Heintje

Heintje was the stage name of Hendrik Johannes Simons, a Dutch boy soprano born in Geleen in 1955. He first gained attention around age three after his aunt entered him in a talent contest, where he sang "Mama." That song became one of his early recordings and helped launch his career. By 1967, his debut single "Heintje" had reached number one in Germany and several other European countries.

His recordings from the late 1960s and early 1970s, like "Mamatschi" and "Du Sollst Nicht Weinen," featured sentimental themes about family and home, delivered in a clear, high child's voice. He often performed with his father Heinz on guitar and his brother Hans on accordion. As he grew older, his voice naturally deepened, which made continuing in the same style more difficult.

Heintje recorded numerous albums during his peak years, including Ich bin ein kleines Cowboy (1967) and Heintjes Goldene Jahre (1970). He later did some acting and occasional performances, mostly in Germany. He passed away in 2021 at age 66.