Arrivederci Franz - Birthe Kjaer

Although Danish singer Birthe Kjaer didn't get to represent her country at the Eurovision Song Contest until 1989 with the classic 'Vi maler byen rød', her interest in the competition started a lot earlier. It is evidenced on this single from 1968. 

Although 'Arrivederci Franz' is an original song, the B-side is actually a cover version of the Eurovision song 'Ein Hoch der Liebe', performed for Germany by Wencke Myhre. Thøger Olesen provided the Danish lyrics for Birthe's version.

My collection: 7" single no. 6902
Found: Discogs.com, received 7 March 2023
Tracks: 'Arrivederci Franz' / 'Sig ja til kaerlighed'

Vi maler byen rød - Birthe Kjaer

Birthe Kjaer was born on September 1, 1948. She's a Danish singer who began her career in the late Sixties. She made several attempts to represent Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest by participating in the national finals of 1980, 1986 and 1987. In 1989 she was finally chosen to do so with the upbeat song 'Vi maler byen rød' ('We paint the town red'). After a hilarious intro, the song keeps its optimistic atmosphere alive. The performance ensured a third place in that year's Contest for Denmark, one of the best placings for the country since Denmark won the 1963 edition.

Kjær hosted the Danish national final to pick the 2009 entry for the Contest, which was broadcast on January 31, 2009.

My collection: 7" single no. 2969
Found: Bea Records, February 21, 1998
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Vi maler byen rød' / 'Det menneske, jeg er'