Best known for being founding member of Dutch group Golden Earring, he is also a producer of artists like Herman Brood.

Initially a pop-rock band with Frans Krassenburg on lead vocals and Jaap Eggermont on drums, the Golden Earrings had a hit with their debut single "Please Go", recorded in 1965.

[2][4] After two albums, Barry Hay joined on lead vocals permanently, and by 1970, Sieb Warner had been replaced by Cesar Zuiderwijk, and the principal lineup (that would last for fifty years) was finalised.

They achieved worldwide fame with their international hit songs "Radar Love" in 1973, which went to number one on the Dutch chart, reached the top ten in the United Kingdom, and went to number thirteen on the United States chart,[4][5] "Twilight Zone" in 1982, and "When the Lady Smiles" in 1984.

[7] On 5 February 2021, the band's manager announced to the Dutch press that their active career was over due to George Kooymans' serious illness.