Gerard Joling, one of the country's most celebrated artists, is a Dutch singer and showbiz icon. Known for his self-deprecating personality and his extensive repertoire of hits, he managed to captivate television and music audiences nationwide. His career took off when he entered the first ever Dutch talent show The Soundmixshow, in 1985. Soon after, Joling released the highly anticipated hits "Love Is In Your Eyes," "Ticket To The Tropics" and "No More Boleros." These successful songs led him to represent the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest, during which his single "Shangri La" ranked in the top 10. In the years that followed, Joling became a respected television personality. Together with fellow Dutch folk artists Rene Froger, Gordon and, later, Jeroen van der Boom, he successfully formed De Toppers; in this musical formation, the group sold out arenas throughout the country, exalting people with both old and new hits. In 2014, Joling released his colorful single "Rio," in honor of one of the cities participating in that year's World Cup.
