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Fud Leclerc

1962

1962 Logo (copyright - EBU)
Basic information
Date: 
25 February 1962
Venue: 
Grand Auditorium de RTL, Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Broadcaster: 
CLT
Presenter(s): 
Mireille Delanoy
About the contest: 

There was a noticeable shift in the 1961 contest away from what would be thought of in a historical context as the old-fashioned style to something more modern and/or upbeat. Maybe influenced by the fact that an ‘old-fashioned’ song won in 1961, half the countries reverted to the previous type in 1962. For the third year in succession, a French language song won.

Sixteen countries participated, with no-one coming in or dropping out from the previous year. Fud Leclerc was making his fourth and final attempt at winning the contest for Belgium. Ronnie Carroll, Claudio Villa, Marion Rung and Isabelle Aubret were making the first of two appearances each. Jean Philippe was singing his second song for his second country, having represented France in 1959.

The voting system changed slightly from the past few years. Each jury marked all the songs and then awarded 3 points to the song scoring the highest marks, 2 points to the second highest and 1 point to the third highest. Despite this, four countries failed to score any points at all.

Trivia: 
Two other versions of the winner, “Un Premier Amour”, were recorded by other artists with a Eurovision connection. Frida Boccara, who would later achieve France’s fourth win and Isabelle’s conductor, Franck Pourcel, each released a version.
About the songs: 
Marion RungMarion Rung

Finland – Marion Rung – Tipi-tii (Finnish)

Music/Lyrics: Kari Tuomisaari/Kari Tuomisaari

Conductor: George de Godzinsky

Marion was appearing in the contest in the first of her two appearances. As well as plenty of “tipi-tii’s”, there are enough “la’s” to keep the cynics happy.

Fud LeclercFud Leclerc Belgium – Fud Leclerc – Ton Nom (French)

Music/Lyrics: Eric Channe/Tony Golan

Conductor: Henri Segers

This was the fourth year Belgium’s song was in French, so naturally it was Fud’s fourth appearance in the contest. It could have been any of the previous three and no-body would have been any the wiser.
Victor BalaguerVictor Balaguer Spain - Victor Balaguer – Llámame (Spanish)

MusicLyrics: Mario Selles/Miguel Portoles

Conductor: Antonia Moya

Spain’s first entry the year before could have come from anywhere in Europe. Their second effort has more of a Spanish feel about it.
Eleonore SchwarzEleonore Schwarz

Austria - Eleonore Schwarz - Nur in der Wiener Luft (German)

Music/Lyrics: Bruno Uher/Bruno Uher

Conductor: Bruno Uher

Soprano Eleonore went for Austria’s first win with a song which would have sounded dated even then.

Ellen WintherEllen Winther Denmark - Ellen Winther – Vuggevise (Danish)

Music/Lyrics: Kjeld Bonfils/Sejr Volmer-Sørensen

Conductor: Kai Mortensen

Denmark’s sixth entry passes by almost unnoticed. It’s quite slow and not easy to listen to today.

Inger BerggrenInger Berggren Sweden - Inger Berggren - Sol Och Vår (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Ulf Kjellqvist & Åke Gerhard/Ulf Kjellqvist & Åke Gerhard

Conductor: Ego Kjerrmann

By this time in the history of the contest, Sweden was establishing itself as the country to rely on for good, cheerful foot-tappers. This song certainly helps that reputation.
Conny FroboessConny Froboess Germany – Conny Froboess – Zwei Kleiner Italiener (German)

Music/Lyrics: Christian Bruhn/Georg Buschor

Conductor: Rolf-Hans Muller

For the second year running, the accordion was present, lending the song a fairground style of sound.
De SpelbrekersDe Spelbrekers The Netherlands – De Spelbrekers – Katinka (Dutch)

Music/Lyrics: Joop Stookkermans/Henny Hamhuis

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden

With beaming smiles, the Dutch duo skipped onto the stage. Their song was also a happy one.
Isabelle AubretIsabelle Aubret France - Isabelle Aubret - Un Premier Amour (French)

Music/Lyrics: Claude Henri Vic/Roland Valade

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

An old-fashioned French ballad won in 1961 for Luxembourg, an old-fashioned French ballad won in 1962 for France. To be fair, this is more appealing than its predecessor.

