Jonny Heykens

Jonny Heykens, Johannes Jacobus Heijkens (24 September 1884 – 28 June 1945) was a Dutch composer of light classical music, best known for his jaunty Ständchen (Serenade) No.1 Opus 21. Heykens was born at Groningen, Netherlands. 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 immense popularity, especially in Germany. Heykens composed pieces for his orchestra, in addition to 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. 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. After the war, Heykens was arrested as a suspected collaborator. He died in prison in Hilversum several weeks later. In Japan the Serenade became a popular song, and so it was selected in 1943 by NHK, The Broadcasting Corporation of Japan a