Pierre Kartner is a Dutch musician who sings under the alias Father Abraham . He was born on April 11 1935
Kartner started his singing career at the age of eight, by winning a local festival.
Together with the band Corry & de Rekels , they sold over 1 million records (LP's) in the 1960s.
He created his well known alter ego, Father Abraham, after writing a Dutch Carnaval song, called 'Father Abraham had seven sons'. He at first used a fake beard, but a real beard replaced this, and would remain as his trademark.
With Wilma Landkroon he sang in 1971 'Zou het erg zijn' (number-1-hit in Netherlands ).
In 1975, he scored his second biggest hit, 'Het kleine café aan de haven'. This song was also covered over 250 times in various other languages (e.g. in French, German, English, Frisian, African, Italian and Cszech),including memorably (though slightly renamed) 'The Red Rose Café' by The Fureys .The Smurf Song
In May 1977, Kartner was asked to make a promotional song for an animated movie, which turned out to be about The Smurfs . The record company pressed 1,000 copies, since they were unsure about the success of the single. However, they were all sold within one day at a Schlager festival. After a repress, 400,000 singles where sold in a short period. A full Smurfs album (LP) was then created, which also climbed the charts, with 500,000 sold copies. People in other countries also started to notice the catchy tune, and it was released in a several dozen countries, in German, French, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, and Japanese, all sung by Kartner himself. He scored a number one hit in 16 countries.
Altogether, his 'Smurf' works have about 30 million sold copies (albums + singles).
He was displeased not to be involved in the revival of the Smurfs in the 1990s.
Kartner continues to be musically active.
He wrote the music for the opening and closing credits on the Japanese cartoon adaption of Moomin (1990 TV series)
7” SINGLE
A side: The Smurf Song
B side: The Magic Flute Smurf
Condition: Near Mint
Sleeve, Near Mint
Released on the Decca Label
Date: 1977
Number:FR 13759
All Vinyl played before dispatch to ensure good playback.
If you require further info` contact me.
Record Grading
Mint (M) The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.
Near Mint (NM) The record looks brand new with no scuffing or any deterioration in sound quality and only the smallest hint that its ever been played. The cover and any additional extras are clean, crisp and with no wear whatsoever.
Excellent (EX) The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing.
Very Good (VG) The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.
Good (G) The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.
Fair (F) The record is still just about playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.
Poor (P) The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.
I will not refund you if have not read and understood the grading system I use.
To illustrate my point: if I describe a record as Good (G), it's not brand new or excellent - sound quality has noticeably deteriorated and the cover may be damaged with splits or discoloration.
