In loving memory of Hans van Hemert (1945 - 2024)
Photo courtesy of © Official Luv' Fan Page (Facebook)
Photo edited by Marco Rens
After a year and a half of big hits between March 1978 and September 1979, Luv' made a strategic career move, switching from Phonogram-Philips to CNR-Carrere Records. This change paved the way for the release of their ninth single, "Ooh, Yes I Do", which entered the Tipparade (the Dutch Bubbling Under Top 40 chart) precisely forty-five years ago, on November 3rd, 1979. The catchy pop track quickly gained popularity across Europe, when it reached the Top 5 in the Benelux and Denmark, the Top 10 in France, the Top 20 in Austria and the Top 30 in Germany, while its Spanish version, "Si, Que Si", earned the girl group a gold record in Mexico.
To promote "Ooh, Yes I Do", Luv' wore striking red outfits designed by Carla V and inspired by KISS member Paul Stanley’s lavender costume from the Dynasty Tour in 1979. In celebration of the song’s 45th anniversary, let’s take a look at the story behind "Ooh, Yes I Do".
Photo edited by Marco Rens
History
In the summer of 1979, Luv's producer Hans van Hemert left Philips/Phonogram Records, the label releasing the group's music for the past two years. Hans was dissatisfied with the promotion the label provided for the girls internationally, despite the success of big export hits like "You're the Greatest Lover," "Trojan Horse," and "Casanova".
The August 3rd, 1979 issue of Billboard Benelux Magazine featured an article about Luv's mentor, revealing that after leaving Phonogram-Philips—where he had worked since 1964—he received nine serious offers (six were from the Netherlands and three were from abroad). He stated, "I find it difficult to make a choice. I will wait until I return from my holidays because I expect to receive more offers in my mailbox then. I will probably not make a final decision until September". He emphasized the importance of factors beyondfinancial compensation, saying, "I will not let money alone determine my choice. A record company can pay me a lot, but if it has a poor promotion team, all that money is useless because my productions won't make it onto the charts, which is very frustrating". Hans expressed his desire to continue recording with Luv' for at least the next three years.
Billboard Benelux Magazine - August 3rd, 1979: Many offers for Van Hemert
Around the same time this article appeared in Billboard Benelux, Luv' had one final contractual obligation with Philips-Phonogram: the release of the single "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe", based on the well-known English nursery rhyme. This song peaked at #11 in the Netherlands, #9 in Belgium, #8 in Denmark, #17 in Switzerland, and #36 in Germany.
Luv' in their "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe" outfits with the Dutch fashion designer Carla V (1979) Photo edited by Marco Rens
In parallel, the Luv' trio, along with Hans van Hemert, his partner Piet Souer, and their manager Pim ter Linde, established a limited company called InterLUV. This venture was designed to give them control over every aspect of their career (merchandising and record releases). The Dutch press described InterLUV as "favourable from a tax perspective", with the funds routed through Jersey, a well-known tax haven.
Het Parool - October 1st, 1979: Article about Luv's limited company "INTERLUV"
Click here to read it online
On October 7th, 1979, the ladies and their team signed a lucrative three-year deal with CNR/Carrere Records, receiving an advance of 750,000 Dutch guilders. This contract was considered "the show business transfer of the year" by Holland's most successful newspaper, De Telegraaf. Before this agreement, Luv's previous label, Philips/Phonogram, had already licensed the rights to several records—including "You're the Greatest Lover," "Trojan Horse," and "With Luv"—to Carrere in Germany, the group's biggest export market. This was one of the motivations for Luv' and their team to join Carrere fully. Known for representing the pop icon Sheila, who gained international recognition with her hit "Spacer", produced by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of Chic, the French label Carrere Records brought additional prestige to Luv’s career.
"The contract with Carrere, represented in Holland by CNR, applies to the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. We are delighted with it. We didn't pursue this deal solely for the money. However, Carrere has proven to be very effective, especially in Germany. They offer promotional opportunities more important to us than a high advance. In Germany alone, 1.5 million singles and LPs of Luv' have been sold," the trio's manager, Pim ter Linde, explained in De Telegraaf.
De Telegraaf - October 8th, 1979: Luv' signing a lucrative deal with CNR/Carrere
Click here to read the article online
Limburgsch dagblad - October 27th, 1979: Luv's contract with CNR/Carrere
Click here to read the article online
Joepie - October 29th, 1979: Luv's move to CNR/Carrere
The media were also interested in the private lives of the Luv' singers. For instance, the October 13th, 1979 edition of De Telegraaf featured an article about their homes and living arrangements in its "Woonkrant" section (Housing Journal).
