Dutch 60s pop group Shocking Blue front-woman Mariska Veres has died of cancer last week at the age of 59.
Veres' solo career saw her attempt a number of different styles after the group split up in 1974 including a stint in jazz group the Shocking Jazz Quintet.The band had a number one hit in 1970 with the infectious hit 'Venus' (which was later covered by 80s girl group Bananarama), and also are known for their early tune 'Love Buzz', which although was never a hit for them, was the first single for a little known band called Nirvana in 1989.
They briefly reformed in 1984, albeit without original member Robbie Van Leeuwen, who had moved to Luxembourg by this time.
Veres' ancestry covers pretty much all of Europe - she was born in The Hauge, Netherlands, daughter of Hungarian Violinist Lajos Veres and German mother (who was born to French and Russian parents).
