Bennie Jolink Biography: Music Group, Age, Albums, Net Worth, Wikipedia, Songs, Parents, Spouse, Children, Book

---

Bennie Jolink, born Bernard Jolink on September 6, 1946, in Hummelo, Netherlands, is a prominent figure in Dutch music as the lead singer of the rock band Normaal.

The band is known for its unique genre termed “boerenrock,” which combines elements of rock music with traditional Dutch folk influences.

Jolink’s rise to fame began with the band’s breakthrough hit “Oerend Hard” in 1977, which resonated deeply with audiences due to its catchy melody and lyrics sung in the Achterhoeks dialect.

Profile

• Full name: Bernard Jolink
• Nickname: Bennie
• Date of birth: September 6, 1946
• Age: 79 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Hummelo, Netherlands
• Nationality: Dutch
• Profession: Singer-songwriter
• Height: 172 cm
• Parents: Hentje Jolink and Frederik Jolink
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Ellie Jolink
• Children: Gijs Jolink
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: Dutch
• Net worth: $100 million

Early Life and Education

Bennie Jolink is now at the age of 79. He was born on September 6, 1946, in Hummelo, a small village in the Achterhoek region of Gelderland, Netherlands. His parents are Hentje Jolink and Frederik Jolink.

After completing his secondary education in Doetinchem, he moved to Enschede to attend the Akademie voor Kunst en Industrie (AKI), where he studied art and design. His time at AKI allowed him to explore various artistic expressions, which contributed to his creativity as a musician.

After being rejected from the Amsterdam art academy, Jolink returned to Hummelo and began focusing on music. He became involved with local bands and eventually co-founded Normaal in the early 1970s. The band’s decision to sing in their regional dialect marked a turning point in their career and set them apart from other artists who primarily performed in English.

Personal Life

Bennie Jolink is married to Ellie Jolink, and together they live on a farm in Hummelo. The couple has a son named Gijs Jolink, who also followed in the footsteps of his father.

Jolink has experienced health challenges over the years that have affected his ability to perform regularly. In 2016, he announced that he would be canceling all performances for health reasons but continued to remain active in music through other means.

Career

Bennie Jolink’s musical career began with Normaal when they formed in 1974. The band quickly gained popularity for their energetic performances and relatable lyrics that spoke to rural life in the Netherlands. Their first major hit came with “Oerend Hard,” which became an anthem for many fans.

Throughout the years, Normaal released several successful albums and singles that resonated with fans across generations. Their music often reflects themes of everyday life, humor, and social commentary while celebrating regional culture. Despite their success, they remained true to their roots by continuing to perform primarily in dialect.

In addition to his work with Normaal, Jolink has pursued solo projects and collaborations with other artists. His solo albums include “Howlin’ at the Moon” (1999) and “Opa vertel es” (2007), both of which received positive reception from fans.

Awards

• Edison Oeuvreprijs (2006) for his contributions to Dutch pop music with Normaal
• Johanna van Buren Culture Prize (2006) for promoting culture and regional language
• Groeneveldprijs (2007) for his advocacy regarding nature and landscape issues

Net Worth

Bennie Jolink’s net worth is about $100 million, he has accumulated wealth through his successful music career spanning several decades. His income sources include album sales, concert tours, merchandise sales, and royalties from his extensive discography.

Controversy

Bennie Jolink’s career has not been without controversy. In 2012, he faced backlash for the cover art of his album “Post Normaal,” which featured provocative imagery including depictions of controversial political figures such as Geert Wilders alongside Adolf Hitler and Anders Behring Breivik. This choice sparked outrage among fans and critics alike who felt it was inappropriate and offensive.

Another significant moment came when Normaal was criticized for their use of dialects at a time when many artists were opting for English-language songs to reach broader audiences. While some praised their commitment to regional culture, others argued it limited their commercial potential outside the Netherlands.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: N/A

Filmography

• “Koen Kampioen” (2012)
• “Sesamstraat” (1976)
• “Ik kom altied weer terug” (2001)

Discography

• “Howlin’ at the Moon”
• “Opa vertel es”
• “Diana & Hubertus”
• “Bernard Jolink: Post Normaal”

Books

• “Oerend hard” (2005)

---

---

---

---

---

---

---