De Telegraaf - October 13th, 1979: That's how Patty, Marga and José live
Click here to read the article online
As a sought-after act, Luv' frequently performed in Germany, their first export market. On October 13th, 1979, the trio sang "Casanova" at the "Löwe von Radio Luxemburg" (Lions of Radio Luxemburg) award show, an event organized by Radio Luxembourg (later known as RTL-Radio) to honour Schlager and pop artists. This ceremony took place at the Westfalenhallen, an indoor arena in Dortmund, Germany, and was attended by a crowd of 15,000. The winners of the award show included Dschinghis Khan (Golden Lion), Andrea Jürgens and Karel Gott (Silver Lion), Patrick Hernandez (Bronze Lion), and Harry Belafonte (Lion of Honour). Although Luv' experienced technical issues with their backing track, the audience applauded them.
Limburgsch Dagblad - October 16th, 1979: Luv' and other acts at the "Löwe von Radio Luxemburg" award show
Click here to read the article online
On October 30th, CNR/Carrere released the single "Ooh, Yes I Do," written and produced by Hans van Hemert. The song featured a melody that was largely inspired by the flute theme from ABBA's "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)".
Luv' in competition with themselves
Behind Luv's back and without their consent, their former label, Philips/Phonogram, put out "Who Do You Wanna Be" (a track from their debut album "With Luv'") as a single at the same time that CNR/Carrere issued "Ooh, Yes I Do". To avoid competing with themselves, Luv' directed all promotional efforts toward "Ooh, Yes I Do", which went on to become a hit, while "Who Do You Wanna Be" did not chart. Interestingly, however, a cover of "Who Do You Wanna Be" by Gina, Dale Haze and the Champions reached No. 7 on the Irish singles chart on November 25th, 1979.
De Telegraaf - October 26th, 1979: Battle between "Ooh, Yes I Do" and "Who Do You Wanna Be" - Click here to read the article online.
Moreover, the pop trio had to face rivalry with other Dutch girl groups (especially Dolly Dots and Babe). Fortunately, the Luv' girls were more popular than their competitors in the international marketplace.
Hitkrant - November 1st, 1979: Luv' talking with Babe. "Ooh, Yes Do" by Luv' and "Wonderboy" by Babe came out simultaneously
Ad for "Ooh, Yes I Do" in Billboard Benelux Magazine - November 2nd, 1979
Ooh, Yes I Do - lyrics - Hitkrant (1979)
"Ooh, Yes I Do" became an instant hit in Benelux, German-speaking countries and Denmark.
Luv's costumes inspired by KISS
Patty, Marga and José were visual delights for TV viewers and took advantage of their charisma to promote their records. During the "Ooh, Yes I Do" performances on the small screen and on stage, Luv' appeared in red outfits loosely inspired by Ancient Rome and designed by the renowned Carla V.
Photo edited by Marco Rens
Limburgsch dagblad - December 3rd, 1979: Luv' on Telebingo
Click here to read the article online
Nieuwsblad van het Noorden - December 3rd, 1979: Telebingo featuring Luv'
Click here to read the article online
Luv' on the German TV show "Musikladen" (1979)
Luv' with German record producer Frank Farian (Boney M., Eruption, Gilla, Milli Vanilli, La Bouche and No Mercy) - backstage at "Musikladen" (late 1979)
Luv's poster in Popbiz (1979)
Luv's "Yes I Do" red costumes echoed the lavender ensemble created by the famous designer Pete Menefee, which KISS member Paul Stanley wore during the Dynasty Tour, running from June 15th to December 16th, 1979, in North America.
Paul Stanley of KISS during the Dynasty Tour (1979)
Luv's conquest of two new territories: France and Mexico
In addition to the usual European countries where Luv' had been popular since 1978, the girl group wanted to conquer America. The trio never got big in Uncle Sam's country.
De Telegraaf - December 3rd, 1980: Luv' to the USA
Vive la France !
In the Spring of 1980, "Ooh, Yes I Do" became a Top 10 hit in France where it eventually sold 227.002 copies. Unlike other countries, the land of cuisine, wine and haute couture was a difficult market for Luv'.
