Pierre Kartner dead: The Smurfs musician better known as Father Abraham dies aged 87

express.co.uk:

The Dutch musician, who worked under the pseudonym Vader Abraham, wrote about 1600 songs over his long career.The star, who wrote songs for The Smurfs, sold 17 million copies worldwide.

Pierre worked with the cartoon series from 1977 until 2005, and his debut hit The Smurf Song reached No.2 on the UK charts in June 1978.Born Petrus Antonius Laurentius Kartner in April 1935, Pierre started his singing career at the age of eight, winning a local festival before going on to work in a local factory in Amsterdam.In 1971, the star launched his alter-ego after writing a festival song titled Father Abraham had seven sons.He has since amassed millions of fans across the world.Pierre died on November 8 and was buried on November 11, according to a spokesperson for the family.Pierre leaves behind a wife and son, as reported by omroepbrabant.nl.With his signature bowler hat and beard, Pierre stormed the Dutch charts in 1971 to become one of the most successful artists in the Dutch Top 40 ever.In 1977 he released his worldwide hit Au pays des schtroumpfs, which we know as The Smurf Song.Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the late musician, who left behind a lasting legacy.Sonja wrote: “Sometimes, when someone dies it hits you harder than you would have thought.“Pierre Kartner ( vader Abraham) is one of them.Still remember the words of his songs he sang when I was young.

R.I.P. dear Pierre.” (sic)“I hope that somewhere in that little cafe on the harbour, with people who are right there, you have breathed your last, Father Abraham,” penned Richard.“Thank you for your many beautiful happy songs and childhood memories. “RIP Pierre Kartner,” he added next to a photo of the late star singing with the Smurfs. (sic)Martijn tweeted:.