Candy Dulfer

Early Life

Candy Dulfer was born on September 19, 1969, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She began her musical journey at a young age, starting with the drums at five before switching to the soprano saxophone at six. By the age of seven, she had transitioned to the alto saxophone and was performing with a local concert band, Jeugd Doet Leven. Dulfer made her stage debut with her father's band, De Perikels, and recorded her first tracks at just 11 years old. At 14, she founded her own band, Funky Stuff, marking the beginning of her professional music career.

Career

Dulfer's career took off in the late 1980s when she opened for Madonna during her European tour in 1987. She gained further recognition after performing with Prince, both on stage and in his music videos. Her collaboration with Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart on the hit single "Lily Was Here" solidified her status as a talented saxophonist. Throughout the 1990s, she performed with iconic artists like Pink Floyd and Van Morrison, showcasing her versatility and skill. In 2001, she collaborated with her father on the album "Dulfer Dulfer" and joined Prince's band for his Musicology Live 2004ever tour. Her 2007 album, "Candy Store," reached No. 2 on Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz charts, with several singles topping the Smooth Jazz National Airplay charts.

Notable Activities

In addition to her music career, Dulfer hosted the Dutch television series "Candy Meets..." in 2007, where she interviewed various musicians. She also served as a judge on the Dutch version of "X Factor" in 2013, further expanding her influence in the music industry. Dulfer continues to be a prominent figure in jazz and pop music, known for her dynamic performances and collaborations with a wide range of artists.