Radio pioneer Willem van Kooten passes away at 83

Radio pioneer Willem van Kooten, also known as Joost den Draaijer, has passed away at the age of 83. He was the creator and first presenter of the Dutch Top 40, which he debuted 60 years ago on Radio Veronica.

The Top 40 reported his passing today. Van Kooten rose to fame in the 1960s as a DJ with a unique, witty style and later became a successful businessman known for his strategic timing in ventures.

He is also credited with coining the term “palingsound” for the music of Volendam artists. A roundabout near the Media Park in Hilversum is named after him.

Source: NOS