Werner Ferdinande (9 March 1927 – 8 November 2022), known as Will Ferdy, was a Belgian singer. He became known for the songs Christine, Belijdenis, De stervende, Ziede gij me gere , and Het Schrijverke , which is a song, based on the poet Het Schrijverke with the same name, by Guido Gezelle. He was a figurehead within the gay community, because he was the first Flemish singer to come out.[1][2] He received the Gay Krant award in 2006.[3] Earlier in his career, Ferdy was also active as a comedian.[4]
Will Ferdy | |
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![]() Ferdy in 2013 | |
Born | Werner Ferdinande 9 March 1927 Ghent, Belgium |
Died | 8 November 2022 Antwerp, Belgium | (aged 95)
Nationality | Belgian |
Occupation | Singer |
Ferdy suffered from Parkinson's disease. He died in Antwerp on 8 November 2022, at the age of 95.[1][2]
References
edit- ^ a b "Will Ferdy overleden op 95-jarige leeftijd, eerste bekende Vlaming die zich outte als homoseksueel". Het Laatste Nieuws (in Dutch). 8 November 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
- ^ a b "Zanger Will Ferdy overleden op 95-jarige leeftijd". Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). 8 November 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
- ^ "Gay Krant-onderscheiding voor Will Ferdy". Gazet van Antwerpen (in Dutch). 28 August 2006. Retrieved 28 August 2006.
- ^ "PORTRET. Will Ferdy (95), de man die als artiest én als mens achter zijn keuzes stond: "Ik ben fier dat ik consequent gebleven ben"". www.nieuwsblad.be. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
External links
edit- Will Ferdy discography at Discogs
- Will Ferdy at IMDb