Jacques Brel

Jacques Romain Georges Brel was born on 8 April 1929 in Schaerbeek, Brussels, to Élisabeth Lambertine "Lisette" (née Van Adorp) and Romain Brel. He came from a family of Flemish descent (who had adopted the French language); part of his family originated in Zandvoorde, near Ypres. His father worked for Conimex, an import–export firm, and later became co-director of a company that manufactured cardboard. Jacques and his elder brother Pierre grew up in an austere household, and attended a Catholic primary school, École Saint-Viateur, run by the order of Saint Viator. Remembered as a courteous and manageable pupil, Brel did well in reading and writing, but struggled through arithmetic and Dutch. In Brussels, the family lived at 138, / in Schaerbeek, Although he did poorly in many subjects, he did well in History and French, and showed a talent for writing. He wrote short stories, poems, and essays. Despite his growing talent for writing, Brel was not a good student, and failed many of his exams. His job at Vanneste and Brel was predictable and uninspiring—a routine that involved fixing prices and meeting customers. Dedicated to philanthropic work, the group organised religious retreats, fundraising events, and food and clothing deliveries to orphanages and old people's homes. In June 1948, Brel enlisted for military service, did his basic training in Limbourg, and served as a corporal in the Belgian air force stationed at Groenveld barracks in Zellik near Brussels. Throughout his military service, Brel was still able to attend FC meetings. While working at FC, Brel met his future wife, Thérèse Michielsen, known to her friends as "Miche". On 1 June 1950, Jacques and Miche were married in Laeken, a suburb of the City of Brussels. On 6 December 1951, Miche gave birth to their first daughter, Chantal. In 1952 Brel began writing songs and performing them at family gatherings and on Brussels' cabaret circuit. His family and friends were not supportive of his stark lyrics and violent, emotional performances. That year he performed on a local radio station for the first time. ==Music career==

1953–1959 In January 1953, Brel performed at the cabaret La Rose Noire in Brussels. In February he signed a contract with Philips Records and recorded his first 78 rpm record, "Il Y A", which was released in March. The talent scout and artistic director at the record company, Jacques Canetti, invited him to move to Paris. Despite his family's objections and the added pressure of raising a second daughter, France, born on 12 July, he left Brussels for Paris in the autumn of 1953. In Paris Brel worked hard to get his career off the ground. He stayed at the Hotel Stevens and gave guitar lessons to artist-dancer Francesco Frediani to pay his rent. He found work on the cabaret circuit at venues such as L'Écluse, L'Échelle de Jacob, and in Jacques Canetti's cabaret Les Trois Baudets. In 1954 Brel participated in the music contest Grand Prix de la Chanson in Knokke-le-Zoute, finishing a disappointing 27th out of 28 participants. One positive result of the experience was that the French star Juliette Gréco requested to sing one of Brel's songs, "Le diable (Ça va)" (The devil (It's OK)), at her up-and-coming concert at the prestigious Olympia music-hall. She went on to record the song that spring. In July 1954, Brel made his first appearance at the prestigious Olympia Theatre in Paris. Later that summer, he embarked on his first French tour, appearing on the bill with French singers Dario Moreno, Philippe Clay, and Catherine Sauvage. By the end of the year, Philips released his debut album, a nine-song, 10-inch LP called Jacques Brel et ses chansons ("Jacques Brel and His Songs"). In February 1955, Brel met Georges "Jojo" Pasquier, who would become the singer's closest friend, manager, and personal chauffeur. He began singing with a number of Christian associations, which later led to his nickname of Abbé ("Abbot") Brel. In March Brel's wife and children joined him in France and the family settled in the Paris suburb of Montreuil-sous-Bois on the Rue du Moulin à vent. In June he toured France again with Canetti's show Les Filles de Papa, which included Françoise Dorin, Perrette Souplex, and Suzanne Gabriello. In March 1956, Brel performed in North Africa, Amsterdam, Lausanne, and throughout Belgium. In July, while visiting Grenoble, he met François Rauber, a classical pianist who would become his accompanist on future recordings. Rauber played a major role in providing Brel with the formal musical training he was lacking and