Candy Dulfer — Biography
Born September 19, 1969, Candy Dulfer is a Dutch artist renowned for her work as a pop and funk alto saxophonist, occasionally lending her voice as a singer. Her musical journey began at the tender age of six. By fourteen, she had already established her own musical ensemble, Funky Stuff. Her inaugural album, Saxuality, released in 1990, garnered critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination. To date, Dulfer has graced the music world with eleven studio albums, two live recordings, and a compilation. Her impressive discography includes collaborations and performances with esteemed artists such as her father Hans Dulfer, Prince, Dave Stewart, Van Morrison, Angie Stone, and Maceo Parker. She has also shared stages with luminaries like Alan Parsons in 1995, Pink Floyd in 1990, and Tower of Power in 2014. In 2007, Dulfer took on a new role, hosting the Dutch television series Candy meets..., where she engaged in conversations with fellow musicians. Later, in 2013, she joined the judging panel for the fifth season of the Dutch iteration of X Factor.
The daughter of saxophonist Hans Dulfer, Candy Dulfer entered the world on September 19, 1969, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Her early musical exploration started with the drums at age five, before she transitioned to the soprano saxophone at six. A year later, she shifted her focus to the alto saxophone and soon became a member of the local concert band Jeugd Doet Leven, meaning "Youth Brings Life," in Zuiderwoude. Dulfer had her first public solo performance with her father's band, De Perikels, translated as "The Perils." Her initial studio recordings occurred at age eleven for De Perikels' album I Didn't Ask in 1981. In 1982, at just twelve years old, she performed as part of Rosa King's Ladies Horn section at the North Sea Jazz Festival. King, according to Dulfer, was a significant influence, encouraging her to consider leading her own band. At the age of fourteen in 1984, she launched her band, Funky Stuff. Funky Stuff toured extensively throughout the Netherlands and, in 1987, had the distinct honor of opening for two of Madonna's European concerts. Prince recognized Dulfer's talent in 1988, inviting her onto the stage for an improvised saxophone solo during one of his European concerts. Her appearance extended to Prince's "Partyman" video in 1989. Dulfer also contributed her talents to session work with Dave Stewart, guitarist and producer for Eurythmics, with whom she co-created the song "Lily Was Here." In 1990, she joined Pink Floyd as
The daughter of saxophonist Hans Dulfer, Candy Dulfer entered the world on September 19, 1969, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Her early musical exploration started with the drums at age five, before she transitioned to the soprano saxophone at six. A year later, she shifted her focus to the alto saxophone and soon became a member of the local concert band Jeugd Doet Leven, meaning "Youth Brings Life," in Zuiderwoude. Dulfer had her first public solo performance with her father's band, De Perikels, translated as "The Perils." Her initial studio recordings occurred at age eleven for De Perikels' album I Didn't Ask in 1981. In 1982, at just twelve years old, she performed as part of Rosa King's Ladies Horn section at the North Sea Jazz Festival. King, according to Dulfer, was a significant influence, encouraging her to consider leading her own band. At the age of fourteen in 1984, she launched her band, Funky Stuff. Funky Stuff toured extensively throughout the Netherlands and, in 1987, had the distinct honor of opening for two of Madonna's European concerts. Prince recognized Dulfer's talent in 1988, inviting her onto the stage for an improvised saxophone solo during one of his European concerts. Her appearance extended to Prince's "Partyman" video in 1989. Dulfer also contributed her talents to session work with Dave Stewart, guitarist and producer for Eurythmics, with whom she co-created the song "Lily Was Here." In 1990, she joined Pink Floyd as
