Die Campbells

The Campbells – Biography & Information

The brothers Harry and Tony Campbell were both born in Cape Town. Their English speaking father, Harry Campbell Senior, taught his sons to play various musical instruments and provided them with musical inspiration at a young age.

The Campbell’s mother, Sandra, was raised in Pretoria in an Afrikaans home. Sandra encouraged her sons to be fully bilingual.

Like most children the Campbells attended government schools. Harry matriculated in 1993 and went on to study Motor Mechanics and Electrician Work.

Tony matriculated in 1994 and then obtained a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering as well as Financial Concepts and Marketing Management.

Many school bands and friendships were formed during their school years, however after high school the brothers soon realised that it would only be the two of them that would put the effort in to go all the way.

It was during their tertiary education that the Campbells decided to start up a recording studio. At this stage Harry was a gifted guitarist and Tony played drums, keyboards and was the lead vocalist in the group. Every year the Campbells improved musically and performed more often and to bigger audiences.

During 1999 the brothers met Kosie van Niekerk the owner of Select Music. Kosie asked if they would record material for his record label and the Campbells agreed. In 2000 Kosie proceeded to sign the Campbells as artists with Select music and released their debut album “You’re My Mate” during 2001. Immediately there was talk about the new young South African cowboys that performed country, rock ‘n roll and pop dance music. The Campbells appealed to both the English and Afrikaans markets and decided to write and produce a few Afrikaans songs. Their second album “Rooi Rok Bokkie” was an instant hit and in 2002 the Campbells became a house hold name.

14 albums and 6 DVD’s later the Campbells have established themselves as South Africa’s favourite duo and have sold more than 700 000 CD’s & DVD’s. Songs like Bietjie Bietjie Lam, Vat My Vas, Sewe Soene, Mamma Maria and Rooi Rok Bokkie will always be remembered.

In 2010 The Campbells won a SAMA with their album Mamma Maria for the Best Sokkie Dans Album. They have also won 3 VAMT awards as well as 12 Gold, 7 Platinum, 3 Triple Gold & 2 Double Platinum sales awards. These well deserved awards cements their place within the South African music industry.

In 2012 the Campbells celebrated their 12th professional year in the South African recording industry and started up their own record label – Campbell Records. They have recently completed their first release as label with their 14th album - Voet In Die Hoek. The album is certain to be hit with the fans.

Over the years The Campbells have also performed in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and would love to see you at there next performance…

Source: http://www.diecampbells.co.za/Biography.html [2014-01-29]