Inger JacobsenInger Jacobsen

Norway - Inger Jacobsen - Kom Sol, Kom Regn (Norwegian)

Music/Lyrics: Kjell Karlsen/Ivar Andersen

Conductor: Øivind Bergh

Norway’s third entry is a ballad. Strings are the most evident instruments in the arrangement.

Jean PhilippeJean Philippe Switzerland - Jean Philippe - Le Retour (French)

Music/Lyrics: Géo Voumard/ Emile Gardaz

Conductor: Cedric Dumont

The orchestra were used sensibly during this ballad, which was an improvement on his first effort for France three years earlier.
Lola NovakovicLola Novakovic Yugoslavia - Lola Novakovic - Ne Pali Svetlo u Sumrak (Serbo-Croat)

Music/Lyrics: Jozé Privšek/ Dragutin Britvic

Conductor: Jozé Privšek

Yugoslavia’s approach was similar to their first song in 1961, a ballad sung by a female. The result was a little better.
Ronnie CarrollRonnie Carroll UK – Ronnie Carroll – Ring-a-Ding Girl (English)

Music/Lyrics: Syd Cordell/Stan Butcher

Conductor: Wally Stott

At first, the “Ring-a-Ding” refers to his reaction to first seeing his girl. As the song progresses, the “Ring-a-Ding” represents the wedding bells. Clever or corny – you decide.
Camillo FelgenCamillo Felgen Luxembourg - Camillo Felgen- Petit Bonhomme (French)

Music/Lyrics: Jacques Datin/Maurice Vidalin

Conductor: Jean Roderes

If at first you succeed, try the same thing again. This time, it wasn’t quite as successful. Perhaps the spoken part didn’t help, or maybe was it Camillo's striking resemblance to Dracula?
Claudio VillaClaudio Villa Italy - Claudio Villa – Addio, Addio (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Domenico Modugno/ Franco Migliacci

Conductor: Cinico Angelini

Claudio is a legend in Italian music history. He and another legend, Domenico Modugno, won the Sanremo festival with this song, which Domenico also wrote. A powerful performance of a powerful song.
François DegueltFrançois Deguelt Monaco - François Deguelt - Dis Rien (French)

Music/Lyrics: Henri Salvador/ René Rouzaud

Conductor: Raymond Lefèvre

Having attempted something a little different the previous year, Monaco played it safer this year with a straight ballad.

1960

1960 Logo (copyright - EBU)
Basic information
Date: 
23 March 1960
Venue: 
The Royal Festival Hall, London, UK
Broadcaster: 
BBC
Presenter(s): 
Katie Boyle
About the contest: 

The BBC hosted the contest for the first time. Katie Boyle would go on to host three more contests, more than any other presenter. The hosts were represented by the brother of Teddy Johnson, who had represented his country the year before. There were more countries than ever before with Luxembourg returning and Norway making its debut.

The same voting system as the previous three contests was used, with each country having ten jurors giving 1 point to their favourite song.

The voting system in the ESC has always been a topic for discussion. Even before televoting was introduced, the idea of the idea of neighbourly voting and so-called mafias had been discussed. The most recent example is the Balkan mafia, who seems to have replaced the Scandinavian mafia to some extent.

When Norway joined the Contest in 1960, they only gave two points to Denmark and none to Sweden - although over the years, the four countries which have received most points from Norway are Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Russia - all Norway's four neighbours! It has to be mentioned though, that only Sweden to some extent pay those points back to Norway - which actually receive most of its points from Belgium and Ireland. Who talks about a Scandinavian mafia?

France won in 1960 with the song "Tom Pillipi", only two years after their first victory and once again the United Kingdom came second.

Trivia: 
The winner, Jacqueline Boyer, was the daughter of Jacques Pills, who represented Monaco the year before. With only one single point for dad, the daughter turned out to win the family competition quite clearly.
About the songs: 
Bryan JohnsonBryan Johnson

UK – Bryan Johnson – Looking High, High, High (English)

Music/Lyrics: John Watson/John Watson

Conductor: Eric Robinson

Bryan sounded rather cheerful considering he was singing about looking for his lost love. Like his brother, Teddy, the year before, he gave the listener a reason to smile as all ended happily.

