jozz post_id=57457 time=1524413658 user_id=2600 said:
there is a theory that all those old accordionists were wiseguys, it was at least a genuine sub-culture back then
spicy twist: Gert Nijkamp was shot and killed some ten years ago execution style
Hi jozz,
Johnny Meijers son was a high profile drug addict with underworld connections, and apparently took maximum advantage of his fathers fame. All the usual vice and protection rackets were on the go in most of the big cities in Europe in Meijers day, and I would imagine anybody with the bottle to play for money in The Jordaan had to take the usual precautions of obeying the rules.
In latter life when he couldnt get work in the bigger joints, he depended on Chris Huissen, a neighbour of his and plumber by day, to drive him to and from the second and third rate venues. Huissen played the bass (badly) for Johnny, and was his minder. His main task was probably to stop Johnny falling into a canal after the gig! Hard drinking was Johnnys downfall, and he got worse after his wife died. The Huissens, who lived in the same building as Johnny, took him under their wing and looked after him in later life.
When Huissen was his minder all Johnny had left was his state pension, as he had drank most of his money, and had possibly been robbed of the rest. A sad tale indeed for a man who had twice been world champion two years in a row (1953/4).
Gert Nijkamps shop still seems to be trading in Apeldoorn, although I never knew about his shooting. Wonder if anybody picked up the 150,000 Euros reward for convicting the guy who shot him?
I have to confess that art appreciation is part of my bread & butter: Im a professional artist, and teach art part-time too. Ive made some accordion collage artwork in the past, mostly as presents for special people - Karen Tweed owns one of them, Paul Hutchinson another.
