Photo courtesy of © José Hoebee Fan Page (Facebook) - Marco Rens
The legendary American-British actor and singer David Soul died yesterday at age 80.
His wife, Helen Snell, announced the sad news earlier today on the artist's website: "David Soul—beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother—died yesterday after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family. He shared many extraordinary gifts in the world as actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist, and dear friend. His smile, laughter, and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched".
David became world famous thanks to his role as Detective Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson in the iconic television series "Starsky & Hutch" (1975- 1979). As a singer, he scored several songs on the charts. His signature song was "Don't Give Up on Us" (#1 in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, #2 in Ireland, #3 in the Netherlands and #4 in Flanders (Belgium) in 1976.
Paul Michael Glaser & David Soul: the golden duo of "Starsky & Hutch"
May David rest in peace. Our condolences go to his family and friends. We will always remember this talented and charismatic man. We extend our deepest sympathies to José Hoebee during this difficult time.
José's friendship with David dates back to early 1981. The former Luv' lead singer recorded background vocals on David Soul's album "The Best Days Of My Life", produced by her husband Will. David had already reached fame and fortune with "Starsky & Hutch".
Will Hoebee, Harry van Hoof and David Soul taking a break while recording of "The Best Days Of My Life" album at the Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, the Netherlands (1981).
Will Hoebee & David Soul
The March 31st, 1981 edition of De Telegraaf featured José and Will Hoebee announcing their wedding. The lovebirds revealed the good news two days earlier, during José and Piet Souer's birthday party. David Soul was present at this party due to his collaboration with Will.
De Telegraaf - March 31st, 1981
Click here to read the article online
Another party was organized after the recording of David's LP.
De Telegraaf - May 30th, 1981
Click here to read the article online
Late June 1981 saw the release of "Dreamers", the lead single taken from "The Best Days Of My Life". It peaked at #41 in the Netherlands and #20 in Flanders (Belgium).
Dreamers by David Soul - produced by Will Hoebee - 1981
David Soul performing "Dreamers" (produced by Will Hoebee) on AVRO's TopPop (1981)
David Soul: The Best Days Of My Life - taken from a Dutch documentary, 'Het Paard', broadcast on Dutch TV in 1982.
Interview with David Soul & José Hoebee in Hitkrant (1981)
In October 1981, José and Will Hoebee got married. The wedding reception took place in David Soul's villa in Los Angeles. This great event generated publicity in the Dutch and Flemish press.
David Soul congratulating Will and José on their wedding
Hitkrant - October 1981
De Telegraaf - October 26th, 1981: Will & José's Hoebee's wedding at David Soul's mansion in Los Angeles
Click here to read the article online
José and David met on several occasions over the years. In the early 1990s, José planned to sing a new version of David's classic hit "Don't Give Up On Us" in a duet with him. However, nothing materialized. Instead, José and Piet Souer recorded a demo of this track, which appeared on the CD compilation "Alle Hits & Unieke Bonustracks" in 2005.
David & José in the 1990s
Article in "Story" about José Hoebee's intention to record a duet with David Soul (1990)
David Soul with his wife Helen Snell, José & Will Hoebee in the early 2000s
When Will Hoebee passed away in 2012, David was the first to offer José his condolences. Then José lost trace of David. In 2018, the singer started a campaign on Facebook to find him again. Her quest paid off when the two friends were reunited in Amsterdam on November 23rd, 2018.
Photos edited by Marco Rens
The November 28th, 2018, issue of "Story" featured an article about the Starsky & Hutch star and the Luv' singer.
Story (2018)
"In addition to acting, singing is David's passion," José told Story. "In 1981, Will produced his album, and I was a backup singer. The album was not a hit, but our collaboration led to a friendship," she added. "Then I lost his phone number. I moved several times, and I forgot to contact him. I've been thinking about David often for a couple of years but couldn't call him. I sent messages to his management, but no one answered," José explained. One day, she received a message from an unknown sender saying, "David wanted to see her again". "I thought it was a joke. But it was really David. He was told that I started a campaign on Facebook to find him. He wanted to meet me and let me know when he was available in Amsterdam. The meeting happened last weekend. Recently, he's been on a meet & greet tour in the UK with his Starsky & Hutch colleague Paul Michael Glaser. He travelled to Amsterdam with his wife, Helen. It was pure coincidence that he met my son Tim on his first day in Holland. David recognized him immediately. They had a drink and the day after I met them. We hadn't talked for years, but it was as if I left David the day before. We laughed, we cried, and we promised to meet again. He lives in London with his wife. It takes one hour to fly there. David told me that Tim and I were welcome to his home. It's going to happen. I saved his phone number. I will never lose it again," José asserted.
Source: Marco Rens, José Hoebee Fan Page (Facebook), Luvgirlgroup blog archives, CNN, BBC, Variety...