was responsible for Brel's musical arrangements. In September Brel recorded "Quand on n'a que l'amour" ("When You Only Have Love"), which would prove to be his commercial breakthrough. The song was released in November on a Philips 7-inch EP ''Quand on n'a que l'amour''. The song reached number three on the French music charts. In February 1957, Brel performed at the Alhambra Theatre with Maurice Chevalier, Michel Legrand, and ballet dancer Zizi Jeanmaire. In April he released his second studio album, ''Quand on n'a que l'amour'', which contained the popular title song. The album was recorded at the Théâtre de l'Apollo in Paris, with André Popp and Michel Legrand conducting. In June he won the prestigious Grand Prix du Disque from the Académie Charles Cros. In September he appeared on the bill in the Discorama programme ''Au Palace d'Avignon'' with Raymond Devos, Pierre-Jean Vaillard, and Les Trois Ménestrels. In November he met Gérard Jouannest, another talented pianist, who would accompany the singer on his many concert tours. Brel and Jouannest would also collaborate on many of Brel's future classic songs, such as "Madeleine", "La Chanson des vieux amants" ("Song of the old lovers"), and "Les Vieux" ("The old folks"). In February 1958, Brel's wife Miche and their two children returned to live in Belgium, while Brel rented a room near Place de Clichy in Paris—a place to stay on those rare occasions when he was not touring. In March and April, he recorded his third album, Au printemps ("In the spring"), which would be released later that year. In May, while touring Canada for the first time, he met Félix Leclerc. On 23 August, his third daughter, Isabelle, was born back in Belgium. In November he gave a recital at the Halles d'Arlon in Belgian Luxembourg with Stéphane Steeman. In December Brel appeared at the Olympia in Paris as the supporting act to Philippe Clay. The pianist Gérard Jouannest and François Rauber joined Brel on stage for this performance. Brel's incredibly emotional performance brought the house down. In January 1959, Brel signed a new recording contract with Philips Records. He continued to tour extensively throughout the year. On 22 February, he performed at the Bolivie Gala in the Solvay Casino in Couillet. In March he starred at the Trois Baudets with Serge Gainsbourg. In September he recorded his fourth album, La Valse à mille temps (The thousand-beat waltz), with François Rauber and his orchestra. On 14 October, he appeared at the Eden in Mouscron with Raymond Devos. On 20 November, he sang with Charles Aznavour at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels. By the end of the decade, he had gained an impressive and enthusiastic following across France. He was so popular that he was invited to headline the end-of-year concert at the renowned Bobino in Paris. The concert was an enormous success. During these appearances, he stopped accompanying himself on the guitar to concentrate entirely on his increasingly theatrical vocal performances. 1960–1967 In January 1960, Brel's new impresario, Charles Marouani, organised a series of international concert tours for the singer that would take him from the French provinces to the then Soviet Union, the Middle East, Canada, and the United States. From 19 to 24 March, he appeared at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels. On 19 October, he performed at Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo. The year's concert tours brought him international recognition and popularity. His appearances initiated the first United States release of a Jacques Brel recording, American Début, released on Columbia Records. It was a compilation of previously released Philips tracks. In January 1961, Brel made a triumphant return to the Bobino. By now, the accordionist Jean Corti had joined his touring group. Between 22 February and 12 April, he recorded his fifth album for Philips simply titled No. 5, which introduced the future Brel classics "Marieke" and "Le Moribond" (The dying man). In March he toured Canada again. In Montreal he met French actress and singer Clairette Oddera at her club on the Rue Saint-Jacques. They would become good friends. While in Montreal, he appeared with Raymond Devos at La Comédie Canadienne. In May Brel performed at the Kurhaus of Scheveningen in The Hague in the Netherlands. From 12 to 29 October, he returned to the Olympia music hall in Paris with star billing, after Marlene Dietrich cancelled at the last minute. Many critics point to these inspired performances as the turning point in his career. The