, having written around 1600 songs. His songs for The Smurfs sold around 17 million copies around the globe, having worked with the cartoon series from 1977 until 2005. Born in April 1935, Pierre started his singing career aged just eight, winning a local festival before going on to work in a local factory in Amsterdam. In 1971, the star launched his alter-ego after writing a festival song titled Father Abraham had seven sons. Following the launch, Father Abraham wore a fake beard but Pierre went on to grow one for himself and often war a bowler hat which became his staple accessory. Fans have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the late star, with one writing: "Pierre Kartner RIP A great smurf man has passed away. He also earned his money that way. Let us mourn." "I only now see that #PierreKartner has died. What a loss. My favourite will always be 'Den Uyl is in den olie'. Lovely song," wrote a second. Before a third added: "Last greeting of the smurfs to magic Pierre Kartner." We'll be bringing you the latest updates on this breaking showbiz news story. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE . Get email updates on the day's biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters . Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following The Mirror every time you see our name. Follow The Mirror on Google News - CLICK HERE and click the star Follow The Mirror on Apple News - CLICK HERE available on Apple devices Follow The Mirror on Flipboard - CLICK HERE and click follow You can sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news here @MirrorBreaking_ and follow us @MirrorCeleb for all the latest updates. Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures thr){kind=link}
Tributes have been paid to Dutch musician Pierre Kartner â better known as Father Abraham â who was the man behind The Smurfs music
Pierre Kartner, better known as Father Abraham has died at the age of 87.
The Dutch musician amassed millions of fans across the world under the pseudonym Vader Abraham (Father Abraham), having written around 1600 songs.
His songs for The Smurfs sold around 17 million copies around the globe, having worked with the cartoon series from 1977 until 2005.
Born Petrus Antonius Laurentius Kartner in April 1935, Pierre started his singing career aged just eight, winning a local festival before going on to work in a local factory in Amsterdam.