A good promotion in the French media explained this success. Luv's single was supported by the French leading radio station RTL. Monique Le Marcis, the director of music programming on RTL, had a decisive influence on the popularity of "Ooh, Yes I Do" in France. The charming Dutch pop princesses also performed their song on three major French TV shows: Midi Première, Les Rendez-Vous du Dimanche and Numéro Un.
Article about "Ooh, Yes I Do" selling 40.000 copies in France after Luv's TV performance on "Les Rendez-Vous Du Dimanche" - 1980
Dutch singer Dave presenting Luv' to the French public on TV (1980)
Luv' on "Numéro Un Sacha Distel" (TF1, 1980)
Hitkrant - April 17th, 1980: Luv' in Paris
Luv' in Paris (1980)
When it was announced that "Ooh, Yes I Do" entered the French Top 10, Marga Scheide had a party to celebrate this good news. Patty Brard and José Hoebee were not present but Dutch media tycoon John de Mol (who was romantically involved with Marga) was there.
Hitkrant - Marga celebrating Ooh, Yes I Do on the French Top 10 - 1980
Viva Mexico!
Luv' recorded a Spanish version of their single, entitled "Si, Que Si", to target the Latin American market, successfully breaking into Mexico. The legendary singer and producer Alfredo Garrido wrote the Spanish lyrics, having previously collaborated with Luv' on successful adaptations that resonated in Spain. His translation of "You're the Greatest Lover", titled "Tú Eres Mi Mejor Amante", reached the #1 spot, and "Casanova" made it into the Top 20 in Spain.
In May 1980, the singers and their crew flew by Concorde to Mexico City.
Diploma awarded to Luv's manager, Pim ter Linde, for crossing the sound barrier aboard the Concorde on May 4th, 1980, during his flight to Mexico. Luv' also received the same certificate.
Luv' in front of the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico (May 1980)
"Si, Que Si" was released by Discos Musart in Zapata's country. Luv' took part in a press conference, a couple of TV programs, radio interviews and photo shoots. Moreover, a special party was organized. The girls received a gold record for "Si, Que Si".
From left to right: Patty Brard, Manager Pim ter Linde, CNR/Carrere record executive Bart van der Laar (who tragically died in late 1981), Discos Musart director, José Hoebee and Marga Scheide proudly posing with their gold records for photos on May 5th, 1980 in Mexico
Mexican gold record for "Si, Que Si" (1980)
Hitkrant - May 22nd, 1980: Luv' in Mexico (part 1)
Hitkrant - May 22nd, 1980: Luv' in Mexico (part 2)
Kwik Magazine, July 7th, 1980: Luv' needed security in Mexico
Chart performance & certification
"Ooh, Yes I Do" became a Top 5 hit in the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark, a Top 10 single in France and on the Europarade (a compilation of European charts), a Top 20 song in Austria and a Top 30 track in Germany. The icing on the cake: it earned a gold certification in Mexico.
Peak positions:
🇳🇱 #5 on the Dutch Top 40 (Netherlands)
First chart date: November 10th, 1979 - Weeks on chart: 10
🇳🇱 #4 on the Nationale Hitparade - Top 50 (Netherlands)
First chart date: November 17th, 1979 - Weeks on chart: 11
🇧🇪 #5 on the BRT Top 30 (Belgium)
First chart date: November 24th, 1979 - Weeks on chart: 9
🇧🇪 #7 on the Ultratop Flanders - Top 30 (Belgium)
First chart date: November 27th, 1979 - Weeks on chart: 10
🇪🇺 #10 on the Europarade - Top 30 (European charts)
First chart date: December 8th, 1979 - Weeks on chart: 5
🇩🇪 #27 on the Musikmarkt/Media Control chart - Top 75 (Germany)
First chart date: December 31st, 1979 - Weeks on chart: 18
🇩🇰 #2 on the BT Hitlisten - Top 10 (Denmark)
First chart date: January 18th, 1980 - Weeks on chart: 5
🇦🇹 #13 on the Ö3-Hitparade (Hit wähl mit) Top 15 (Austria)
First chart date: February 3rd, 1980 - Weeks on chart: 1
🇫🇷 #10 on the SNEP Singles Chart - Top 75 (France)
First chart date: March 16th, 1980 - Weeks on chart: 18
🇨🇭 In Switzerland, "Ooh, Yes I Do" missed the main singles chart (Schweizer Hitparade) and instead peaked at #3 on the Warteliste (Bubbling Under Chart) Top 5. Its first chart date was January 15th, 1980, and it remained on this list for just one week.