 Siw MalmqvistSiw Malmqvist

Sweden – Siw Malmkvist - Alla Andra Får Varann (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Ulf Källqvist/Åke Gerhard

Conductor: Thore Ehrling

A Big Band sound dominated in the background while Siw confidently made her way through the song. The instrumental lasts for almost a minute, maybe one of the longest ever in the contest.

 Camillo FelgenCamillo Felgen Luxembourg – Camillo Felgen – So Lang We’s du do Bast (Luxembourgish)

Music/Lyrics: Henri Mootz & Jean Roderes/Henri Mootz

Conductor: Henri Mootz

Instead of French, Luxembourg tried their own language for the first time. Baritone Camillo delivered a song which wouldn’t have been out of place in a Hollywood musical.

 Katy BødtgerKaty Bødtger

Denmark – Katy Bødtger – Det Var en Yndig Tid (Danish)

Music/Lyrics: Vilfred Kjær/Sven Buemann

Conductor: Kai Mortensen

The song is pleasant enough to listen to but doesn’t hold the listeners ear very well.

 Fud LeclercFud Leclerc

Belgium – Fud Leclerc – Mon Amour Pour Toi (French)

Music/Lyrics: Jack Say/Robert Montal

Conductor: Henry Segers

For their third year entering a song in French, Belgium turned to Fred Luclerc for the third time. There is a slow jazz feel to this song.

 Nora BrockstedtNora Brockstedt

Norway – Nora Brockstedt – Voi, Voi (Norwegian)

Music/Lyrics: George Elgaaen/ George Elgaaen

Conductor: Øivind Bergh

Norway’s debut was a happy sounding tune, using soft swing as the basis for the arrangement.

 Harry WinterHarry Winter Austria – Harry Winter – Du Hast Mich So Fasziniert (German)

Music/Lyrics: Robert Stolz/Robert Gilbert

Conductor: Robert Stolz

After entering something a bit different in 1959, Austria opted went for something more typical of the period, a well sung ballad.
 Francois DegueltFrancois Deguelt

Monaco – Francois Deguelt – Ce Soir-là (French)

Music/Lyrics: Hubert Giraud/Pierre Dorsey

Conductor: Raymond Lefèvre

The intro features swirling strings and energetic piano before calming down for the rest of the song. The strings and piano return for the outro.

 Anita TraversiAnita Traversi

Switzerland – Anita Traversi – Cielo e Terra (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Mario Robbiani/Mario Robbiani

Conductor: Cedric Dumont

This mid-tempo song jogs along nicely without really going anywhere.

 Rudi CarrellRudi Carrell

The Netherlands – Rudi Carrell – Wat Een Geluk (Dutch)

Music/Lyrics: Dick Schallies/Willy van Hemert

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden

The Dutch went for two in a row with this bouncy little number which features several repetitions of la-la-la.

 Wyn HoopWyn Hoop

Germany – Wyn Hoop – Bonne Nuit, Ma Chérie (German)

Music/Lyrics: Franz Josef Breuer/Kurt Schwabach

Conductor: Franz Josef Breuer

Although Germany didn’t ‘Wyn’, it was another strong effort. Elements of the Cha-Cha-Cha are to the fore.

 Renato RascelRenato Rascel

Italy – Renato Rascel – Romantica (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Renato Rascel/Dino Verde

Conductor: Cinico Angelini

Another Italian entry, another Sanremo winner. Imagine a traditional Italian ballad of the time and you will hear this.

 Jacqueline BoyerJacqueline Boyer

France – Jacqueline Boyer – Tom Pillibi (French)

Music/Lyrics: André Popp/Pierre Cour

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

France’s second win came with this quirky song delivered well by Jacqueline. Certainly a case of last but not least.

