Taco Ockerse

Taco Ockerse, known simply as Taco, is a Dutch pop and jazz singer who gained international fame in the 1980s. Born on July 21, 1955, in Jakarta, Indonesia, and raised in the Netherlands, Taco's music is characterized by a blend of new wave, pop, and jazz influences. He is best known for his 1982 cover of "Puttin' on the Ritz," originally popularized by Fred Astaire, which became a major hit and reached high positions in various charts worldwide. Taco's self-titled debut album, released in 1983, included other notable tracks such as "Singin' in the Rain" and "I Can’t Get Enough." His unique style and flair for theatricality helped him stand out in the music scene of the time. While Taco's commercial success waned after the 1980s, his work remains a notable part of the synth-pop and new wave movements. He has influenced subsequent artists with his distinctive vocal style and his integration of jazz elements into pop music. Taco's legacy is primarily tied to his iconic hit and his contribution to the eclectic sounds of the early '80s music landscape.