Yvan Guilini, born on May 30, 1946, in Bruges, Belgium, is a renowned instrumentalist, composer, and producer celebrated for his mastery of the Hammond B-3 organ.
Nicknamed “The King of Hammond,” Guilini began playing piano at age three, later transitioning to the Hammond organ in his teens, where he developed a unique sound blending jazz and classical influences. His professional career took off in 1969 with a world tour spanning 28 countries, showcasing his virtuosity.
Guilini achieved global fame in 1976 with his instrumental hit “Winter Memories,” selling over 100,000 copies in Belgium alone and more than a million records worldwide. Other notable works include “Romantica” and “Jet Fly Me to Japan.”
After hosting a radio show on Belgium’s Radio 2 for eight years, he stepped away from music in the late 1990s to work as a demolition contractor. Encouraged by his daughter Carolina and friend Chris De Brakeleer, he made a triumphant return in 2020 with the album Music Forever, released in over 130 countries.
At 74, Guilini proved his enduring talent with tracks like “Don’t Take My Dream Away” and “Happiness.” Now 78, he remains a beloved figure in instrumental music.
18 recordings by Yvan Guilini you can hear on Instrumentals Forever:
Destino • Enchanting Harmony • Expectations • Freedom • Happy Days • Indian Talk • Jungle Call • Long Time Ago • Myosotis • Opus 36 Bis • Oriental Nights • Prelude de la Mer • Romance In November • Solitude • Song Nummer One • The Guru • The Unknown (L’Inconnu) • Wintermemories •
