Born Jannes Wolters on June 26, 1973, in Emmen, Dutch pop singer Jannes' style of levenslied music proved dependably popular beginning in the mid-2000s. Jannes made his commercial recording debut in 1999 with the single "Ben Jij Bij Me," which led to his full-length album debut, Bella Bianca (2001). Follow-up albums Van Cascablanca Naar Napoli (2002) and Met Jou Kan Ik Het Leven Aan (2003) spawned Top 50 hits, while fourth album Gewoon Jannes (2004) reached the Top Ten of the albums chart. Jannes' popularity culminated with Als Het Zonnetje Schijnt (2005), which became the first of several albums to top the albums chart. Successive albums were similarly successful, reaching the upper level of the chart and spawning major hit singles. ~ Jason Birchmeier