Spring
After an extended Wish-Concert tour in Germany, that had already started in the fall of 2007, all attention is focused on the preparation of the project
that has to follow the success of "The Crooners".
In the mean time, the other side of the world has also been convinced by Helmut's talent. Australia started releasing one by one Helmut's oeuvre since
the 1st of April, and this is no joke! All TV specials are being broadcasted systematically. By the end of 2009, all CD's and DVD's will be available there
in a special edition (combined package).
Summer
Helmut reveals his new project "Time to Swing", a collection of swing classics and several self-composed songs, on the 5th of June. The presentation takes
place on the stage of Antwerp's cultural temple The Roma. There, the new DVD annex TV Special is also recorded on the 8th and 9th of August. This
spectacular show, with amazing dancers, lets us see a Helmut who starts tap-dancing (during "Fever") and sings a duet with Clare Teal, awarded best jazz
singer in the UK three years running.
Autumn
Helmut goes on mission to Burundi as UNICEF ambassador in the beginning of September, and herewith launches the UNICEF campaign against
malnutrition. On Friday, 19th of September, he also participates in the Stars of Europe event in favour of UNICEF, which takes place at the foot of Brussels
Atomium and is broadcasted world wide.
On the 12th of September "Time to Swing" is released. The new CD already makes platinum in pre-sales. No big surprise, because the first single
already took a swinging start. For the first time in twelve years, Helmut Lotti was in the singles top 10 for several weeks, which is exceptional for an artist
of his calibre.
Spring
The year starts under a lucky star. Barely a few weeks after the release of "The Crooners", the album already tops the list of best sold CD's in Flanders. Also
internationally the double album promises to become a new best seller and the expectations are confirmed. By the end of January 2007 "The Crooners" is
good for two times platinum and one time gold.
With over 12.500.000 sold CD's, Helmut Lotti may call himself the most successful Flemish artist ever.
Summer
The first record by Flanders' most popular pop group Clouseau was released twenty years ago. Helmut now records their biggest hit 'Daar Gaat Ze' (There she goes) for the tribute CD "Braveau Clouseau".
Autumn
Beim belgischen Königsfest am 15. November singt Helmut Lotti für die königliche Familie und die geladenen Gäste die Nationalhymne, die Brabançonne. Seine Version in 3 Sprachen kommt auch als CD Single heraus.
Spring
Helmut Lotti
starts
2006 with something completely new for him: his first self written title song
for a film.For "Dennis van Rita", directed by Flemish top actress Hilde Van Mieghem
, he composes the music and writes the lyrics of "Love Belongs to Everyone".
Van Mieghem is so touched by the song that she decides to use this
title for foreign language versions of her film.
"Dennis van Rita" is therefore called "Love Belongs to Everyone" in
other countries.
Helmut reveals his plans for a new musical project to the press and his fans on March 23. It will be a unique double album, collectively named "The Crooners"
. On one CD, "The American Way", Lotti sings 12 of the world's most famous crooner songs. On the second CD, "My Way", he surprises his audience with
12 songs, completely by his own hand, in the same atmosphere.
Also during this spring he introduces the album "My Favorite Classics", a collection of the highlights from his Classic-CD's.
Summer
Europe is struck by a heat wave. It's almost fifty degrees Celsius in Hamburg when Helmut and his crew settle there for the recordings of the DVD "The
Crooners". Especially for this project the 'Curio Haus' is transformed to a champagne bar from the fifties, the setting in which the greatest Crooners of the
world enchanted their audience. Baron Stijn Conincx, Oscar nominee for his movie "Daens", is the director. Despite the all-consuming heat, Helmut delivers
two flawless concerts. The audience, all dressed up in gala, rewards him with several standing ovations.
Autumn
"The Crooners", the double album containing "The American Way" and "My Way", is officially presented to the press on September 13. They react with
much enthusiasm and acknowledge that Helmut Lotti is cut out for this genre. Praising words for his own work as well and already on that same day thousands
of copies of "The Crooners" are sold.
