Photo courtesy of © José Hoebee Fan Page (Facebook)
Photo edited by Marco Rens
In late November 1984, the Dutch record label CNR released José Hoebee's single "I Love You". While it did not achieve mainstream success, the track remains beloved by fans as a testament to her artistry. Let's celebrate I Love You's 40th anniversary.
History
After Luv's first breakup in 1981, José Hoebee embarked on a solo career that showcased a more mature musical style. She gained recognition by covering popular American and British classics from the 1950s and 1960s, including the major hits "I Will Follow Him" (a Dutch and Flemish #1 hit in 1982) and "Secret Love" (#11 on the Dutch Top 30 and #3 on the Flemish BRT Top 30 in 1982) as well as the lesser-known hits "The Good Times" (#37 on the Nationale Hitparade (currently Single Top 100) in the Netherlands and #28 on the BRT Top 30 in Belgium in 1982), "I Can Hear Music" (#48 on the Nationale Hitparade and #13 on the BRT Top 30 in 1983) and "Time Goes By" (#16 on the Nationale Hitparade in 1984).
By 1984, José's talent had led to further significant success, including two notable duets. The first was "So Long, Marianne," a Leonard Cohen cover performed with Ron Brandsteder, which peaked at #11 on the Dutch Top 40 and #20 on the Flemish BRT Top 30. The second was "Cassandra," a Dutch rendition of an ABBA track performed with Bonnie St. Claire, which reached #24 on the Dutch Top 40.
Building on this momentum, José put out an ambitious medley titled "I Love You" in late November 1984. This cover blended two timeless classics: "Nights in White Satin" by The Moody Blues (1967) and "I (Who Have Nothing)," the English adaptation of "Uno Dei Tanti," originally performed by Joe Sentieri in 1961. "I (Who Have Nothing)" was famously interpreted by countless artists such as Ben E. King, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, and Sylvester.
Nights Of White Satin by The Moody Blues (1967)
Uno Dei Tanti by Joe Sentieri in 1961
I Who Have Nothing by Shirley Bassey in 1963
To record "I Love You", José collaborated with renowned producer Hans Vermeulen and her husband, Will Hoebee. A demo of the track, recorded as a duet with Vermeulen, was later featured as a bonus track on Luv's 2003 compilation "25 Jaar Na Waldolala". José's solo version was also included in her 2005 compilation CD "Alle Hits & Unieke Bonustracks".
"I Love You" by Hans Vermeulen & José (demo - 1984)
"I Love You" by José was mentioned in the December 5th, 1984 issue of the Dutch trade magazine "Muziek & Beeld Info".
Muziek & Beeld Info - December 5th, 1984
In 2008, José revisited the song with her fan and friend Peter Boonstra, the author of the forbidden photo book "The Story of Luv'". Their duet was broadcast on a local Dutch TV channel, keeping the song alive in fans' memories.
In 2016, Perry Krootjes (of the Dutch website Moov.nl) interviewed José about her career. When asked to name a Luv' track, a duet by Bonnie & José and a solo song she was the proudest of, or that brought back many memories, the songstress answered: "It's a tough question. All my songs are important to me. Of course, there are songs that I prefer. For example, "Mother of the Hearts" by Luv' from 1980. It was a very emotional track that I sang on my own. As for Bonnie & José, I would choose "Dan is het zo" from 1985. As for my solo career, I would select "I Love You" from 1984. It was a medley of two songs".
Commercial Performance
Despite its artistic ambition, "I Love You" did not make it into Holland's two major hit parades: the Dutch Top 40 or the Nationale Hitparade. However, on January 12th, 1985, it appeared on the Dutch Single Tip chart (the "bubbling under" section of the Top 50), which featured singles that narrowly missed entering the official rankings.
Photography
Photo edited by Marco Rens
The single's cover featured a striking photograph of José taken by acclaimed Dutch photographer Trix van Dugteren, adding visual elegance to the release.
Video edited by Marco Rens
Tracklisting
"I Love You" by José - 7" Vinyl Single (45 rpm)
Original Release: Late November 1984 by CNR
Original front cover
A-Side: "I Love You" (Nights in White Satin / I Who Have Nothing) – 4:15
Written by: C. Donida, Labati, J. Hayward, Mogol
B-Side: "Should I Be Lonely" – 2:45
Written by: H. Vermeulen
Credits:
Vocals: José Hoebee
Producers: Hans Vermeulen, Will Hoebee
Arrangement: Hans Vermeulen, Harry van Hoof
Engineer: Pieter Boer
Recording Studio: D.M.C. Studios
Mixing Studio: Wisseloord Studios
Design: Mysiotis - Baarn
Photography: Trix van Dugteren
TV performances
José performed "I Love You" in a few Dutch TV programs:
Late 1984: Wissels (NCRV, Netherlands)
March 15, 1985: Klassewerk (KRO, Netherlands)
March 21, 1988: Candlelight (AVRO, Netherlands)
June 15, 2008: Duet with Peter Boonstra on De Week Van Cor (Stads RTV Breda, Netherlands)
Live shows
In addition to her TV appearances and radio airplay, José sporadically gave live performances in the Netherlands. Jos Theuns, her biggest fan and friend, is a crucial witness to the singer's shows and attended many of them.
José at Zalencentrum Utrecht on December 7th, 1984, during the "I Love You" era (photo by Jos Theuns)
Though "I Love You" may not have dominated the charts, it holds a special place in José Hoebee's repertoire and continues to be celebrated by devoted admirers decades later.
Source: Dutchcharts.nl, 45cat.com, YouTube, Luv' Blog Archive, Discogs.com...
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