The story behind "What Is Love" with Haddaway | Muzikxpress 049

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In this week's vlog you will get to know the complete story behind "What Is Love" from Haddaway, told by the man himself! This million selling Eurodance classic became one of the biggest dance hits of the 90s and is still being played on the radio and at parties on a daily basis, 25 years after the release!
Enjoy and thanks for watching!
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#haddaway #whatislove #eurodance

[@GeorgeBeyond]

Love your interviews! Lots of memories every time I watch them!

[@muzikxpress]

Thank you Dohan!

[@ГулжанНурдхан-р5м]

Спасибо принял ок

[@p.cookie4169]

I hope this man realizes he is a living legend

[@janjanssen9217]

This guy made one of the BIGGEST dance songs in the 90's, and stil the entire world know's "what is love"...And just drinking a tea talking like he could be my next door neighbour....

[@garethturnbull5432]

I’m going to be delightfully controversial Ian…. It was a coffee 😊😅

[@suave-rider]

He is a liar. He never wrote the song. The songwriters found him and got him to record THEIR SONG. So it was never his to "sell" anyway. Such a lowlife asshat

[@hotwax761]

No, he was just singing. Good voice, stupid keys

[@keepinitrea]

What's he suppose to do!!!! Talented people don't act stupid.

[@FrankHaverkorn]

Top track und top Interview !

[@emphatic001]

Such a cool, down-to-earth guy.

[@TheReevessss]

Down to Earth Capricorn. Can hear it. And stuck to his guns knowing his song was good.

[@yelloashadow]

The 90s early 2000s was just a different planet I miss it

[@WallStreetIceCream]

this song never gets old

[@muzikxpress]

Exactly ;-)

[@cribbe6547]

Hearing Haddaway talk about Prince, Tom Petty & other heroes of his was particularly lovely to hear so raw from an established artist. He's very down to earth. Great interview

[@muzikxpress]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@StopSelfDoubting]

And sitting there drinking tea like he’s not a big deal. Love it ❤

[@helisoma]

typical down to earth capricorn lol

[@stephenkikala9530]

Very humble and down to earth guy, Haddaway. The face of Eurodance 90s..🙏

[@nothanksbro420]

Holy shit, he’s super humble and interesting to talk to.

[@FatimaIsabel_]

My best friend was in a singing competition with Haddaway (he wasn’t known yet). She won and he got second place. He got a deal of course and the rest is history. In her words, this is what she said: “I don't envy his success while I've given up singing altogether. I like what I do now and good for him on all his success - he deserved it, he was very very nice and lovely man.”

[@muzikxpress]

Fatima Taylor Aw that’s nice! And yeah he was super nice when I met him, super down to earth guy!!

[@garfieldharrison510]

It's nice to hear the stories. I met Haddway years ago in Cologne in the early 90's. I would love to know who was the girl which won the contest.

[@onilisacharles4413]

I am so proud to be from the twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago where this man was born. He was born in Port of Spain, so was I... What Is Love is a great hit song that has transcended and still continues to transcend through generations

[@fitawrarifitness6842]

🤔You must have Grenadian family also😀 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eInVdWqVjppksKM

[@stephenannan9345]

I only found out this week he is Trini born

[@281Insomnia]

When I first heard this song from a friend...I asked him to record it for me on a 120min cassette tape front to back...I never got tired of it lol still haven't till this day.

[@fitawrarifitness6842]

This is possibly the biggest "Euro-Dance" tune of all time. Even people who are not into "Dance" know this song.

[@kyndrydspyryt3867]

Its a legendary song, probably the best 90s pop dance track

[@kyndrydspyryt3867]

You know it's a special track when you can listen to it over and over again

[@GrheghtsKn_Badman]

Would love to sit and have a drink with Haddaway and listen to some of his travelling/gigging stories.... such an articulate and modestly intelligent guy. That track is part of my youth!

[@frankieelvisbarbieri5495]

Amazing interview. Haddaway is king. ‘What is Love’ in the national anthem of Eurodance

[@muzikxpress]

Thank you Frank! And indeed, it is!

[@komehwai8506]

I used to go to the club just to listen,and dance to this music. Missing those days when music made sense. This guy is so simple.

[@MrPomelo555]

What a nice guy! Never knew he was so cool and down to earth.

[@redporschekilla]

Today I live in the Orlando area, but I was born in Cologne, I too lived for nearly 20 years in Washington. I’ve heard the song What is love when it came out in Germany…. For me, one of the most timeless tunes in history,today I’m 57 years old and I’m as excited to this groove as when it came out! Haddaway, we walked almost in sync, only difference, I was born in 66! love you and your tunes!

