The 70s marked a big change for Jan for he had chosen to move from Zaandam in the Netherlands to Millingen in Germany, just across the border near Emmerich. Christian was just 5.5 yrs old and Isabelle only 4.
For Greetje, it was also a big change for she was forced to move from a bigger city to a small, tiny village of only 2200 people. Add to the fact by it being in Germany and that while the rest was Catholic, Jan and Greetje were not. So coming to grips with a small village, quiet life in the country and neighbours that were not too friendly, in the beginning, meant life was feeling somewhat more strenuous.
Jan was fine. He had his job at Unichema and travelled frequently abroad to visit other offices, factories or test plants. But weekends were awesome!
Music has always had a central role in his life. Peggy (Greetje) sang songs all time (still does even though she has severe Alzheimers and can’t do much else), operas by Mozart were playing regularly with the whole family singing or whistling along. Cabaret from Gerard Cox and Frans Halsema. The Cats. Last but not least: Euson.
So glad I found these recordings on Youtube and a great in-depth article (in Dutch) why he won’t come back or sing live anymore.
Jan Peper 