Photo edited by Marco Rens
On July 7th, 2022, in Best, the Netherlands, a memorable lunch brought together Marga Scheide, a former Luv' member, and a group of friends and acquaintances, including myself. Hosted by David Hay Gibson, Luv's former tour manager, and Leon at their inviting home, the gathering included José Hoebee, Marco Rens, Jos Theuns, and Michiel Gunning.
From left to right: Marco, Leon, David, me, Jos, José, Marga and Michiel (2022)
During this relaxed afternoon, Marga Scheide shared her admiration for The Ritchie Family, an American group she had encountered during her career. The Ritchie Family, launched by French producers Henri Belolo and Jacques Morali in 1975, were closely associated as The Village People's sister band in the disco music scene. Marga reminisced about meeting them at various German television shows such as Musikladen and ZDF's New Year's Eve specials.
During Musikladen's September 21st, 1978, episode, Luv' performed their international breakthrough hit "You're the Greatest Lover" while The Ritchie Family sang "American Generation" featuring their evolving lineup of Jacqui Smith-Lee, Theodosia 'Dodie' Draher, and Ednah Holt. The contrast between Luv' and The Ritchie Family was evident, with Luv' focusing on mainstream pop markets and a family-oriented audience, while The Ritchie Family targeted discotheques and a more mature demographic.
Luv's You're the Greatest Lover on Musikladen (1978)
The Ritchie Family's American Generation on Musikladen (1978)
Their paths crossed again on Musikladen's August 30th, 1979, episode where Luv' performed "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe" while The Ritchie Family presented "Where Are the Men?" with Vera Brown having replaced Ednah Holt.
Luv's Eeny Meeny Miny Moe on Musikladen (1979)
The Ritchie Family's Where Are The Men? (1979)
Later that year, on Musikladen's December 13th, 1979, episode, Luv' sang "Ooh, Yes I Do" and The Ritchie Family performed "Put Your Feet to the Beat".
Luv's Ooh, Yes I Do on Musikladen (1979)
The Ritchie Family's Put Your Feet To The Beat (1979)
During ZDF's New Year's Eve Show "Jetzt geht die Party richtig los" broadcast on December 31st, 1978, Luv' performed their million-selling songs "You're the Greatest Lover" and "Trojan Horse," while The Ritchie Family sang "I Feel Disco Good." One year later, during the December 31st, 1979 episode of ZDF's New Year's Eve program, Luv' sang "Casanova" and "Ooh, Yes I Do" as The Ritchie Family performed "Put Your Feet to the Beat".
Luv's Casanova on ZDF's New Year's Eve show (1979)
The Ritchie Family's Put Your Feet To The Beat on ZDF's New Year Eve's show (1979)
Marga Scheide recalled how she had proposed to Luv's producer and creator, Hans van Hemert, to draw inspiration from The Ritchie Family's style for their music. However, Van Hemert declined, emphasizing his strategy of targeting families and the mainstream pop market, which he believed was more lucrative than the discotheque scene catered to by The Ritchie Family.
Photo edited by Marco Rens
The gathering continued with pleasant conversation and shared insights into music. It was a moment where Marga Scheide's appreciation for The Ritchie Family's impact on disco music and their distinctive style resonated among those present.
Source: Luvgirlgroup archives
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