The release of "The Crooners" is, according to tradition, the start of a whole new series of interviews, television performances and concerts. The DVD "The
Crooners" is released in November, shortly before Helmut's concerts in the Elisabeth Hall of Antwerp (Belgium); the place where he gave his very first Classic
concert over ten years ago.
Spring
Helmut decides to take a sabbatical leave, so no new musical
project this year.
This does not necessarily mean fewer concerts. The singer travels
around the world with "From Russia With Love", which is also very much
appreciated in the
US
. The album even results in a unique contract with a very important TV station.
Summer
Accompanied by a select group he again, this time as UNICEF
ambassador, travels to
Russia
to prepare some projects around HIV / Aids prevention.
A book is published in which Helmut, amongst others, tells open heartedly about
his work and his life. When he's giving a signing session at the annual Book
Fair in
Antwerp
, hundreds of people show up.
Autumn
Even though no new album is released in 2005, the awards keep
coming.
Helmut Lotti
has
received, world wide, a total of 76 gold and 72 platinum awards on the date of
December 31st 2005..
Spring
Helmut starts the new year with a fan meeting. The festivities take
place in Wommelgem (
Belgium
) where he dines with his fans before leaving for the Sportpaleis to give a mega
concert. Special guest on stage is Freddy Birset.
The idea for a next album is already growing. Helmut wants to make his most
personal album yet, a CD on which he can go full out with his vocal abilities.
Manager
Piet Roelen
gets a brainstorm. In between the many concerts in
Belgium
, The Netherlands,
Germany
and
Scandinavia
they travel East for the first time.
Summer
Summer in
Belgium
is nothing to write home about, but Helmut and his crew are not concerned about
this. They are working hard these months on "From Russia With Love", the
most impressive album yet. The title song is written by Helmut himself and
initially began with a few lines, scribbled down minutes before a concert. He
informs the press, together with the Russian Ambassador in
Belgium
, remarkably quick about the new musical project. Immediately it gets
enthusiastic reactions. Even though Lotti wants to let them listen to a couple
of songs, all present fall silent by the typical melancholy in this powerful
music.
July is swallowed up entirely by the recordings of the accompanying TV special
and Road Movie. It's a super production on which hundreds of people will be
working, dancers, choir members, orchestras, lumberjacks and Cossacks. They even
organise a genuine village party. Helmut is guided by musical virtuoso Andrej in
Russia
. The two of them travel through the nation and its history, to the rhythm of
the Trans Siberian Express. The journey produces overwhelming images.
August is for editing, writing, re-editing and cutting. Helmut demands the best
of his co-workers, nerves are becoming tense. Everything has to be just right.
Music, images, the accompanying 'reveries', a poetic reflection of the
journey and the nation. The result is without a doubt fantastic.
Autumn
On September 13th Helmut present his youngest musical
project, the Russian pearl in his impressive career: "From Russia With
Love". He describes it as a melodious portrait of a powerful country, not by
coincidence the biggest in the world. The press conference, held in the midst of
the grandeur of the Russian Embassy in
Berlin
, attracts hundreds of people. Just the pre sales alone of "From Russia With
Love" are a huge success. The months after the press presentation are taken up
by dozens of interviews and TV recordings.
King Albert II assigns
Helmut Lotti
to Grand Officer in the Order of Leopold.
Spring
Our own Prince Filip honours
Helmut Lotti
as best interpreter of 'Classic Pop' in
Berlin
,
Germany
, in the beginning of February. Helmut receives the "Goldene Kamera".
Four weeks later he's already back in
Canada
, together with Freddy Birset. They tour in
Montreal
,
Quebec
and
Gatineau
.
Also in March, UNICEF ambassador
Helmut Lotti
and UNESCO Goodwill ambassador
Goedele Liekens
travel to
Namibia
. The visit several projects that are dealing with the issues of HIV / Aids
prevention.
Once back home, Helmut asks the Flemish press to give detailed attention to this
burning problems.
In May the producers of the success show "Noche de Fiesta" expect Helmut in
Spain
. In between the recordings of this TV show, Helmut starts rehearsing the first
songs of his upcoming musical project "Pop Classics in Symphony".
