Today, Marga Scheide celebrates her 70th birthday. In Dutch we say: Hartelijk Gefeliciteerd met je Verjaardag!!!
Marga is the only Luv' member who participated in all the group's line-ups. She even trademarked Luv's name in late 1989.
Before Luv', she was a sought-after photo model and took part in many beauty pageants.
To pay tribute to this charismatic lady, here are ten essential dates in her career:
April 21st, 1977: A few weeks before the release of "My Man" (Luv's first record), Marga Scheide finished second runner-up at the Miss Holland 1977 contest. Her participation in a beauty pageant might seem strange as she was also involved in the music business. Later, in interviews, the blonde lady explained that she kept modelling at the beginning of Luv's career. She became totally devoted to the group only after the success of "You're the Greatest Lover".
Marga Scheide finished third at the Miss Holland 1977 contest - article published in
Het Vrije Volk on April 22nd, 1977 - click here to read it online
September 2nd, 1978: "You're the Greatest Lover" by Luv' hit the number-one spot in the Netherlands. It later charted in a dozen countries (#1 in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Spain, #2 in Austria, #26 in Finland, #19 in Israel, #15 in South Africa. and #21 in France). This single sold one million copies worldwide.
Ad published by Phonogram Records in Billboard Benelux Magazine in 1979 to celebrate the 1 Million sales of "You're the Greatest Lover".
December 16th, 1978: Luv' had their second #1 hit on the Dutch Top 40 with "Trojan Horse". This single was also a million-seller thanks to its presence on the hit parades of sixteen territories (#1 in Belgium, Top 5 in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Denmark, Top 10 in Norway, New Zealand and Argentina, Top 20 in Finland, Israel, South Africa and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Top 30 in France, Top 50 in Australia and Top 100 in Canada).
Luv' (Patty Brard, Marga Scheide & José Hoebee) promoting "Trojan Horse" on TopPop on November 16th, 1978
December 31st, 1979: Luv' received the Conamus Export Prize for "best-selling Dutch export act of 1979" thanks to their international success. Between 1978 and 1980, the trio collected 14 gold and platinum records. They eventually sold 7 million records worldwide.
Luv': the proud winners of the 1979 Conamus Export Prize
March 4th, 1981: Luv's first break-up was announced to the media. This sad news came as no surprise. In July 1980, Patty Brard left the group. Ria Thielsch replaced her. In the autumn of 1980, Luv's new line-up released the hit single "My Number One" and the album "Forever Yours" which sold well in the Low Countries. Shortly after the promotion of these records, Marga Scheide experienced burnout, which caused Luv's dissolution.
Luv' in late 1980: Ria Thielsch (Patty Brard's replacement), Marga Scheide & José Hoebee
March 16th, 1985: TROS/Nederland 2 broadcast "ABBACaDaBra", a TV musical based on songs from the Swedish pop group "ABBA". Several Dutch celebrities were in the cast, including José Hoebee, Marga Scheide, Ron Brandsteder, Benny Neyman and Bonnie St. Claire.
The cast of "ABBACaDaBra" including Marga Scheide, José Hoebee, Bonnie St. Claire, Ron Brandsteder and Benny Neyman
October 21st, 1989: Luv's single "Welcome To My Party" entered the Dutch charts. This song featured the vocals of the line-up consisting of Marga Scheide (the only original member of Luv') and two other girls: Diana van Berlo and Michelle Gold (later replaced by Carina Lemoine). The single later peaked at #22 on the Dutch Top 40 and #28 on the Flemish BRT Top 30 F.
Luv' in 1989: Diana van Berlo, Marga Scheide & Michelle Gold
April 26th, 1993: The original Luv' trio (Patty Brard, Marga Scheide and José Hoebee) reunited to perform at the legendary "It Club" in Amsterdam to launch their "Gold" CD.
May 26th, 27th and 28th, 2006: The Luv' ladies and Bobby Farrell (of Boney M.) made a guest appearance on the mega shows of De Toppers (a group formed by Gordon, René Froger and Gerard Joling) at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Luv' at De Toppers show (2006)
August 11th, 2012: The original Luv' ladies gave their final show at the Dutch Valley Festival. Marga Scheide and José Hoebee relaunched Luv' in 2016 with Ria Thielsch and in 2019 with Chimène van Oosterhout. February 7th, 2020, saw Luv's final break-up due to José's ill health.
The last show of the original Luv' trio (2012)
April 15th, 2022: Marga Scheide gave a farewell performance at CC De Spil in Roeselare, Belgium, as part of Piv Huluv's Vinylvreter Show. The blonde and charming singer wanted a discreet artistic farewell without much fanfare. Marga's final show marked the end of her music career after a limited number of guest appearances during the shows of the Flemish comedian Piv Huvluv.
Source: Luv' weblog archives, Luvgirlgroup archives