[@snakejones3847]

I miss the 90's so much, the best times, so much of great styles of music! Haddaway, was a sound distinctive of an era. That piano riff, and that voice, "What is Love?" Great to hear that Haddaway is keeping healthy and Still doing his music! Anothet Great video! :)

[@muzikxpress]

Thanks for watching! And yeah, such a great track! So cool that 25 years after the release it is still being played and that Haddaway is still touring around the world to perform his hits. Glad you enjoyed the video! :)

[@snakejones3847]

@@muzikxpress Thank You! God Bless :)

[@muzikxpress]

Thank you very much! :)

[@charismohre5857]

Yes, l love this music

[@ranimouf]

Me too. I landed in the US in 1990. What an amazing decade!

[@tensionsversalife9391]

guys a living Iegend.

[@gameovr17]

Very humble dude. Great interview

[@muzikxpress]

Thanks so much! And he is indeed, so nice to talk to him!

[@apo.exoworlds]

I loved this song but I had no idea. What a guy, the world needs more people like him.

[@blastofffilms]

My 12 year old son really love this song he wrote the chorus lyrics on my Father’s Day card and I thought it was hilarious and cool lol

[@georgesss000]

This song still living in 2024 from arab world is best song in 90 for dancing club all club in lebanon was plying this song in 90s❤❤❤❤

[@ivoneray1472]

Wow! I can't believe it ‼️ They said "no" to What is Love? I can play this song on loop all day and never get tired of it. I love dancing to it, singing it or maybe just humming this song makes me happy. Really l! A masterpiece of the dance music 🎵!

[@muzikxpress]

Crazy right? That’s why I love doing these interviews hehe. Love to find out all these great stories behind the classics!

[@suave-rider]

He is a liar. He never wrote the song. "What Is Love" was written and produced by German music producer and composer Dee Dee Halligan (Dieter Lünstedt a.k.a. Tony Hendrik) and his partner/wife Junior Torello (Karin Hartmann-Eisenblätter a.k.a. Karin van Haaren) of Coconut Records in Hennef (Sieg) near Cologne. They had previously produced songs for successful groups like Bad Boys Blue and Londonbeat, and were waiting for the right singer for their new song. Trinidadian-born singer Nestor Alexander Haddaway was then chosen to sing it.

[@gadjox]

The really amazing part of his productions is that they stand the test of time pretty well. The instrumental is still nice sounding even today. Most of the dance music of the era didn't fare so well.

[@vestrebio250]

What a nice and pleasant person Haddaway is. Very interesting to hear the story behind one off my favorite dance tracks of the 90's

[@muzikxpress]

Yeah, super nice down to earth guy, really enjoyed talking to him!

[@zaheer8872]

Dude's a diva, if you see some of his live performances he takes the piss out of fellow performers, audience members and the DJ sometimes acting like a total dick.

[@beavillegas191]

Don't baby hurt me his gf is a dracula.

[@shazzzabanazz4789]

Lol I was a little 13 year old and I still obsessed with it I got my love of vampires from this tune and bram stoker dracula I'm 41 now lol still love it

[@fightermma]

Are you female? If so what was it like listening to this kind of music in the club from a females perspective?

[@brickdabrick]

That song and artist gives me such a warm feeling and memories of my youth ❤❤❤ they don’t make that kind of music anymore.

[@mrmeerkat1096]

His music takes me right back to high school. Really down to earth guy not pretentious one bit. Good interview!!!

[@dafalzonAUS]

I love that song when it came out I was maybe 15 16yrs, I still feel the same way I do about it today, I have to sing it when I hear it, it hits me the same

[@sinwithsebastian]

In this interview, he was extremely down-to-earth and nice. He’s always so busy. I hope he finds his peace. He must’ve enough money by now to do what he wants.

[@YouTubehandles1]

Dancing in the 90's was CLASS to this TRACK!😎🔐🙌🆒🎛️🎚️🎧

[@awadinho25]

I'm 40. I've been listening to What is love since it came out. It's the first time I see him in an interview. He's such a cool guy down to earth. Thank you for uploading.

[@muzikxpress]

Glad you enjoyed the interview! Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻

[@manganiaco]

What an unbelievably humble human being.

[@helisoma]

@7:35 when he says that's not important just says it all about this gentleman ...pure class 👌🏻

[@notbugs]

A very nice and pleasant guy. I really enjoyed this episode and I am looking forward to more of those, especially with artists from the dance/club scene from the 70's, 80's and 90's.

[@muzikxpress]

Haddaway was great, very nice down to earth guy! And glad you enjoyed this week's vlog! I hope my channel gets more subscribers, which makes it hopefully easier to get some more nice names. Fingers crossed ;-)

[@SpontaneousWeasel]

Great interview. What a decent human being. Hard worker and respects the journey of life.