Summer
The Recording of "Pop Classics in Symphony" take up most of the
summer, starting with a visit to Sir Cliff Richard. The British music icon
welcomes Helmut in his home near
London
. They sing two duets, one for Lotti's pop album as well as for his British
version of Classic I, and one for the Christmas album of Sir Richard.
Both duets are recorded in thé top studio of the English music
scene. The artists are impressed by each others performances which leads to a
firm bond. The British press reacts with an enormous enthusiasm to the joint
venture of Helmut and Sir Cliff.
A swinging intermezzo are the three rock concerts Helmut gives in
the Casino of Knokke. For many of his fans, these concerts are the highlight of
this year's concert season.
However, the real eye catcher is the mega concert on the
Brussels
' "Grote Markt". This is where "Pop Classics in Symphony" is finally
recorded, with Sir Cliff Richard as special guest.
Strikingly conspicuous is the crystal clear voice of 9 year old Laura Seys. The
little girl sings together with Helmut and 50 other children the stunningly
beautiful "I Am Sailing".
Autumn
On September 22nd "Pop Classics in Symphony" has its premiere
and the album is received with applause in every country.
Helmut
Lotti
is
one of the eye catchers on the Gala Concert in
Toronto
in honour of 25 years of Pope Johannes Paulus II. The 8000 head audience cheers
with exuberance.
But most surprising is the fact that the organisers have chosen the
intro of Helmut's Castle Album as the overture of this fabulous papal concert.
Helmut Lotti
gives
a benefit concert in
Kuurne
,
Belgium
. The proceeds will go entirely to UNICEF, more specifically to the children in
Namibia
.
In the same month November, Helmut is expected in the
UK
for the TV show "Des and Mel" and several interviews.
In December Helmut gives 20 concerts in
Germany
alone. He ends the year with a fabulous result: he has just sold his 12.000.000th
CD !!!
Spring
A concert
tour in The Netherlands, with as top of the bill the concert on January 21st
in
Amsterdam
's Carré Theatre where Helmut receives a gold record from the Dutch record
company for his "Latino Love Songs".
Helmut
ends this month with a series of concerts, in which Michael Jr. appears, in
Germany
,
Austria
, The Netherlands and
Belgium
.
Helmut tours in Austria where he receives a gold record for 'Latino Love
Songs' in a sold out Stadthalle in Vienna on February 2nd.
On
February 8th he gives a brilliant concert in the Hallen-Stadion in
Zurich
where he again receives a gold record.
On February 23rd Helmut gives a Rock & Roll concert in the Kuipke
in
Ghent
in honour of Etienne De Wilde's farewell.
Meanwhile the website has had his millionth visitor!
Helmut and Michael Jr. leave for
Canada
to give eight concerts.
Helmut returns with the umpteenth gold record and immediately retreats in the
studio for his new CD, a childhood dream: "My Tribute To The King", his
personal ode to Elvis Presley.
Summer
The
accompanying special "My Tribute To The King - The Documentary" is
recorded in June. Helmut and his team travel to
Las Vegas
,
Tupelo
(the area where Elvis was born),
Memphis
and
Nashville
. One recording was made in the studio where Elvis first started and Helmut was
accompanied by Presley's musicians Scotty Moore (drums) and DJ Fontana
(guitar).
Barely one week after the release of "My Tribute To The King" the album is
good for platinum. Helmut tours through
Europe
.
In Friedberg he gives a benefit concert in favour of the victims of the terrible
floods.
In
Vienna
he receives gold for "Latino Love Songs".
Helmut also makes a short tour through
South Africa
this summer.
Autumn
On November 3rd
Helmut Lotti
talks with Belgian astronaut Frank De Winne, who floats in space at that moment
ánd took a Lotti CD with him in the space capsule.
Helmut is honoured and asks De Winne
if he would join him as UNICEF ambassador. Frank immediately says "yes".
November
is even more important for several reasons: Helmut does 10 TV shows, 5 radio
interviews and 6 newspaper interviews in
Canada
, and this in barely 6 days.
In
Switzerland
and
Germany
he receives gold for "My Tribute To The King".
Helmut ends the year with an enchanting duet: "Et Maintenant / What Now My
Love", together with Freddy Birset. The single is an immense success.
