Dutch lesbian jazz pianist and singer Pia Beck dies at 84

By Saskia Joreen on Thursday, November 26, 2009 - 19:25

Pia Beck was known as one of the Netherlands' greatest jazz musicians. Her career took off after World War II and Pia experienced international success soon after that. Her first composition - Pia's Boogie - became an instant hit. Interesting detail is that she never learned how to read sheet music.

Pia toured Europe and visited the United States for the first time in 1952, where she did several tours and performed in many renowned American jazz clubs. She even made the cover of Time Magazine, which named her 'The Flying Dutchess'. She was also bestowed honorary citizenship of New Orleans and Atlanta.

In 1965, Pia moved to Torremolinos in Spain with her life partner Marga and their three children. In Spain, Pia started her own piano bar as well as her own real estate firm. In 1975, Pia made her comeback in the Netherlands.

Pia's authorised biography The Touch Of My Life was released in 2000, which was accompanied by a CD with some of her greatest piano solos on it. She decided to retire six years ago, and a DVD called The Touch Of Her Life was released to celebrate her career.

These last years, Pia and her partner Marga lived in Churriana, Spain. Candid details about Pia's personal life are revealed in the biography mentioned above. Even though Pia apparently wasn't always faithful to Marga for a certain period, their relationship stayed strong. Nine years ago, Pia said in an interview that she had been able to preserve the best part of their relationship, which was friendship. In her own words: "Eroticism dies out, friendship doesn't."

Pia passed away on November 26 due to heart failure. She was preceded by her partner Marga, who died in June of this year. Although Pia will be missed, she herself has said that she's had a fantastic life. May she rest in peace.

Note: Pia Beck was also featured in faith’s article ‘Ten Dutch out women you need to know’.