The Show-business is for many artists not so easy.
More difficult it becomes, when the artist comes from a small island like Bonaire.
Also on this subject, William Anthony has proved that Bonaire, just like other disciplines, can produce talents
who are able to across the islands- and landsborders.
That not allways it may be glitter and glamour, is stated by Julino Willem Anthony loud and clear in this book.
His personality, perseverance and love for the showbuz are the ingrediënts for his succes.
Notwithstanding the fame that his talents gave him far outside the islandsborder, he stayed in heart and soul a homely Bonairian.
That's why I can speak appreciatingly about William Anthony.
I know him especially from his high-lights on Curaçao.
He can be a example for many artist on our island.

I wish him good luck with this book.

Bonaire, 12th of januari 1999

Dr. in Law: Richard N. Hart
Mayor of the island territory Bonaire

First it was my intention to make a presentation brochure based on press releases of Antillian and Dutch newspapers about my activities as performing artist. From the year 1974 I have collected many press-cuttings.
These could project a pretty good resumé of a, seems to me, beautiful periode as artist. But in proportion to work on the summary, I noticed that it may be better to make a extensively documentation of it. The story got a certain demension by addition of a global description of the music scene on the island Bonaire since the 19de century. Especially concerning the ball-room music. As far as possible, I spoke to some people who could tell me something about that item. Also, I'd consult some publications to find the information. Very useful were a.o. the books Isla di Papa Cornés (R.H. Nooijen), Muziek en Musici van de Nederlandse Antillen (Edgar Palm), Shon Zjil (Bói Antoin) and the Encyclopaedie van Nederlandsch West-Indië. After this short description of the cosy musical scene on the island, follows the story of the village youth. At this point starts the story about a young boy who was challanged on school to start singing in a school band.
Besides the ups and downs to finish this challange, I also give a vision on the artistic-cultural facet of the traditional music of the Netherlands Antilles. Included is also biographical informations about some Bonairians artists who also through the years have build a briljant career.

In commemoration of my mother
Enofeva Pauleta Anthony (1917-1984),
who discovered a talent during my birth.