started · updated
Jerney Kaagman, Dutch pop icon and former Earth & Fire frontwoman, dies at 79
Jerney Kaagman, the former lead singer of Dutch rock band Earth & Fire, died on 31 July at the age of 79 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Her family announced the death and a private funeral was held at her request.
Kaagman rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “Memories” (1972) and “Weekend” (1979). After the band split in 1983 she pursued a solo career and later became a well‑known judge on the talent show Idols (2002‑2008). She also served as chairman of BV Pop, manager of Radio Noordzee Nationaal and director of Conamus, later renamed Buma Cultuur, where she advocated for musicians’ rights. In 2009 she was knighted in the Order of Orange‑Nassau. Her long‑time partner, bassist Bert Ruiter, predeceased her in 2022. The Dutch music community described her as an “icon” and praised her contributions to the national music scene.
Entities
BV Pop · Bert Ruiter · Buma Cultuur · Conamus · Earth & Fire · Idols · Jerney Kaagman
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] She had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for several years before her death. www.transport-online.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] She served as a judge on the talent show Idols from 2002 to 2008. www.transport-online.nl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Jerney Kaagman was the lead singer of the band Earth & Fire. www.nouveau.nl · www.transport-online.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Henkjan Smits recalled her humor and rock‑and‑roll attitude after her death.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] She held positions as chair of BV Pop and director of Conamus. www.transport-online.nl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Jerney Kaagman died at age 79 on 31 July 2023. www.nouveau.nl · www.transport-online.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Her partner Bert Ruiter died in March 2022. www.transport-online.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] She was awarded the title of Knight in the Order of Orange‑Nassau. www.transport-online.nl