1958

1958 Logo (copyright - EBU)
Basic information
Date: 
3 March 1958
Venue: 
AVRO Studios - Hilversum, The Netherlands
Broadcaster: 
NOS
Presenter(s): 
Hannie Lips
About the contest: 

Sweden made its Eurovision debut in 1958, when Alice Babs came fourth with "Lilla Stjärna" - although she was already a big star, being one of the most popular artists in her country. In these early years of the Contest it was quite common to use established singers and not newcomers, as later became popular.

Although France achieved a clear victory, as is typical with the ESC, it was another song which got all the publicity. Domenico
Modugno's "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu" became a world mega-hit, both in its original Italian version and also in English by the American
singer Dean Martin. Since then, the song has been recorded by lots of different artist in practically every language.

All the countries had ten jurors, who awarded 1 point to their favourite song.

Trivia: 
No-one could be left in doubt about who the host country was, as the Netherlands had covered the stage with too many tulips.
About the songs: 
Domeniso ModugnoDomeniso Modugno


Italy – Domenico Modugno – Nel Blu, di Pinto di Blu (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Domenico Modugno/Franco Migliacci & Domenico Modugno

Conductor: Alberto Semprini


Never mind the Eurovision Song Contest, this is one of the most famous songs in the world. Italy chose the Sanremo winner again with probably more confidence than before.

Corry BrokkenCorry Brokken

The Netherlands – Corry Brokken – Heel de Wereld (Dutch)

Music/Lyrics: Benny Vreden/Benny Vreden

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden


From the top of the scoreboard in 1957 to the bottom in 1958. This was Corry’s third and final song (and arguably her best) and had minimal arrangement, leaving her vocal to dominate. No wonder she gave up after this undeserved placing.

Andre ClaveauAndre Claveau

France – André Claveau – Dors Mon Amour (French)

Music/Lyrics: Pierre Delanoë/Hubert Giraud

Conductor: Franck Pourcel


France’s first victory was with this typical French ballad, which was also typical of their earlier entries. It’s nice enough but hands up if you prefer it to ‘Nel Blu, di Pinto di Blu. Thought not!

Solange BerrySolange Berry


Luxembourg – Solange Berry – Un Grand Amour (French)

Music/Lyrics: Michel Eric/ Monique Laniece & Raymond Roche

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden


This is the kind of song that would have been heard in late night cabaret, with the piano and double bass adding atmosphere.

Alice BabsAlice Babs

Sweden – Alice Babs – Lille Stjärna (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Åke Gerhard/Åke Gerhard

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden


No Schlager here! This is Sweden’s version of what everyone else was sending to the contest.

Raquel RastenniRaquel Rastenni

Denmark – Raquel Rastenni – Jeg Rev et Blad Ud Af min Dagbog (Danish)

Music/Lyrics: Harry Jensen/Harry Jensen

Conductor: Kai Mortensen


Following a relatively successful debut, Denmark gave us another pleasant, gentle foot-tapper.

Fud LeclercFud Leclerc

Belgium – Fud Leclerc – Ma Petite Chatte (French)

Music/Lyrics: André Dohet/André Dohet

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden


Belgium made good use of the orchestra’s brass section to create a Big Band sound. After singing in Flemish the year before, it was the turn of French this year.

Margot HielscherMargot Hielscher

Germany – Margot Hielscher – Für Zwei Groschen Musik (German)

Music/Lyrics: Friedrich Meyer/ Fred Rauch and Walter Brandin

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden


Brass was clearly the ‘in’ sound in 1958. There is also a Big Band feeling to the German song. Judging by her outfit, Margot had clearly just arrived from the Miss World contest

Liane AugustinLiane Augustin

Austria – Liane Augustin – Die Ganze Welt Braucht Liebe (German)

Music/Lyrics: Günther Leopold and Kurt Werner/ Günther Leopold and Kurt Werner

Conductor: Willy Fantl


This is a rather non-descript song. While there is nothing to dislike, it doesn’t really have anything likeable either. That’s probably why it finished mid-table.

Lys AssiaLys Assia

Switzerland – Lys Assis – Giorgio (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Paul Berkhard/Fridolin Tschudi

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden


By far the most up-tempo of Lys’ Eurovision songs and her only one in Italian. This is a fun song which Lys must have enjoyed singing.

