Bogaardt, Ben

Websites:  https://brothersbogaardt2020.com/home
Origin: Java - Indonesia - Netherlands - Edmonton, Alberta - Penticton, British Columbia, 🇨🇦
Biography:

The Brothers Bogaardt were born in Indonesia, (the former Dutch East Indies) and have been a part of the Canadian Music scene for many years. Their Dutch/Indonesian parents passed on their talents to their four sons. Their father was a violinist, and their mother passed on her beautiful voice to her sons. They were living on the Island of Java, when the Japanese War broke out and Ben, Bill and their mother Alida-Louise Bogaardt were taken prisoners and spent five years in POW camps in sickening conditions during the Japanese occupation. Their father was taken prisoner and sent to Japan, where he faced slave labour in the coalmines of Japan in less than human conditions. A book written by their mother, Alida -Louise Priesman-Bogaardt, was published recounting the experiences the family endured in the prison camps all over Java. The book is called: “Dark Skies over Paradise”. Fortunately, they all survived, where thousands didn’t, and the family were re-united shortly after the war ended. Eventually they returned to the Netherlands to start a new life.

Educated and trained as a Professional Electrical Engineer, and his love and experience as a musician, their father decided to immigrate to Canada, and the family settled in Edmonton, Alberta. Edmonton is where Bill started his musical career. When, the older brother Ben, completed his tour of duty with the Dutch Navy, he joined the family in Edmonton, and soon Bill and Ben formed a duo, and started to perform all around the Province of Alberta.

After several years, the two younger brothers joined the group, and the Brothers Bogaardt band was born. Their numerous successes have been attributed to their hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. Today, the brothers live in British Columbia, where they continue to record. Their unique style of music consists of melodic Indonesian sounds, to a cross-mix of popular music influenced by rockin’ bands such as the Beatles, the Beegees, Harry Belafonte, Elton John, James Brown, Bruno Mars, John Fogerty, and many more.

The Brothers Bogaardt have travelled extensively throughout Canada, the USA, and were featured on several international shows and venues in Europe. In Amsterdam, Holland they performed at the International Flower Show, and entertained the Canadian troops at the Canadian Forces Base in Lahr, Germany. The Canadian troops, gave them standing ovations and wouldn’t let them off the stage. In Canada they’ve performed on National Television, CBC-TV-Winnipeg, National Radio Shows and travelled across Canada from Vancouver Island to Nova Scotia. They’ve recorded in Kansas City, Missouri, Nashville, Tennessee, and Edmonton, Alberta with the Canadian Icon, Sir Tommy Banks.

Bill and Ben have won awards for their music, and recorded in Nashville with Don Tweedy, a brilliant arranger. He had 11 platinum and 28 gold albums to his credit over his lifetime. Bill & Ben wrote the original music for a Canadian Film documentary, “Alberta on the Northside”, which won the Gold Camera Award in Chicago, Illinois. As well Bill won Best Original Music for his compositions in “Time of the Tarsands” with Canadian Actor, Gordon Pinsent.

In 2009, the oldest brother Ben, tragically lost his battle with cancer, and Bill, Rick and Archie stepped back from the Music industry for a number of years. However, their passion to write, record and produce original music surfaced once again, and the remaining brothers soon re-kindled their love of music, with a mission to leave a legacy for their children and their grandchildren. Their current music is aimed at their lifelong fans to enjoy, and to gain new fans from around the world.

In 2016, Bill, Rick and Archie published an Album, called, “Un-Finished Business-2016”, which included music written by their oldest brother Ben, as a tribute to his memory. Five original songs, features the unique “Bogaardt-style”, with current, up-town funky beats, rockin’ guitar riffs and emotionally charged, tender love songs. For a more in-depth look at their bio, performances, musical endeavours, film awards, press interviews, and interesting people and artists they’ve met, such as Louis Armstrong, Jeff Beck, Marty Robbins, Bobby Curtola, Gordon Lightfoot, and many others, take a look on their website.

Contact Information: W.A.(Bill) Bogaardt – Cell: 1-250-770-0461 Email: songsearchmusic@shaw.ca

“We thank all the people, Radio & Television personalities, Journalists, Club Owners, Producers and all the fans, who have always supported our musical endeavours, and hope that the current music we’ve produced will once again be supported by you, our fans and our listeners, and include us in your playlists. You can download our music from our website listed above.”

“...The talent we found for "Alberta on the Northside" certainly measured up to our highest expectation, particularly for the music track written by you and your brothers.”
— Ken Jubenvill - President - Jubenvill & Embra Films Limited - Vancouver, B.C. Canada

“This is the finest group of musicians ever to entertain here. Their obvious enjoyment while performing, their professional stage presence and their fine performance does them credit.”
— Kenneth F. Heddon-President-Great Canadian Oil Sands - Fort McMurray, Alberta

“I want to express on behalf of our Association and the citizens of Edmonton, our sincere thanks to you and your brothers for your groups participation in our Petticoat Pass downtown Mall throughout the full period of Klondike Days..'Although a letter of appreciation isn't customary in the case of musicians hired during Klondike Days, I feel that your group did such an outstanding job that it is certainly warranted.”
— R.M. Chapman-General Manager- Klondike Days, Edmonton, Alberta

“I consider the Bogaardt Brothers to be the most exciting group in Canada today. Their potential should be limitless since they have the unique ability of being able to communicate with audiences of all ages. We have used them for background music in one film, and we are presently working with them on a major production where they will appear visually as well. It is difficult to describe the Brothers Bogaardt in writing and difficult even by recording alone. To appreciate their performance you must see and hear them. I suggest you will find it a memorable experience. ”
— W.D. (Bill) Marsden - Vice-President- Canawest Master Films Ltd. Calgary, Alberta

“The original music written and composed by the Brothers Bogaardt, recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, was attributed to the success of "Alberta on the Northside", in attaining the GOLD CAMERA AWARD, in Chicago, Illinois. In the words of Executive Producer, C.N. Ross, "The original music by the Brothers Bogaardt was one of the major contributing factors to the judges' decision in granting the award to "Alberta on The Northside".”
— C.N. Ross - Executive Producer - Alberta Government