Spring
Helmut receives the ECHO award in the category
"Cross Over Classique". This impressive prize is awarded by members of the
phonographic industry of
Germany
and is known all over the world as the second most important in the music
industry.
Austria
- 'Amadeus Austrian Music Award
2001'
.
Helmut Lotti
receives this prestigious award under a thunderous round of applause.
Summer
The
season closes with three rock & roll concerts in the Casino of Knokke.
The fist single 'Quizas, Quizas, Quizas', a track from his
upcoming album "Latino Love Songs" can be heard for the first time.
In
Finland
he records a duet with Arja Koriseva, "All My Life". This song is included
in the Finish edition of "Classics III".
This very summer the filming for the TV Special "Latino Love Songs" starts
on several locations in
Mexico
.
Autumn
Helmut Lotti
meets
Belgian Crown Prince Filip and his wife, Princess Mathilde. As UNICEF Ambassador
he draws the couple's attention to the problems and urgent needs of children
throughout the world. Also Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louis Michel, listens
attentively.
Live TV recordings of the concert 'Latino Love Songs' in
Genk
. 2001 balloons are set free to make a festive start to the beginning of a
spectacular tour.
Helmut leaves for
Germany
to promote "A Classical Christmas with
Helmut Lotti
" and receives the "Goldene Stimmgabel", a prestigious award for the best
interpreter of classical music.
Following are concerts in
Denmark
,
Sweden
,
Finland
and
Norway
.
15 Extra Christmas Concerts are planned for
Germany
, the album "A Classical Christmas With
Helmut Lotti
" is released here as well.
Afterwards it's back to
Belgium
for concerts in
Charleroi
, Luik and
Genk
.
Spring
The
year starts with the discovery of the Scandinavian countries of
Europe
. Helmut makes a television recording in
Lapland
. Later in the year concerts are announced in
Finland
,
Norway
,
Denmark
and
Sweden. During the months of March, April, May and June, concerts take place in
Germany
,
South Africa
,
Belgium
, The Netherlands and
Austria
. While being on tour, Helmut receives numerous golden and platinum records.
Summer
Helmut
travels to
Mexico
to record a TV special for "Latino Classics".
As UNICEF ambassador he also visits the flooded areas of
Mozambique
.
Autumn
The DVD "Latino Classics" has its premiere on a
gigantic screen in the cinema complex Kinepolis in
Brussels
.
This is the first time a DVD Audio Mix 5.1 is available for sale on the European
market.
A trip through
Canada
takes Helmut and his team to
Montreal
,
Calgary
,
Quebec
,
Ottawa
,
Toronto
and
Hamilton
.
During this millennium year Helmut gave over one hundred concerts!
Spring
Without
slowing down, new challenges are being faced. After another tremendous success
in
Canada
, Helmut sets out to conquer
New York
.
Helmut Lotti
has come to make the American Dream come true. The
land
of
Uncle Sam
has not been able to resist the enchantment of the "little" Flemish singer.
The same warm welcome was extended the next day in
Boston
where, again, his concert is sold out.
Concerts follow each other in an almost incredible tempo in
South Africa
,
Austria, Germany, Belgium
and Denmark.
Summer
On
June 11th Helmut gives his first concert in
France
. The French cheer him enthusiastically in "L'Olympia".
In August, for the promotion of a big tour in
Germany
, Helmut records a remix of his first "Goes Classic". A remarkable concert
and a beautiful video, recorded in Hannover as well as on the
island
of
Majorca
Autumn
Helmut Lotti
and
the entire crew are in the cultural village Basotho in the Golden Gate,
South Africa
, to record the video / TV Special for his new album "Out of
Africa
". A CD described by connoisseurs as a black diamond, one of world's rarest
precious gems. Even the African ambassadors in
Belgium
are impressed.
Will Tura - in
Belgium
also known as the king of Flemish music - gives an impressive contribution.
Just as surprising and impressive is the title song of the album. Written by .
Helmut Lotti. The year 1999 ends with a spectacular concert in Vorst Nationaal.
Spring
Helmut Lotti
travels again to
Canada
for concerts in places like
Quebec
and
Toronto
.
