Rita Hovink, pseudoniem of Hendriekje Jannie Vink (Beverwijk, 3 maart 1944 … Read Full Bio ↴Rita Hovink, pseudoniem of Hendriekje Jannie Vink (Beverwijk, 3 maart 1944 - Hilversum, 7 september 1979) was a Dutch singer. She had a dramatical timbre and she got very well known, after releasing the song Laat me alleen, a few years before she died.

Rita Hovink wanted to be a theater actress when she was younger. She succesfully participated in 1959 at a talenthunt by Max van Praag, and she decided to become a singer. Her first performance was in the Herman van Keeken-show. After that she joined the Jonge Flierefluiters en the Leather Jackets, and performed many times for the American soldiers based in Germany. Hoving sang in Dutch and in English.

In 1964 Hovink was part of the Dutch team at the Knokke Festival, and they won the 1st prize. In the same year her debutsingle was released titled Yeah yeah yeah, her 3rd single , Die eerste zoen, became a hit. In 1969 her 1st album was released titled Love me or Leave me. As from 1976 Hovink had numerous hits, Laat me alleen was one of them.

In 1978 Rita Hovink got very sick. She had several big operations, appeared to be recovering, but eventually died in 1979 at the age of 35, as a result of breastcancer.

After Hovinks death, a Best of album was released. In 1981 the single Laat me alleen was re-released and had a small succes. In 1986 a new compilationalbum with the same title was released.

Discografie
1969 - Love Me Or Leave Me
1973 - From Rita With Love
1976 - Een Rondje Van Rita
1978 - Ik Wil Vrouw Zijn
1979 - De Beste
1982 - De Onvergetelijke Rita Hovink
1986 - Laat Me Alleen
1998 - Antonio