Ode to Willeke Alberti | A little love for all

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Willeke, golden oldie, what an inspiration you are to us. The cosiness you convey in your songs and lyrics works wonders. The whole of Amsterdam knows you and that was evident yesterday when we asked people at the Albert Cuyp market about you. Your music still provides a lot of atmosphere and enjoyment in Amsterdam's regular bars, and for that reason we give you a little love in this tribute.

Surely you mean a little more to one particular group, and that is the elderly. Whenever we asked about you, sparkles spontaneously appeared in their eyes. They told us at length about your distinctive music, and about your impressive work as an actress. Most did not even know that you set up a foundation that organises fun activities for elderly people in care homes. With this, you bring smiles to the faces of people in difficult situations.

You were brought up in a family with a famous and beloved father (Willy Alberti). So people might think you were able to make a career purely because of his reputation, but in reality, you never stood in his shadow. You yourself are also a great mother to your own children. You can see that from how successful and independent they have become, just like you.

However, this tribute is nothing compared to all the things you have done for the people around you. In the Jordaan, your music will live on forever, and that makes your personality inseparable from this neighbourhood. You have shown the people of Amsterdam that fame and notoriety do not lead to a bigger ego for everyone. You used your knackers in a responsible and ethical way, with a little love for all.