George Kooymans

George Kooymans
Kooymans in 1983
Background information
Birth nameGeorge Jan Kooymans
Born(1948-03-11)11 March 1948
The Hague, Netherlands
Died22 July 2025(2025-07-22) (aged 77)
Rijkevorsel, Belgium
GenresRock
Occupation(s)
  • Guitarist
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active1961–2022
Formerly ofGolden Earring

George Jan Kooymans (11 March 1948 – 23 July 2025) was a Dutch rock singer and guitarist. He was best known for his work with the Dutch group Golden Earring.[1] Kooymans wrote "Twilight Zone", the group's only top 10 entry on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, which hit No. 1 as well.[2]

In 2021, Kooymans retired from music after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).[3] He died on 22 July 2025 from the disease in Rijkevorsel, Netherlands at the age of 77.[4]

References

  1. Huey, Steve. "Biography: George Kooymans". AllMusic. Retrieved 23 July 2010.
  2. Whitburn, Joel (2010). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits',' 9th Edition (Billboard Publications), page 259.
  3. "Golden Earring Co-Founder George Kooymans Retires After ALS Diagnosis; Band Calls it Quits". Bestclassicbands.com. 11 March 2021.
  4. "Gitarist George Kooymans (77) van Golden Earring overleden". nos.nl (in Dutch). 2025-07-23. Retrieved 2025-07-23.

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