audiences responded with rapturous applause and the critics proclaimed him as the new star of French chanson. In March 1962, Brel left Philips Records and signed a five-year contract with Barclay Records. The contract was to be renewed in 1967 for another six years. His first album release for his new label was a live album, Olympia 1961, recorded the previous year. On 6 March, he recorded his first song for Barclay, "Le plat Pays" (The flat country). During the second week of March, he recorded the remaining tracks for his sixth studio album, Les Bourgeois (The bourgeois). In addition to the title song and "Le plat Pays", the new album contained the future Brel classics "Madeleine", "Les Biches" (The does), and "La Statue" (The statue). In October, Brel set up his own music publishing company, Arlequin, which was soon renamed Éditions Musicales Pouchenel. Brel's wife Miche was appointed company director. In November he recorded "Les Bigotes", "Quand Maman reviendra" (When mother returns), "Les Filles et les chiens" (Girls and dogs), and "La Parlote" (The gossip) as singles. In April 1963, Brel performed again at the Bobino in Paris. In July he headlined at the Casino in Knokke for the fifth Coupe d'Europe de Tour de Chant. During this engagement, he performed the classic "Mathilde" for the first time. He also returned for another triumphant engagement at the Olympia in Paris, performing with Isabelle Aubret, who was the support act. Once again, his performance was a critical and artistic success, with the audience leaping up from their seats in a standing ovation following his emotional rendering of "Amsterdam". The year 1964 brought a mix of personal tragedies and professional triumphs. On 8 January, Brel's father, Romain, died of bronchial pneumonia. Only two months later, on 7 March, his mother, Élisabeth (nicknamed Mouky), also died. At the same time, he was given the Gold Medal of Brussels from the Tourist Information Bureau and won a prize from the Société d'Auteurs Belge/Belgische Auteurs Maatschappij (SABAM). He was also awarded the French Academy's Grand Prix du Disque. He continued his ambitious touring schedule. By the end of the year, he released a new live album, Olympia 1964. That year, he discovered a new passion, aviation. After taking flying lessons with Paul Lepanse, he purchased a small plane. In the United States, his audience was growing. American poet and singer Rod McKuen began translating Brel's songs into English, and the Kingston Trio recorded one of his English versions on their Time to Think album, "Seasons in the Sun", based on Brel's "Le Moribond" (The dying man). In 1965 Reprise Records licensed tracks from Barclay for a United States album titled Jacques Brel. On 25 March, he performed at the Kurhaus of Scheveningen in the Netherlands. In October he completed a successful five-week tour of the Soviet Union, which included a week's engagement at the Estrada Theatre in Moscow. On 6 November, he was back in France, recording the songs "Fernand", "Les Désespérés" (The despaired), and "Ces gens-là" (These people) for Barclay. On 4 December, he appeared at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. His performance was received with high public and critical acclaim. By 1966 Brel had grown increasingly weary of his grueling concert schedules. In April he toured Djibouti, Madagascar, Reunion Island, and Mauritius. On 21 August, while on tour in Vittel, he revealed to his musicians his decision to retire from touring. In subsequent public statements, Brel stated that he had nothing more to give to the music world and that he wanted to devote more time to other projects. In October 1966, he gave a series of farewell concerts at the Olympia in Paris. Thousands of devoted fans flocked to see these final performances, which took place over the course of three weeks. On 1 November, he gave his final concert at the Olympia. After a highly emotional and stunning performance, the audience's standing ovations prompted him to return to the stage seven times for his final bows. He spent the next six months fulfilling his concert commitments. On 15 November, he gave his farewell performance at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. Later that month, he gave his final UK performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. During these last months of his world tour, many of his close friends, including Charles Aznavour, urged him to reconsider his decision to retire from singing, but he was adamant about his decision. On 4 December, he returned to Carnegie Hall