Earth and Fire | Artist
Earth and Fire was a Dutch progressive and symphonic rock band formed 1968 in Voorschoten, Holland, by twin brothers Chris Koerts (guitar) and Gerard Koerts (keyboards). The brothers Chris and Gerard Koerts originally made a name for themselves in their early teens, known as "The Singing Twins", achieving a breakthrough at a talent show in 1962. They then formed a number of beat music combo's, firstly called Strings, then Opus Gainfull, and finally The Soul. Then, after practicing new music inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Moby Grape, and Jefferson Airplane, the brothers recruited Hans Zeich (bass), Cees Kalis (drums) and Manuela Berloth aka Lysett as the lead vocalist, to solidify their new progressive rock sound. In 1969 female vocalist Jerney Kaagman replaced Berloth and became the new long-term lead singer. After a number of excellent early albums, and a string of hit singles, the band became more pop-focused in the late '70s. The band's first album Earth and Fire (1970), produced three hits: "Seasons", "Ruby is the one", and "Wild and Exciting". This album was released in the UK and several other countries on the Nepenthe label with an alternate sleeve designed by Roger Dean. Their second albums, 1971's Song of the Marching Children was even a step up from their debut, and arguably their best all-time album release. By 1977, after four albums and nine hits, such as their #1 hit "Memories", the band moved away from their heavier rock sound and moved to a more mainstream style, focusing on disco. The band eventually split in 1993. Of their nine studio albums the standouts are the first four: Earth & Fire (1970), Song of the Marching Children (1971), Atlantis (1973) and To the World of the Future (1975). Kaagman later became a judge on "Idols", the Dutch version of Pop Idol. She also appeared in the first issue of Dutch Playboy (May 1983), and made another appearance at the age of 60 in the April 2008 edition.
Artist Website: earthandfire.nl
Featured Albums: Earth and Fire
