Today marks a significant milestone as the Dutch Top 40 celebrates its 60th anniversary. This iconic weekly music chart originated as the radio program "Veronica Top 40" on the offshore station Radio Veronica. The very first #1 hit on the Dutch Top 40 was "I Feel Fine" by The Beatles, which topped the chart on January 2nd, 1965. In 1974, the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40 took over this legendary hit parade, rebranding it as "De Nederlandse Top 40".
For most of its history, the Top 40 was based on sales figures of record stores. Since February 2014, it has evolved to incorporate airplay, streaming, and social media trends, keeping it relevant in today's music landscape. Currently, the Top 40 is broadcast by the Dutch commercial radio station Qmusic.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary, Godfried Nevels published a book titled "60 Jaar Top 40: De Verhalen Achter de Hits - Deel 1: 1965 - 1984" on November 14th. Parts 2 and 3 are scheduled for release in the summer and fall of 2025, respectively. Among the interviewees in Part 1 is Luv's father, Hans van Hemert, who passed away on October 7th. Many of his productions (including Sandra & Andres, Mouth & McNeal, American Gypsy, Kamahl, Luv', Vulcano and André Hazes) were featured in the Top 40.
This anniversary celebration is further highlighted by special radio programs airing on NPO Radio 5 and Qmusic. A unique exhibition focusing on the national chart is also presented at Museum Rockart in Hoek van Holland, Netherlands.
As a successful pop group, Luv' dominated the Top 40 in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Because of their two chart-toppers ("You're the Greatest Lover" and "Trojan Horse"), the ladies won two Veronica Awards in December 1978.
Luv' receiving their Veronica Awards on "Countdown '78, a TV program broadcast on Veronica channel on December 31st, 1978
The trio scored 13 hits on the Dutch Top 40:
My Man, First chart date: June 11th, 1977, Peak position: #11, Weeks on chart: 6
U.O.Me, First chart date: March 11th, 1978, Peak position: #3, Weeks on chart: 13
You're the Greatest Lover, First chart date: July 29th, 1978, Peak position: #1, Weeks on chart: 15
Trojan Horse, First chart date: November 18th, 1978, Peak position: #1, Weeks on chart: 11
Casanova, First chart date: April 28th, 1979, Peak position: #6, Weeks on chart: 9
Eeny Meeny Miny Moe, First chart date: August 25th, 1979, Peak position: #11, Weeks on chart: 7
Ooh, Yes I Do, First chart date: November 10th, 1979, Peak position: #5, Weeks on chart: 10
Ann-Maria, First chart date: February 23rd, 1980, Peak position: #11, Weeks on chart: 8
One More Little Kissie, First chart date: June 7th, 1980, Peak position: #9, Weeks on chart: 7
My Number One, First chart date: November 15th, 1980, Peak position: #5, Weeks on chart: 9
Tingalingaling, First chart date: August 8th, 1981, Peak position; #29, Weeks on chart: 3
Welcome To My Party, First chart date: October 21st, 1989, Peak position: #22, Weeks on chart: 5
Megamix '93, First chart date: May 15th, 1993, Peak position: #23, Weeks on chart: 5
The Dutch Top 40 on September 2nd, 1978 (including the #1 hit You're the Greatest Lover" by Luv')
The Top 40 on December 16th, 1978 (including Trojan Horse by Luv' which hit the number-one spot)
Two former Luv' singers scored Dutch Top 40 hits: José Hoebee and Patty Brard.
José Hoebee won a Veronica Award on July 3rd, 1982, thanks to the success of her #1 hit "I Will Follow Him".
José showing her Veronica award on "Terug naar Luv' (AT5, December 25th, 1996)
José was part of a prestigious list of artists (including John Lennon, George Michael, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross) who had #1 hit singles on the Dutch Top 40 as members of a group and as solo singers. This list appeared in the 1997 edition of "500 Nr. 1 Hits uit de Top 40", a book written by Johan van Slooten and published by Gottmer Becht Groep:
In the 1980s, José had 5 Top 40 hits (two solo songs and three duets).
I Will Follow Him, First chart date: June 5th, 1982, Peak position: #1, Weeks on chart: 10
Secret Love, First chart date: September 18th, 1982, Peak position: #11, Weeks on chart: 6
So Long Marianne (with Ron Brandsteder), First chart date: February 2nd, 1984, Peak position: #11, Weeks on chart:7
Cassandra (with Bonnie St. Claire), First chart date: July 7th, 1984, Peak position: #24, Weeks on chart: 5
Zoals Vrienden Doen (with Bonnie St. Claire), First chart date: August 3rd, 1985, Peak position: #36, Weeks on chart:4
Patty Brard only scored one Top 40 hit:
Hold On To Love, First chart date: February 21st, 1981, Peak position: #19, Weeks on chart: 6
Patty Brard during her "Hold On To Love" era (1981)
Source: Luv' weblog archives, RTL.nl, NOS, Top40.nl, Wikipedia....
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