1956

1956 Eurovision Song Contest logo © EBU
Basic information
Date: 
24 April 1956
Venue: 
Teatro Kursaal, Lugano, Switzerland
Broadcaster: 
SSR
Presenter(s): 
Lohengrin Filipello
About the contest: 

This is where it all began, Lugano, Switzerland. Who could have imagined how the contest would change and develop, or would have even existed more than fifty years later? Seven countries took part and, probably to make the show more of an event, each had two songs. Can you imagine that today? Rehearsals would take a month!

Only those involved at the time with a particular country will know if there were any tactical decisions regarding singers and songs. However, it is interesting to note that only one chose a male and a female singer, four chose one up-tempo song and one ballad while Switzerland flaunted it and sung in different languages. They were one of two countries to use the same singer for both songs.


As there was no voting procedure or even a final scoreboard broadcast, much of the voting remains a mystery. What is known is that each country had two jurors who marked all the songs, including their own, out of ten. ‘Refrain’ was announced as the winner. The final positions of the other songs have never been revealed.

Trivia: 
One might say that it was no wonder Switzerland won as they were given the advantage of voting twice - and even on their own country! The reason for Switzerland to be in that position was due to the fact that Luxembourg did not send any judges to Lugano, they asked the Swiss judges to vote on their behalf which was accepted.
About the songs: 

The Netherlands - Jetty Paerl – De Vogels van Holland (Dutch):

Music/Lyrics: Cor Lemaire / Annie M. G. Schmidt

Conductor: Fernando Paggi

There is a slow ‘Um-Pa-Pa’ feel to the first song to be performed on the Eurovision stage. The string section does most of the work.

Lys AssiaLys Assia

Switzerland – Lys Assia – Das Alte Karussel :

Switzerland was one of only two countries to use the same singer twice. Lys first song is in German and it doesn’t sound as the title might lead you to expect.

Belgium – Fud Leclerc – Messieurs les Noýes de la Siene:

Belgium’s first effort of the night was a slow ballad with not much happening in the arrangement.

 

Germany – Walter Andreas Schwarz – Im Wartesaal Zum Grossen Glück:

Walter’s song is in the style that Europe was used to at that time. It contrasted with their second song, maybe a deliberate tactic.

 

France – Mathé Altéry – Le Temps Perdu:

Mathé sings soprano in the type of song you would expect from the French. Another ballad with minimal arrangement.

 

Luxembourg – Michéle Arnaud – Ne Crois Pas:

This song is up-tempo and holds the interest of the listener longer than some of the songs before it.

 

Italy –Franca Raimondi – Aprite le Finestre:

Franca won the Sanremo festival earlier that year with this song. The second up-tempo song in a row, and faster than most of its competitors.

 

The Netherlands – Corry Brokken – Voorgoed Voor Bij:

Winner-to be- Corry Brokken sang this standard ballad, which included a long instrumental from the string section of the orchestra.

Lys AssiaLys Assia

Switzerland – Lys Assia – Refrain (French):

Music/Lyrics: Géo Voumard / Émile Gardaz

Conductor: Fernando Paggi

Switching to French for her second song, Lys makes good use of the brass, woodwind and string sections. While it is another ballad typical of the time, it does have a bit more to keep the listener interested. That is probably why it won.

 

Belgium – Mony Marc – Le Plus Beau Jour de ma Vie:

The words ‘Ding Dong’ are used regularly throughout this standard French style ballad. The start of a trend perhaps?

 

Germany – Freddy Quinn -So Geht das Jede nacht:

This song immediately stands out from the crowd because of its contemporary Rock ‘n’ Roll style. Listening to it over fifty years later, some might wonder why it didn’t win.

 

France – Dany Dauberson – Il Est Là:

This s more up-tempo than most of the songs in the debut contest. Brass dominates the arrangement.

 

Luxembourg - Michéle Arnaud – Les Amants de Minuit:

Michéle returned to the stage with her second song, a very quiet and understated ballad and passes by almost unnoticed.

 

Italy – Tonina Torrielli – Amami Se Vuoi:

This ballad was second in Sanremo. While it still sounds dated (as you would expect), it has aged better than most.

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