While the 1970s gifted us with iconic musical duos like Seals and Crofts, Hall and Oates, and Captain and Tennille, there were gems across the Atlantic making waves in Europe. Among these was Mouth & MacNeal, a Dutch duo who, despite their international hit “How Do You Do,” remained somewhat lesser-known in the United States. If you associate them solely with the catchy yet repetitive “How Do You Do,” you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Diving deeper into their discography reveals a treasure trove of captivating euro pop tunes that deserve a wider audience. For those who might find “How Do You Do” a tad overplayed, exploring their other songs is highly recommended.
Mouth & MacNeal, a popular Euro music couple from the 1970s, performing together.
It’s worth noting that “How Do You Do” possesses an undeniable charm. Its upbeat and optimistic nature, depicting a couple’s reconciliation and fresh start, stands out in a decade often associated with melancholic ballads. This positivity, combined with its infectious melody, contributed to its global appeal.
The Genesis of a Euro Pop Duo
Mouth & MacNeal were visually striking: a robust man paired with a charming blonde woman, reminiscent of a Dutch Jerry Garcia and Agnetha Fältskog from ABBA. Behind the stage names were Willem Duyn, known as Big Mouth, and Sjoukje van’t Spijker, who took on the moniker Maggie MacNeal. Big Mouth brought prior musical experience from 60s bands like Speedway, while MacNeal had a solo single under her belt, a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”
Mouth & MacNeal performing 'How Do You Do' on TopPop in May 1974, showcasing their dynamic stage presence as a euro pop duo.
In 1971, Dutch producer Hans van Hemert recognized their potential and brought Mouth and Spijker together, forming Mouth & MacNeal. The inspiration behind this pairing remains somewhat mysterious, but Hemert’s intuition about their vocal harmony and collaborative chemistry proved to be spot on.
Their debut single, “Hey You Love,” achieved respectable success in the Netherlands, reaching number five on the charts. Interestingly, the music video playfully highlighted Mouth’s fondness for food, adding a quirky element to their early image.
“How Do You Do”: Conquering Global Charts
The breakthrough moment arrived with “How Do You Do.” Penned by Hemert and Dutch composer Harry von Hoof, the song became a worldwide sensation. It topped charts in numerous countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, and New Zealand, and broke into the top ten in Germany, the UK, and the United States. American airplay, spearheaded by disc jockey Jim Connors, was instrumental in its US chart success, leading to over a million copies sold stateside.
Videos of their performances, often on European music TV shows, capture the duo’s infectious energy and the audience’s enthusiastic response. Their lively stage presence and the sheer enjoyment radiating from both the performers and the crowd are palpable.
More Than Just Stage Partners: Unraveling the Euro Music Couple Dynamic
Beyond their mega-hit, tracks like “Hello-A,” with its ABBA-esque vibes, and “Sing Along” showcase the breadth of their musical talent and their consistent euro pop sound.
Eurovision and Beyond
In 1974, Mouth & MacNeal represented the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest with “I See A Star.” Notably, this was the first Dutch Eurovision entry performed entirely in English, marking a shift from the traditional Dutch language entries. Facing formidable competition, including ABBA with “Waterloo,” Mouth & MacNeal secured a commendable third place.
Promotional image of Mouth & MacNeal highlighting their success as a hit euro music act in 'Die Welt der Stars'.
Following their Eurovision success, Mouth & MacNeal pursued separate paths. Mouth formed Mouth and Little Eve with his wife, producing ABBA-inspired music that, while pleasant, didn’t reach the same heights as his previous duo. He sadly passed away in 2004 at the age of 67. MacNeal continued her music career and even returned to Eurovision in 1980 with “Amsterdam.”
An attempt to revive Mouth & MacNeal in 2008 with a new male vocalist proved unsuccessful. Perhaps Mouth & MacNeal was a unique product of the 70s, a special euro music couple whose magic was irreplaceable. Regardless, their music, filled with catchy melodies and positive energy, remains timeless and enjoyable, proving that their appeal extends far beyond the decade of their prime.
