Talent was recognised early

Diana started to make music at a very early age. By the age of 12, she was already listening to famous jazz singers Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald, while dreaming of a career as a singer herself.

She was inspired by her father Joop Beerta, who was a successful composer and singer/guitar player. Her wish came true earlier than expected when, at age 15, she was asked to perform with a large orchestra at a party in her father's restaurant.

Two important directors (Gerrit den Braber and Pierre Tania) were not only present but also very impressed with the young girl. They invited Diana to perform in several TV shows (Nieuwe Oogst and Rooster) and radio shows.

Developing her career

After performing on TV and radio, Diana went on to play at national and international jazz festivals - first as a singer with a big band, later as a singer/piano player with a combo.

In the meantime, Diana got married, had two children and divorced after 5 years of marriage. In 1979, she met Kees Swart, whom she married and who became her manager as well.

Recording her first album

She recorded a single and a live album, Live at the Kurhaus (by Dureco), and hooked up with three very talented musicians, Wilburt Little, Eddie Conard, and Richard Johnson.

They played at the Rolls Club in Scheveningen and people came there from all especially to enjoy their performance.

Together with the Dutch Swing College Band, Diana played on cruises to Norway, organised by the famous Lou van Rees.

Establishing her name in the jazz scene

Diana was asked to perform at many high society events. For instance, she played for the Dutch Consul General in Finland, Mr van der Vlugt, and even members of the Dutch royal family: Princess Margriet and her husband Mr Pieter van Vollenhoven.

In 1983, Diana opened her own jazzclub in Scheveningen, the North Sea Club, which was a popular hangout for fellow musicians and jazz lovers.

A few years later, Diana and her husband started a hotel. On Sundays there were live sessions, during which many well-known artists and new talents performed. The atmosphere during these musical sessions was always fantastic.

In the late nineteen eighties, Diana recorded her second album, Diana Meets Friends. She continued her live performances, inluding ones at the Doelen in Rotterdam, and at the Jazzfest in The Hague.

Going international

n 1991, Diana moved to Florida and played with a number of established artists such as Dan Brubeck (son of Dave Brubeck) and Lonnie Smith. She played in the Fort Lauderdale jazz scene and in Bourbon Street in Boca Raton.

Back in Europe, Diana went to the UK in 1994 to record her third album, s' Wonderful, in the Jacobs Studios. Several more television appearances then followed (the 5 uur show, Koffietijd, and others).

In 2000, Diana recorded a maxi single titled, As Time Goes By, as a tribute to the new millennium. Over the years, she has played in clubs and at events in various countries, including the UK, the US, Germany, Belgium and France.

Diana still continues to do what she loves: entertaining people and working with talented musicians to make every performance a dazzling experience.