The 1975 Belgian entry of the Eurovision Song Contest by Ann Christy appeared on this blog four years ago, in two versions: the original version 'Gelukkig zijn' and the English version 'Could it be happiness'. At the time, I thought these versions were the only two that existed, but thanks to a lucky acquisition, I know better now.
This single features the French version, 'L'histoire du bonheur'. As you can see, this single is also housed in a sleeve similar to the other two. It turns out there's a fourth version as well: the German 'Wenn keiner mehr zu dir steht'. Let's hope that one pops up somewhere for me too.
My collection: 7" single no. 5759 Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 11, 2015 Cost: 1 euro Tracks: 'L'histoire du bonheur' / 'On ne peut se passer l'un de l'autre'
Ann Christy's 1975 entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, 'Gelukkig zijn', was released in two versions: the original Dutch (Flemish) version, and this English translation. Both singles are considered a rarity, extremely hard to find, and so I was lucky to find both on one day.
Although the original title means 'Being happy', the title 'Could it be happiness' was chosen for this English version.
My collection: 7" single no. 5182 Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, June 9, 2011 Cost: 3 euro Tracks: 'Could it be happiness' / 'This world is full of pain'
Ann Christy was born as Christianne Leenaerts on 22 September 1945 in Antwerp, Belgium. She began a singing career with The Adams Orchestra. She later married the drummer, Marc Hoyois. Her first solo recordings met with little success. In 1968 she won the Knokke Cup singing contest.
Her first attempt to represent Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest came in 1970 with the song 'Le temps, le vent'. She also tried the next year with 'Dag vreemde man', which finished second in the national final. A third attempt in 1973, when each of five chosen acts performed two songs, ended in third place for 'Bye Bye'. She finally had success in 1975 when 'Gelukkig zijn' ('Being happy') was chosen to represent Belgium in Stockholm. Christy sung the first half of the song in Dutch and the second half in English, and although the song had been tipped to do well, it ended the evening in a very disappointing 15th place out of 19 entries.
Christy was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1982, and died on 7 August 1984, aged 38.
My collection: 7" single no. 5181 Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, June 9, 2011 Cost: 3 euro Tracks: 'Gelukkig zijn' / 'Er is zoveel verdriet in de wereld'
