry En de Rekels are a foundational Dutch rock 'n' roll band that emerged in the late 1950s. Hailing from the Netherlands, the group achieved legendary status with their energetic live performances and a string of hits that defined the early Dutch rock scene.

Early career

The band formed in 1959 in the city of The Hague, initially under the name The Rekels. The core lineup featured Corry van Gils on powerful vocals, with brothers Jan and Kees Schilperoort on guitar and bass respectively. They quickly built a reputation as a formidable live act, performing covers of American rock and roll and skiffle music in clubs and dance halls across the country.

Breakthrough

The year 1960 marked the band's commercial breakthrough with the release of their debut single, Kom Van Dat Dak Af. This Dutch-language adaptation of the American hit "Get Off Of My Cloud" became a nationwide sensation. Released on the Philips label, the song's massive popularity propelled Corry En de Rekels to the forefront of the Dutch music industry almost overnight.

Key tracks

Kom Van Dat Dak Af — This 1960 cover was the band's explosive debut single and their first major chart success.

Ik Zoek Een Spook — A follow-up hit that solidified their fame, showcasing their signature blend of rock energy and catchy melodies.

Stiekem — This track demonstrated the band's ability to craft original material that resonated with the Dutch youth of the early 1960s.

Ik Wil Je — A prime example of their rock 'n' roll sound, often featured in their dynamic live setlists for decades.

The band continued to release successful singles and albums throughout the 1960s, becoming a staple on radio and television. Despite the changing musical landscape with the British Invasion, Corry En de Rekels maintained a loyal fanbase with their consistent, high-energy output. Their recordings for labels like Philips and later Negram cemented their place in the annals of Dutch pop music history.

Their influence is heard in the work of fellow Dutch rock pioneers from the same era. Fans of Corry En de Rekels often appreciate the music of The Tielman Brothers for their raw rock and roll energy. The catchy, Dutch-language rock of Peter Koelewijn shares a similar foundational approach. Listeners might also enjoy the early work of Willy Alberti, who blended pop with emerging rock influences. The enduring legacy of the band connects them to later Dutch acts like Normaal, who also built a career on direct, no-nonsense rock music.

The music of Corry En de Rekels remains a fixture on classic Dutch radio stations and oldies FM channels. Their timeless rock 'n' roll anthems are regularly featured in programming dedicated to the golden era of Dutch popular music, from dedicated nostalgia shows to general daytime rotation on stations celebrating national heritage.

The classic rock 'n' roll sound of Corry En de Rekels can be heard on various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or revisit the music of this iconic Dutch band through the curated rock and heritage radio stations available on onairium.com.