Will Ferdy Explained

Werner Ferdinande (9 March 1927 – 8 November 2022), known as Will Ferdy, was a Belgian singer. He became known for the songs Christine, Belijdenis, De stervende, , and , which is a song, based on the poet with the same name, by Guido Gezelle. He was a figurehead within the gay community, because he was the first Flemish singer to come out.^{[1] [2]} He received the Gay Krant award in 2006.^[3] Earlier in his career, Ferdy was also active as a comedian.^[4]

Ferdy suffered from Parkinson's disease. He died in Antwerp on 8 November 2022, at the age of 95.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Will Ferdy overleden op 95-jarige leeftijd, eerste bekende Vlaming die zich outte als homoseksueel. Het Laatste Nieuws. 8 November 2022. 8 November 2022. nl.
2. Web site: Zanger Will Ferdy overleden op 95-jarige leeftijd. Nieuwsblad. 8 November 2022. 8 November 2022. nl.
3. Web site: Gay Krant-onderscheiding voor Will Ferdy. Gazet van Antwerpen. 28 August 2006. 28 August 2006. nl.
4. Web site: PORTRET. Will Ferdy (95), de man die als artiest én als mens achter zijn keuzes stond: "Ik ben fier dat ik consequent gebleven ben". www.nieuwsblad.be. 7 April 2023.