[@juarezcavallari5689]

❤❤❤🇩🇪♥️♥️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️AMO A HUMILDADE HADDAWHA,AMO WHAT IS LOVE LINDA ❤❤♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@nowrinmumu1115]

I was born in 1995 in south east asia,.i know this song from childhood and almost everyone knows this song here in Bangladesh 🇧🇩 ♥️

[@officialsimonharris]

This is amazing, one of the greatest European pop dance records of the 90s, an incredible track - perfection

[@polyphonics557]

What a marvellous human being.

[@tensevo]

Defining 90's track

[@xDannyRBNx]

Good interview. "What Is Love" still holds up after all this time. 👍

[@muzikxpress]

Thanks a lot Danny!

[@whadyhearwhadysay]

Timeless

[@tiranth1]

Haddaway seems a really nice guy! Thanks for the interview

[@muzikxpress]

He's super nice indeed, glad you enjoyed the interview, thank you! :)

[@oswaldoguzman8187]

I love this song and this guy is amazing so modest and respectful thanks haddaway

[@muzikxpress]

He was super nice, a real gentleman!

[@ayllaaylla1]

Wooow this is my biggest ever happening suprise in good way ofcourse. This guy is such a nice well mannered down to earth person! All the compliments for this awesome gentleman! 😮

[@muzikxpress]

Hope you enjoyed the interview!

[@ayllaaylla1]

@@muzikxpress of course l did. His personality is something else. 👏👏👏

[@muzikxpress]

ayllaaylla1 perfect!!!

[@wjsjallday]

🇹🇹He’s a TRINI🇹🇹

[@alicesolangeumuganwa6230]

Every time I read these comments I feel that in present. I'm Rwandan and we need his performance at KIGALI. We love Him so much♥

[@WmMarkSearcy]

very smart, talented and humble, just wow!!

[@farazjaved4567]

My most most most favourite song of all times. I am listening it since last 25 years. This song is also very famous in Pakistan. One of our famous playback singer Khalid Waheed has also sung it in Urdu language as: "Kia Hai Love", with same dancing music as a tribute to original singer Haddaway. If Haddaway ever came to Pakistan, he would be surprised to see how much fans he has here.

[@maz9266]

Legend. Soundtrack to my life!

[@paavometsaluoma2653]

Damn.. Never would recognize.. Thank You Hadda a way.. U made our music. LIFE!!

[@markshnitel3354]

Starting from 1980 till 1998, this period of time will never be forgotten and will never be such a great period of time again.

[@mariamargariti450]

This song will never get old in my opinion.Amazing

[@richardisaacs567]

Quality interview as always.

[@muzikxpress]

Thanks a lot Richard!!

[@jordonvazquez7620]

he is such a cool and talented guy.

[@johneff8942]

30 years!!!!! 😮

[@flowergirlpower1991]

Wow didn't know he was from Trinidad....... Me too lol never even saw him before. Wonders never cease.

[@augustaadewale7880]

He has a beautiful personality! Thanks @muzikxpress for the beautiful interview.

[@muzikxpress]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@Mazza666]

Tune is timeless even to this day.

[@atsertorkuma9766]

Much love from Nigeria... Thid song is pure art

[@haroldsandiego9975]

Haddaway you’re the man ! I’ve been listening to your music since 1990s back in the Philippines. You are welcome to visit the Philippines!

[@tobiasfrost86]

I grew up with this song in my preteen years

[@faithjames6671]

Love you my brother from T&T..❤❤❤❤

[@djbayr9516]

What a nice guy. Wow.

[@outsidemayor2098]

Haddaway - what is love = my childhood in a audio nutshell, was such an anthem back then and still very much is to this day 🙌

[@seeyouintheeighties]

great interview.... so many of us would have loved to have known the synth gear used to make those iconic sounds.

[@muzikxpress]

Thank you! And maybe one day I can talk to the producer of this track and ask him ;-)

[@glitchedblood]

i love playing this song on my mp3 player back when I was young. Cool to see he is pretty chill.

[@haqahmuqaribu5837]

My favorite song of the 90s!!! This song is so hot.

[@Romantika_dorog]

Thank you for the interesting programs! Greetings from Russia!

[@muzikxpress]

Glad you like them!

[@RandomnessTube.]

What Is Love had everything in one track.

