Jacques Brel

8 April 1929, Schaarbeek, Brussels – 9 October 1978, Bobigny, France

Jacques Brel was a Belgian singer-songwriter who composed and performed literate, thoughtful, and theatrical songs that generated a large, devoted following in Belgium and France initially, and later throughout the world. He was widely considered a master of the modern chanson. Although he recorded most of his songs in French, he became a major influence on English-speaking songwriters and performers such as David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Marc Almond and Rod McKuen.

Jacques Brel – Ne Me Quitte Pas

English translations of his songs were recorded by many performers, including: Bowie, Walker, Ray Charles, Judy Collins, John Denver, The Kingston Trio, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams.

In French-speaking countries, Brel was also a successful actor, appearing in ten films. He directed two films, one of which, Le Far West, was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1973.

More on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Brel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HobH7268oOE

Concert Jacques Brel à Bergen 1964

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