The Jumping Jewels

The Jumping Jewels were a popular Dutch guitar band active from 1960 to 1965, originally formed as Johnny & The Jewels. Heavily influenced by the British guitar group The Shadows, they gained fame in the pre-Beatles era with instrumental hits like their number-one Dutch hit "Wheels" in 1961, and top 10 singles "Africa" and "Irish Washerwoman." Fronted by vocalist Johnny Lion (real name Jan van Leeuwarden), they were often billed as Johnny Lion & The Jumping Jewels, reflecting his role as the group's charismatic frontman. Their sound combined lively guitar-driven instrumentals with Lion's vocals, making them one of the Netherlands' most beloved groups before the Beatles' arrival sparked the 1960s youth culture wave there.

The original lineup featured Johnny Lion on vocals, Hans van Eijk on solo guitar, Tjibbe Veelo on rhythm guitar, Joop Oonk on bass, and drummers Frits Tamminga (until 1963) and later Kees Kranenburg Jr. Despite their Dutch roots, their 1964 cover of The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" even reached number one in Peru, showing their international appeal. The band evolved into The Jay-Jays by 1966 after Johnny Lion pursued a solo career, leaving behind a legacy of memorable rock and guitar instrumentals that captured the spirit of an important era in Dutch pop music.