Sjoukje Smit, better known by her stage name Maggie MacNeal, is a Dutch singer and presenter born on May 5, 1950 in Tilburg.
Her musical journey began with classical singing training, followed by an audition with record company Phonogram in 1971. Under the guidance of producer Hans van Hemert and orchestra leader Dick Bakker, she recorded her first single I heard it through the grapevine on, which was the start of a successful career in music.
Breakthrough
Her breakthrough came when she was paired with singer Willem Duyn and formed the duo Mouth & MacNeal. They scored hits like How do you do and Hello-aand represented the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974. After the duo’s breakup, MacNeal began a solo career, releasing albums that won prizes such as the Edison.
Career
In addition to her musical work, she has also used her talents as a presenter for television programs and has participated in various musical projects, including the Dutch Divas. Later in her career, she toured several times, paying tribute to icons such as Ann Christy.
Private life
Sjouke doesn’t sit still in her private life either. After thirty-three years of marriage to musician Frans Smit, she welcomed their daughter Sanne in 1984. However, the family experienced sadness when Frans died in June 2005. In February 2009, Sjoukje found love again and married her partner Klaus Metternich.
