Jordaan in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

Manke Nelis

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 18, 2024

1. Manke Nelis Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Manke Nelis (1919-1993) begon zijn muzikale carriere als bassist. Hij trad vaak op met zijn zwager, accordeonist Johnny Meijer. Zijn naam is te danken aan een motorongeluk in Frankrijk. Zijn rechterbeen moest worden geamputeerd omdat de artsen vergeten waren hem een tetanusprik te geven.

Hoewel Manke Nelis onder verschillende pseudoniemen optrad, behaalde hij zijn grootste successen onder de bijnaam Manke Nelis. In 1987 had hij een Top 40-hit met Kleine Jodeljongen, een cover van het Italiaanse La Piccinina uit 1939. Hij trad tot zijn dood op in café The Shorts of London op het Rembrandtplein.

Beeldhouwer: Rob Cerneus 2003

(English translation:)
Manke Nelis (1919-1993) started his musical career as a bassist. He often performed with his brother-in-law, accordionist Johnny Meijer. His name comes from a motorcycle accident in France (manke = “lame”). His right leg had to be amputated because doctors forgot to give him a tetanus shot.

Although Manke Nelis performed under different pseudonyms, he achieved his greatest successes under

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the nickname Manke Nelis. In 1987 he had a Top 40 hit with Kleine Jodeljongen! a cover of the Italian La Piccinina from 1939. He performed in café The Shorts of London on Rembrandtplein until his death.

Sculptor: Rob Cerneus 2003

Erected 2005.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1987.

Location. 52° 22.209′ N, 4° 52.933′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Jordaan. It is on Elandsgracht, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Elandsgracht 2, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1016 HJ, Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

the European Union,

Atlantic Europe,

the Benelux Low Countries,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire

and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tante (“Aunt”) Leen (here, next to this marker); Johnny Jordaan (here, next to this marker); Duo Jan & Mien (here, next to this marker); Johnny Meijer (here, next to this marker); Hooft, Coster, Vondel (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Tobias van Leeuwen (about 150 meters away); Rachel van Leeuwen - Cohen de Lara (about 150 meters away); Elias Juda van Leeuwen (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.

Also see . . .
1. Manke Nelis (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: Manke Nelis was born
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 18, 2024

2. Manke Nelis Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here on the back of the base of the rightmost statue.
in Groenlo on 16 December 1919 and began his musical career as a bass player, often accompanying his brother-in-law, accordionist Johnny Meijer. In the 1950s he performed under the stage name Carlo Pietro and started singing the Amsterdam levenslied. A motorcycle accident in France and a subsequent medical error cost him a leg; he reportedly spent the more than 100,000 guilders he received as compensation within a year. His biggest hit was "Kleine Jodeljongen" in 1987.

In 1987 he narrowly survived a bus crash on an American tour with Dutch artists, near San Diego. He died of cancer 8 October 1993, at age 73.

(Submitted on May 10, 2024.)

2. Manke Nelis - Kleine Jodeljongen (Countdown, 1987) (YouTube, 3:19). TV performance by Manke Nelis with 'Kleine Jodeljongen' on Dutch popshow “Countdown”. The television show was broadcasted by Veronica from 1976 to 1993 and was "Europe's Number 1 Rock Show" with performances by the greatest artists from all over the world… (Submitted on May 10, 2024.)

Manke Nelis statue, front view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 18, 2024

3. Manke Nelis statue, front view

Manke Nelis Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 18, 2024

4. Manke Nelis Marker - wide view

Left to right, statues of Manke Nelis, Tante Leen, Johnny Jordaan, Johnny Meyer (or Meijer), and Mien and “Bolle” Jan Froger.

Additional plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 18, 2024

5. Additional plaque

On the front of the base of Manke Nelis’ statue is a plaque, reading (in translation): Unforgettable Amsterdam’s singer Manke Nelis (Dec. 16, 1919 - October 8, 1993)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 201 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 10, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.