Jonny Heykens, Johannes Jacobus Heijkens (24 September 1884 – 28 June 1945) was a Dutch composer of light classical music, remembered above all for his jauntyStändchen (Serenade) No.1 Opus 21.[1]
Heykens was born at Groningen. He was taught violin by Eugène Ysaÿe at the Brussels Conservatory. He played in various orchestras before founding his own orchestra in Groningen in 1914. After the First World War, he toured Europe and achieved great popularity, especially in Germany. Heykens composed pieces for his orchestra, plus songs and musical comedies. His records sold widely. In the Second World War, he continued touring throughout Europe. He joined the NSB, the fascist National Socialist Party of the Netherlands.[2] He expressed racist opinions about Jews and black people and he performed at the parties of important Nazi officials. Resistance groups broadcast his famous tune with words: Sells his people and homeland for six loose cents.[3] After the war, Heykens was arrested as a suspected collaborator. He died in prison in Hilversum several weeks later.
Heykens' Serenade was also used during the 1940s, by Albert Sandler as the signature tune for the BBC Sunday evening radio programme "The Palm Court Orchestra at the Grand Hotel."[citation needed] In Germany, Heykens Serenade is the music to Loriot's comedy sketch "Schmeckt's?" [6]
The serenade is also used as background music in English listening tests in China.
In popular culture
A 1976 barrel organ recording of Heykens’ classic carousel song Ständchen (Serenade) by the C. John Mears Organisation is prominently featured in popular Atari Interactive video game RollerCoaster Tycoon.
^Dewulf, Jeroen (2010). Spirit of Resistance: Dutch Clandestine Literature During the Nazi Occupation. Camden House, London. p. 141. ISBN978-1571134936.
