Ilse Annoeska de Lange was born on May 13, 1977 in Almelo, Netherlands. She started her career at the age of 8 as a lip-synching artist, which won her several contests. De Lange drew greater attention after switching to a live repertoire in both regional and national talent shows in Hilversum (the Dutch city where most TV-programs are recorded). This helped her book some live-performances on national television. She formed a duo with guitarist Joop Liefland, who introduced her to country music.
In 1994 Ilse performed at the Dutch Country Music Awards. Despite positive reviews, nothing happened with her career. She did get in touch with representatives of Warner Music but it took several years of negotiation before Warner Music decided to offer Ilse a contract. In 1996 DeLange joined the popgroup Wij where the group released the single "De Oorlog Meegemaakt" ("Experienced The War"). However the single did not chart the Dutch Top 40. 1998: World Of Hurt
In 1998 while a member of the group Cash On Delivery, she traveled to Nashville, U.S. to record her debut album World Of Hurt with top producer Barry Beckett. She became well known in the Netherlands because her album was recorded in the capital of country music. Her album received big success in her home country, selling 450,000 copies in total. In Holland, Ilse received a TMF Award and an Edison Award for her musical success in 1999. Unfortunately World of Hurt was not released in the States, despite some interest due to guest vocals from Vince Gill, and Ilse's cover of Beth Nielsen Chapman's song "World of Hurt", and Patty Larkin's song "Lonely Too". 1999:Dear John
In 1999 Ilse released a live album called: Dear John. Dear John was a limited edition release, on which Ilse covered songs by singer/songwriter John Hiatt as a tribute. She went on a mini-tour in support of the album, which lasted several months during 1999. The album went platinum in the Netherlands (with sales of 80,000 copies). 2000: Livin' on Love
Rumors of a new album were heard in mid 2000. The first single "Livin' on Love" was released in October. November saw the release of her sophomore studio album Livin' on Love, which was a musical departure from her debut, leaning more toward pop/rock. The country music scene was not as excited by this album. Although there was a good amount of promotion for the album, it could not compete with the success of World of Hurt, hitting its peak at #5. Livin' on Love still went platinum though.
With this album, Ilse gained even more State-side interest (although not released in the States) due to her covers of 2 songs by popular American singer/songwriters Buddy and Julie Miller (I Still Cry and Ride the Wind to Me), and other songs written by Patty Larkin, Jude Cole and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Alison Krauss also provided guest vocals.
In 2001 DeLange started her Livin' on Love Tour, performing in many theaters and concert halls throughout her home country. Meanwhile, Warner Music attempted to promote this release as her "breakthrough" release in the America. Although "World Of Hurt" was planned to be released in the States, the record labels in America thought the album was too old-fashioned to be released. Ilse set her hopes on the release of "Livin' on Love", but once again the album was not released for unknown reasons,. There were rumours that the American label did not like the sound of the album. Due to the trouble she had in America, DeLange decided to break all cords with the States, and focus more on her career in the BeNeLux region.
She won an Edison Award for best Dutch artist in 2000. Due to all the business problems the singer became physically exhausted. During a performance in Paradiso (Amsterdam), Ilse experienced vocal problems, and emotionally told the fans in the hall that she could not continue the performance. On doctors advice she took a few weeks rest. Several months later she performed at Parkpop.
Source: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ilse-De-Lange/109857822376851?sk=wiki