[@fezmania5078]

Another awesome interview, Twan. Very good questions. I enjoyed listening to Haddaway's responses. Good, detailed responses. 😎👍

[@muzikxpress]

Thank you very much Hersh! And same, it is always great when an artist gives answers like this! :)

[@StopSelfDoubting]

I agree. Definitely asked some good questions

[@Navarre751]

I am now rapidly approaching five zero - only two years to go (and time IS going faster with age!). And this man and his song were MY leap into life back then, in '93. School was behind me, I was of age, my whole new life was still ahead of me. And then this guy came along and asked what love is... The song not only hit like a bomb almost worldwide, but also with me. It wasn't just a song, it really was the start of a new era in so many ways, Euro Dance really exploded after that. And now I'm sitting here today, still feeling that this song is absolutely timeless, thinking about the 30 years that have passed since then and thinking to myself, man, what would it be like if I could go back with the life experience I have today and from that time. Going back to 1993, being 17/ 18 again (i 'm born in mid- june), but knowing a bit about how things work and being able to iron out some of the mistakes you've made... Uh, I hope we really do get another chance, and I hope Haddaway is also there in a new life ^^! Great interview, likeable man, a living legend. May he live long and healthy, and thanks for everything, if you can convey that ;)! PS: Very wise of him not to sell it for lousy 5000 DM, back in the day ;)! These are 2500 € today, and only an average month 's worth wage...

[@TroysPop]

I'm glad he is well and still performing. What Is Love is one of my favorite tracks from the 1990's. I remember hearing it on the radio (back when we all listened to the radio in the car) non-stop.

[@wasteofspace20]

Haddaway has great taste, living in Tirol. All the best to him!

[@alicesolangeumuganwa6230]

HADDAWAY ,we need you here at Rwanda✌️

[@jonog4207]

Another great video explaining the mystery of a classic 90s banger from my childhood tunes. Cool dude. I watch your channel for hours.

[@muzikxpress]

Thank you so much Jono!

[@themoonwalker2008]

"What is love " un super éxito a nivel mundial!! Con una buena producción y un sonidazo!! Greetings from Guatemala

[@CademanLillywhite]

What a track though! Goosebumps to this day

[@ThusithaThanthirige]

Greetings From Super Extremes- Sri Lanka 💚 💛 ❤ Congratulations ❤❤

[@JohnPaulBuce]

what is love is still one of my favorites

[@16B9]

I really enjoyed listening to Haddaway. His views and comments were most interesting. Thank you.

[@coletteoneill8187]

I love haddaway he was great loved all his songs but wht is love fab❤

[@rumsin300]

Great interview!! Thank you for putting this together. I'm in 50's and been around lots of music growing up in California near Hollywood. The 90's was just something completely different. Great artists and music in the 90's

[@rodrigohernandez8980]

Haddawayyy monster del euro la mejor época de la música saludos cordiales desde punta Arenas Chile 👍

[@muzikxpress]

Thank you!

[@chavezrolle3709]

R.i.paradise,he was my hero.since the 90"s.fly away haddaway, 🕊️ high.love you still to this day.

[@АленаГолубь-г2р]

Wow i'm from Kyrgyzstan and Haddaway mentioned my country 😊❤

[@azardkhan9312]

I grew up hearing this in d 90's

[@Travel2EuropeUS]

Ooooh thats whyyy. I wentto florida for. Study from istanbul tukey . I brouught this CD . they were frikout . My house was the best party place . Because of european dance cds

[@maxbrown1990]

Haddaway 🥰🥰🥰

[@sharondancer1760]

Still listen to Haddaway great tunes

[@hinsen]

What is Love is definitely one of the first typical Eurodance songs. This musical style was born around 1992 and lasted until the end of 1996. Female vocal comes from the sample album Zero-G - Datafile One: 64 - Vocal Ad Lib. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXu2eXSposqNeLs&feature=emb_title

[@muzikxpress]

Oh wow, good find!! Thank you!

[@DrOherd1994]

One of my favorite songs in all time and song what i learn on Keyboard with MIDI File.

[@gloriaguelcher122]

Best song ever!!!!!

[@Annie-ji7yf]

He was so good looking in his day !

[@elhornitodevalentina8340]

Siempre soñé con conocerlo. Un gran ser humano 🤗

[@AndreasViklundOfficial]

Thanks for a really interesting interview! What I love about this is the fact that I have seen Haddaway as one of all the early eurodance record label productions - and 20+ years later learning that he was (and still is) for real in every way is wonderful. He was an inspiration in my early music career, and is an ever bigger inspiration today. I'd love to go to one of the 90's nostalgia parties once the coronavirus lockdowns end.

[@muzikxpress]

Thank you Andreas!!

[@noahliasam7407]

Same!!!! 🤩👍🏽

[@alexscarbro796]

Haddaway - what a wonderful person!

[@thomasvalentine4636]

What a nice fellow Haddaway is.

[@muzikxpress]

Yes he is, super nice guy!