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1958

EuroVisionary brings you the history of the Eurovision Song Contest

Posted 21 October, 2008 - 13:45 by Steve Paxton
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Over the coming months, Eurovisionary will be adding the history of the contest to the site. Today we are starting the launch and we hope you will welcome this addition to our site. Stay tuned as more will happen during the autumn.  

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.

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