Helmut spreads his wings even further on the
international scene: eight concerts in
South Africa
. Six in
Pretoria
, two in Midrand.
Time as well for new Classics concerts in
Belgium
, The Netherlands and
Germany
. Helmut again crosses the ocean for a promotional tour through the
US
:
Atlanta
,
Philadelphia
,
Washington
,
Baltimore
,
Seattle
,.
Summer
In between the European performances,
the
Lotti team
is back again in
Canada
for six concerts and he's expected to return to the
US
for an intensive promo tour.
On July 5t Eros Ramazzotti welcomes his 'friends' Joe Cocker and
Tina Turner. Helmut is there as well and together with Eros he enchants the
public with 'Musica è".
On August 11th the first Classics CD is released in the
US
.
On August 12th, 13th and 14th Lotti & Co
give the best of themselves for the recordings of the new CD in the majestic St.
Rombouts Cathedral in Mechelen.
The snowball effect continues: on August 27th our singer gives a
special concert in the Sporting Club
Monaco
for the FIFA-UEFA.
Autumn
Disbelief on the phone. The first
hundred thousand copies of "Classic I" have already been sold in the
US
. And
Helmut
Lotti
has now reached second lace in the "US Classic Crossover Charts".
Eighteen concerts await Helmut in
Germany
and
Switzerland
in November. He's also expected again in the
Mecca
of classical music -
Vienna
- for a performance in the famous, already sold out Konzerthaus.
In December he gives six exclusive
concerts in Vorst Nationaal and two in
The Hague
.
In between he pops over to
Flanders
where he receives, for the third time, the "Gouden Oog" for most popular
singer.
Spring
Helmut Lotti
- barely 28 -
climbs the stage of the "World Music Awards", together with Lionel Richie,
Julio Iglesias, Los del
Rio
, Vanessa Mae, Khaled, Bee Gees, Kenny G, Roberta Flack, Florant Pagny, Eros
Ramazzotti, Ace of Base, DJ Bono, Fugees and Celine Dion. In the presence of
Princess Stephanie and Prince Albert of Monaco, he receives the award for best
selling artist of the
Benelux
.
Summer
The
young artist performs brilliantly during two sold out concerts in
Montreal
and
Quebec
. The first Classic CD gets Gold. Eighty American PBS TV Stations broadcast the
TV special of "Goes Classic II". As a result of it's immense success, PBS
decides to include the special in the December program of their other 130
stations.
The third Classics adventure has to become something exceptional. This results
in the remarkable plan to record an outdoor concert at
Cleydael
Castle
in Aartselaar. Helmut himself describes his third CD, nicknamed the Castle
Album, as lighter and more enchanting than the previous two.
Autumn
Lotti enters
Germany
through the main entrance with a live performance in the German TV show "Der
Goldene Löwe". A month later his youngest project is finished and he
contributes yet again a new monument to Belgian music history:
"
Helmut Lotti
goes Classic III".
The first sold out concert in
Germany
(Cologne, November 18th 1997). Immediately after this, Helmut flies
to
Canada
and the
US
for a promotional tour.
Aid Organisation UNICEF, dedicated to children all over the world, offers Helmut
the ambassadorship. Without hesitation the singer accepts this mandate and thus
joins people like Sir Roger Moore.
In addition to several Classics concerts in
Belgium
and The Netherlands,
Helmut Lotti
can be seen on TV stations all over the world in the illustrious special
"Christmas in
Vienna
" (December). He shares the stage with Placido Domingo, Sarah Brightman and
Riccardo Cocciante.
Spring
A little delayed, but with great enthusiasm, The
Netherlands discover the Lotti phenomenon. "Tintin in Operaland", the
newspaper "Haagse Post" cheers and thus the young singer breaks through the
dikes between our country and our northern neighbours. Result? Double platinum
and one sold out concert after another.
Autumn
"
Helmut Lotti
goes Classic II" is released and passes over the counter thousands at a time.
The CD is still warm when the first platinum specimen already hangs on
Helmut's wall.
