André Hazes (June 30 1951 - September 23 2004) was a Dutch singer. Born in 1951 in the Pijp in Amsterdam. At the age of eight he was discovered at the Albert Cuyp-market by Johnny Kraaykamp , a Dutch TV-personality. His first big hitsong was Eenzame Kerst (Lonely Christmas). In 1979 he signed a contract with EMI, not soon after that his career started to take of. Een Vriend (A Friend) and Een Beetje Verliefd (A Bit In Love) would all be top ten hits.

1982 would be the year of his great concert in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. His Italian album in 1986, in memory of Willy Alberti , would be followed by a blues album. A childhood dream had come true. André featured in a documentary Zij Gelooft In Mij (She Believes In Me).

On September 23 2004, he died of cardiac arrest. Four days later a capacity crowd of about 40,000 attended a memorial ceremony in his honour at the Amsterdam ArenA stadium. Over 5 million viewers saw the event live on Dutch television. Hazes was cremated the day after. In accordance with his wish, part of his ashes will be sent into the sky in a skyrocket.