Annie Palmen

Anna Maria (Anny) Palmen was a Dutch singer who was born on August 19 1926 and died on January 15 2000.

At the age of 15 Annie was a member of a Hawaiian orchestra and after that she sang with a cowboy band. Annie took part in many singing and beauty contests. She performed many times at radio shows in her early 20's. In 1958 she had her first hit with the song Ik Zal Je Nooit Meer Vergeten.

In 1960 Annie participated in the Dutch national final. All the songs were sung twice. Annie sang the winning song but an "expert" jury chose Rudi Carell instead. In 1963 Annie was asked to represent the Netherlands. Because of a strike the National final was cancelled and Annie had to sing her three songs before an "expert" jury who chose the song Een Speeldoos. It was rumoured Annie didn't like the song. In London Annie finished last. Annie blamed the orchestra because they didn't play the very delicate song properly. The Dutch audience blamed Annie for the low ranking so the whole ESC experience wasn't a pleasant one for her.

From 1967 until 1972 Annie played the part of Drika, a singing country girl, in a television show called Mik. After that Annie dropped out of sight.

In 2000 Annie Palmen died at the age of 73 after a long illness of an undisclosed nature.