South Africa
ogles and welcomes the singer after only a couple of weeks already with
gold for his first CD. In the mean time they have also discovered the other
Classic Albums and platinum awards are piling up.
Music exceeds the communal borders. The Walloon provinces in
Belgium
completely surrender to Lotti and his Classic-train.
Also in his own country, hundreds of
thousands viewers of the commercial TV station VTM vote
Helmut Lotti
as most popular singer in
Flanders
.
He receives a second "Gouden Oog",
Belgian's most prestigious TV award, for "most popular singer in
Flanders
".
In March of this year, Helmut stand on stage at the BACIOP party.
Piet Roelen
had developed the idea to extend the orchestra to 55 musicians. He gets in
contact with
André Walschaerts
, who will become the conductor. Shortly before the concert, Kurt Van Eeghem
asks Piet for the name of the large orchestra. He replies spontaneously: "The
Golden Symphonic Orchestra". A new monument was born.
On September 8th and 9th Helmut and The Golden Symphonic
Orchestra join again on stage, this time in the Antwerp Elisabeth Hall. The
recordings of the new Lotti project take place here. Set-up: classical pieces in
a beautiful setting, impressive, live and arranged by
Wim Bohets
. The concert is sold out immediately. The applause seems to last forever. The
press is full of praise.
The CD "
Helmut Lotti
goes Classic" becomes the most and fastest sold record in
Belgium
.
Helmut Lotti
writes a new chapter in Belgian music history with 12 times platinum. He is
rewarded for this with the Sabam Hit Trophy.
Lotti shows his talent for song writing for the first time on "Just For You". His
own lyrics and music easily guide him swinging to - again - a gold record.
On July 8th,
Helmut Lotti
gives a special concert in the Casino of Knokke.
Mr. Cop of the Casino has requested whether there could be done something
exceptional. Manager
Piet Roelen
suggests a concert with large orchestra, 32 musicians. This suggestions is
considered too expensive. Helmut's management decides to take the financial
risk themselves. The concert is sold out in no time. Rob De Weerd, director of
Holland Casino in
Breda
who is sitting in the audience, gets the idea to organise a similar concert in
'his' casino.
It's there that Helmut sings for the first time, and with trembling knees, the
song "Caruso". The public is going wild. They give the singer a ten minute
long standing ovation.
At that moment manager
Piet Roelen
decides: the new project for Helmut will be "
Helmut Lotti
goes Classic".
That same evening Honoré Pitteljon, director of BACOB Bank, asks Helmut for the
bank's office party in 1995.
Year after year Helmut improves his records. Where previous albums
were rewarded with gold, the new CD shines even more. "Memories" is a
collection of carefully chosen Flemish classics, of which the singer brings an
English version. His public rewards him with platinum.
Helmut Lotti
may
once again return home with a gold record for the album "Alles Wat Ik Voel".
He tastes gold for the first time with the LP "Vlaamse
Nachten".
From the reserve bench, Helmut enters the Dutch KRO Sound Mix Show.
Initially Henny Huismans characterizes him as the "naïve Belgian", but very
soon has to humbly retract his words. Lotti's interpretation of the Elvis song
"My Boy" takes him to a remarkable second place in the grand finale. His
first three singles - "Kom Nu", "Bij Jou Alleen" and "Waarom Ik"
climb high in the Flemish hitparades.
Furthermore he wins a "Gouden Oog" (Golden Eye) for "most popular singer
in
Flanders
".
Kevin Leach, alias
Helmut Lotigiers
, shows up in the regional sound mix circuit. This
trend of singing competitions drifts over from the
Netherlands
, where Henny Huisman thought up a real TV topper with "The Sound Mix
Show", which is also keenly watched by the Flemish. Leach becomes well
known very quickly for his perfect Elvis imitations, including the sensual
hip swing.
Listening to a worn-out record player, he discovers his love for
the better crooners and for Elvis Presley. Helmut is barely 5 years old, still a
toddler, when his grandfather takes him by the hand and guides him to the stage
of the opera house.
Helmut Lotigiers
is born on October 22nd as the
oldest son of
Rita Lagrou
and Luc Lotigiers. He gets the passion for music from his grandfather, director
of Ghent Opera.
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