Certification:
🇲🇽 Mexico:
Si, Que Si (Ooh, Yes I Do): Gold single - 1980
Total Sales:
🇫🇷 France: 227.002 copies (as of July 1980)
Luv' poster in Joepie (late 1979)
TV performances
November 5th and 19th/December 3rd, 1979: AVRO's TopPop, Netherlands
November 8th, 1979: TROS Top 50/Rockplanet (first taping on TROS), Netherlands
November 22nd, 1979: TROS Top 50/Rockplanet (second taping on TROS), Netherlands
November 30th, 1979: Op Volle Toeren (TROS), Netherlands
November 30th, 1979: Si, Que Si, Luv' as Zwarte Pieten and Jos Brink as Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) on TV Privé (TROS), Netherlands
December 3rd, 1979: Telebingo (AVRO/Nederland 2), Netherlands
December 13th, 1979: Musikladen (Radio Bremen), West Germany
Unknown broadcast date: ZDF Drehscheibe, West Germany
December 31st, 1979: Jetzt Geht Die Party Richtig Los! (ZDF), West Germany
January 12th, 1980: Die aktuelle Schaubude (NDR), West Germany
February 17th, 1980: Heute hau'n wir auf die Pauke (ZDF), West Germany
February 22nd, 1980: Musik und Gäste (Schweizer Fernsehen), Switzerland
February 25th, 1980: Disco (ZDF), West Germany
March 7th, 1980: Midi Première (TF1), France
March 23rd, 1980: Les Rendez-Vous Du Dimanche (TF1), France
March 28th, 1980: This is True Luv' (TV special) on NCRV, Netherlands
May 3rd, 1980: Medley (Ooh, Yes I Do, Boys Goodnight, Ann-Maria, Rhythm 'n Shoes) on Stuif es uit (AVRO/Nederland 1), Netherlands
May 17th: Numéro un Sacha Distel (TF1), France
May 24th, 1980: Ooh, Yes I Do and Boys Goodnight on Aplauso (TVE-1), Spain
September 20th, 1980: Aplauso (TVE-1), Spain
December 27th, 1980: Die aktuelle Schaubude (NDR), West Germany
July 6th, 1993: Discover the world with Luv' (TV special taped on the British Virgin Islands) on Veronica/Nederland 2, Netherlands
Tracklisting & release
Ooh, Yes I Do
7" vinyl single (45 rpm) - original release by CNR/Carrere Records on October 30th, 1979
A side: Ooh, Yes I Do (Hans van Hemert) - 2:57
B side: My Guy (Janschen & Janschens) - 3:49
Credits:
Vocals: José Hoebee, Marga Scheide & Patty Brard
Arranged by Piet Souer
Produced by Hans van Hemert
Management: Interlinde Management
Recorded at Wisseloord and DMC Studios
Click here to see different versions of the single.
Dutch cover
German cover
Carrere France released some pressings of the single with My Guy as the A-side and Ooh, Yes I Do as the B-side
Italian cover
Spanish cover
Mexican edition (promo record)
Mexican promo record
South African pressing
Since September 5th, 2019, "Ooh, Yes I Do" has been available on major digital platforms (including YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify & Deezer).
Remixes
In February 2021, Hans van Hemert productions and the YesterMix's YouTube channel presented the 2021 Uptempo Remix of "Ooh, Yes I Do" by DJ WR (Wouter Reinders) and DJ BarFeet (Maarten Bervoets). Shortly afterwards, the Spanish version of this remix entitled "Si Que Si 2021 (Versión Uptempo)" came out.
Ooh, Yes I Do 2021 (Uptempo Remix)
Si Que Si 2021 (Versión Uptempo)
Cover versions
Franz Lambert – Pop-Orgel Hit-Parade 6 (featuring an organ version of Ooh, Yes I Do) - 1980 - Germany
S.O.S. by Обектив - 1980 - Bulgaria
Ooh, Yes I Do by Lola Lee - 2006 - Netherlands
* Bibliography:
· Hit-Lexikon des Rock und Pop Vol. 1 by Frank Laufenberg, publ: Verlag Ullstein
· Top 40 Hitdossier 1956-2005 (9e editie) by Johan van Slooten, publ: Gottmer
Bech
Source: Luv' Weblog archives, Delpher, Discogs.com, 45cat.com, Dutchcharts.nl, YouTube....
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