In the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest the UK were on the verge of winning, with just a couple of countries still to vote. What followed were some of the most thrilling moments in Eurovision voting history. In the end an unknown Canadian lady singing for Switzerland beat Britain's Scott Fitzgerald by just one single point. Even Terry Wogan was speechless! ...
South African singer and political activist Miriam Makeba sings Khawuleza on a Swedish TV show from 1966/67. This song features on the album AN EVENING WITH BELAFONTE/MAKEBA, which won them both a Grammy Award in 1965.
Miriam Makeba introduces her daughter Bongi who performs "Ngoma Nkurila" during a live concert in the Dutch TV studios in Hilversum, in september 1979. Bongi sadly passed away in 1985.
As the voting nears the end Switzerland, the UK and Germany all have 120 points. Who will become the winner of the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest, held in Dublin, Ireland. Watch the final 10 minutes of voting and listen how even Terry Wogan goes wild...
In February 1966 Miriam Makeba performed at the Bern's Salonger in Stockholm, Sweden. This concert was shown on Swedish television in 1967. Here she sings The Click Song.
Miriam Makeba performs live in the VARA TV-studios in Hilversum, The Netherlands in 1979. She sings A LUTA CONTINUA and PATA PATA. Makeba's daughter Bongi (who sadly passed away in 1985) is one of the backing vocalists (in the blue dress).
Here's Harry Belafonte performing live in Maastricht, The Netherlands, during a UNICEF Gala in 1988. He sings two songs "KWELA" and "GLOBAL CARNIVAL" from his South Africa-themed album PARADISE IN GAZANKULU.
Here's the Swiss Preselection for the Eurovision Song Contest 1988. Watch the final 10 minutes of the show and see how Celine Dion wins over the Swiss voters.
The Eurovision Song Contest 1973 was held in Luxembourg. Like in 1971 i believe the top 3 was one of the strongest and best ever. Watch the top 3 countries from 1973 in the order they performed and enjoy the original BBC commentary by Terry Wogan.
Spain: Mocedades - Eres Tu (2)
Luxembourg: Anne-Marie David - Tu Te Reconnaitras (1)
UK: Cliff Richard - Power To All Our Friends (3)
The Eurovision Song Contest 1973 was held in Luxembourg. Like in 1971 i believe the top 3 was one of the strongest and best ever. Watch the top 3 countries from 1973 in the order they performed and enjoy the original BBC commentary by Terry Wogan.
Spain: Mocedades - Eres Tu (2)
Luxembourg: Anne-Marie David - Tu Te Reconnaitras (1)
UK: Cliff Richard - Power To All Our Friends (3)
Here's the UK's 1961 entry "Are You Sure" by The Allisons. They came second that year. This clip is from the original Dutch NTS broadcast. Enjoy this trip down memory lane, from way before i was born...
Here's Holland's victorious entry to the 1975 Eurovision Song Contest held in Stockholm, Sweden. The group Teach In perform "Ding Dinge-Dong". They were the first country to sing, so in effect they opened and closed the 1975 contest. Enjoy too the original Dutch NOS commentary by Willem Duys.
Here's Jermaine Jackson singing two of his big hits from the 80's "Dynamite" & "Do What You Do". I have no idea when, where or why. But i guess it must be around 1985, as both songs come from his 1984 hit album DYNAMITE, yet all through 1984 Jermaine spent his time touring with his brothers on the Jacksons Victory Tour.