in New York City and gave inspired performances before enthusiastic fans. By then, several English recordings of his songs were on the charts, including Damita Jo's "If You Go Away" (based on "Ne me quitte pas"), Judy Collins' "The Dove" (based on "La Colombe"), and Glenn Yarbrough's "The Women" (based on "Les Biches"). In January 1967, Brel finished recording songs for a new studio album, Jacques Brel 67, which was released later in the year. The album included "Mon Enfance" (My childhood), "Fils de..." (Sons of...), "Les bonbons 67" (The candies 67), and "La Chanson des vieux amants" (Song of the old lovers). In late January, he returned to Carnegie Hall and gave one final performance. While in New York, he went to see Man of La Mancha, a musical based on Miguel de Cervantes' novel Don Quixote, at the ANTA Washington Square Theatre in Greenwich Village. Moved by the experience, he began planning a French language production of the musical for Europe. He returned to France in the spring and, on 16 May 1967, he gave his final concert performance in Roubaix in northern France. Toward the end of the year, with vague plans of sailing around the world, Brel purchased a yacht. 1968–1972 Following his retirement from the concert stage, Brel's professional life focused on film. He would record only four more studio albums in the last decade of his life. In September 1968, he recorded the songs for the album, ''J'arrive'' (I'm coming), which was released later in the year. In addition to the title song, the album included "Vesoul", "Je suis un soir d'été" (I am a summer's evening), and "Un Enfant" (A child). In October 1968, his musical ''L'Homme de La Mancha (Man of La Mancha'') premièred in Brussels, with Brel playing Don Quixote and Dario Moreno playing Sancho Panza. Moreno would die tragically only ten days before the musical's Paris première. From 23 to 27 November, Brel and his fellow cast-members recorded the studio album ''L'Homme de la Mancha''. He adapted the book, translated the lyrics, directed the production, and played the lead role. This was the only time he ever adapted songs by other writers or appeared in a stage musical. The album contains his classic performance of "La Quête" (The quest). Moreno was replaced by Robert Manuel, and the first performance at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris went ahead as planned on 11 December 1968. Brel's performance received unanimous praise. After 150 performances of ''L'Homme de La Mancha'', he gave his final performance in the role of Don Quixote on 17 May 1969. He was never replaced. In March 1970 Brel gave a one-off performance at the Salle Pleyel in Paris. Unusually this did not involve singing but instead recitation. In the first half of the performance he recited Sergei Prokofiev's famous story, Peter and the Wolf. In the second half he told the tale of Jean de Brunhoff's Babar the Elephant. In 1972 Brel signed a special 30-year contract with Barclay Records. Although there were no new songs to record, Barclay persuaded him to return to the studio to re-record 11 of the better-known songs he cut for Philips Records during the early years of his music career. The result was the album Ne me quitte pas (Don't leave me), which contained the title track, "Marieke", "Les Flamandes" (Flemish women), "Quand on n'a que l'amour" (When you only have love), "Les Biches" (The does), "Le Moribond" (The dying man), "La Valse à mille temps" (The waltz in thousand time), and "Je ne sais pas" (I don't know). His earlier youthful energy was now lovingly harnessed by his longtime colleagues, arranger François Rauber and pianist Gerard Jouannest. ==Film career==

In 1967 Brel began his film career, appearing in André Cayatte's Les risques du métier (Risky business), co-starring Emmanuelle Riva, Jacques Harden, and Nadine Alari. Brel also produced the soundtrack with François Rauber. The film tells the story of a teenage girl who accuses her primary schoolteacher, Jean Doucet (Brel), of trying to rape her. The police and the mayor investigate, but Doucet denies the charges. Two other students come forward to reveal more of Doucet's misconduct—one confessing to be his mistress. Doucet faces trial and hard labour if convicted. The film was released on 21 December 1967. Film critics praised Brel's performance. In 1968 Brel appeared in his second film, (The Bonnot Gang), directed by Philippe Fourastié and co-starring Annie Girardot and Bruno Cremer. Once again, Brel produced the soundtrack with François Rauber. The story is set in 1911 Paris. Raymond-la-science (Brel), an anarchist, is released from prison after serving a sentence for spreading agitation among his co-workers. He meets up with his friends who live together with their families in the villa of their political leader. They get involved with the notorious Bonnot Gang—gangsters who revolt against society by robbing, stealing, and killing. The film was released on 30 October 1968. In 1969 Brel appeared in his third film, Mon oncle Benjamin (My uncle Benjamin), directed by Édouard Molinaro and co-starring Claude Jade and Bernard Blier. He also produced the soundtrack. The film is a period piece, set in 1750 during the reign of Louis XV. Benjamin (Brel) is a country doctor in love with the beautiful innkeeper's daughter, Manette, but she refuses his advances until he produces a marriage contract. After suffering a humiliating practical joke and being condemned to prison, Benjamin escapes with Manette, who realises she prefers happiness to a marriage contract after all. The film was released on 28 November 1969. In 1970 Brel appeared in his fourth feature film, , directed by Jean Valère and co-starring François Prévost, Paul le Person, and Catherine Rouvel, with a screen play by Robert Margerit. The story involves a soldier, Georges Dormond (Brel), who seduces Germaine de Boismesnil and is subsequently driven out of the army by one of Germaine's friends who is a colonel. After Germaine's husband dies, Dormond returns to the widow's castle seeking revenge. After seducing Pierrette the maid, he reminds Germaine of their past love affair and arranges a meeting with the widow, during which he undresses her, humiliates her, and then leaves. The orphan Marthe, who witnesses the scene, throws herself at Gaston, the colonel's orderly, to avenge her mother. Georges ridicules their feelings and forces Germaine to reveal her attachment to Pierrette, thereby causing a scandal. The film was released on 16 December 1970. In 1971 Brel appeared in his fifth feature film, Franz, the first film he directed. Brel also co-wrote the screenplay with Paul Andréota and produced the soundtrack with François Rauber. The film co-starred Barbara, Danièle Evenou, Fernand Fabre, Serge Sauvions, Louis Navarre, Jacques Provins, and François Cadet. The film is about Léon (Brel) and Léonie (Barbara), who meet in a convalescent home for state employees in Blankenberge: Catherine (Danièle Evenou) is Léonie's friend. Léonie is shy and reserved while Catherine is loose and flirtatious. Most men are attracted to her vitality, but Léon is the exception. Léonie is intrigued by Léon's secretive personality. She gradually becomes attracted to his clumsy behaviour and they fall in love. The other residents, amused by this unlikely love affair, decide to obstruct their relationship, which drives Léon to suicide. The film was released on 2 February 1972, and although praised by the critics, it was not a commercial success. In 1971 Brel appeared in his sixth feature film, ''Les Assassins de l'ordre'', directed by Marcel Carné and co-starring Paola Pitagora, Catherine Rouvel, and Charles Denner. Brel plays Bernard Level, a provincial judge, who presides over a delicate case. A man who was arrested for a minor crime died during police questioning. When Level decides to prosecute the policemen and initiates an investigation, he receives threats and intimidation from those wanting to stop the investigation. The film was released on 7 May 1971. In 1972 Brel appeared in his seventh feature film, ''L'aventure, c'est l'aventure (The adventure is the adventure), directed by Claude Lelouch. The story follows five crooks who decide to switch from bank robbery to political kidnapping. Among their first hostages is singer Johnny Hallyday. The film was released 4 May 1972, and became a huge box-office smash. While filming L'aventure, c'est l'aventure'' on location in the Caribbean, Brel met and fell in love with a young actress and dancer by the name of . Brel would spend the final years of his life with her. In 1972 Brel appeared in his eighth feature film, Le Bar de la fourche (The bar at the crossing), directed by Alain Levent and co-starring Rosy Varte and Isabelle Huppert. Brel plays Vincent Van Horst, a hard-drinking bon vivant who loves his freedom and his women. In 1916 he leaves Europe, which is torn apart by the war, and moves to Canada, intending to meet up with Maria, the only woman he ever loved. On the way to Canada, he meets a young boy who dreams about fighting in the European war. When Vincent arrives at the Bar de la Fourche, managed by Maria, he finds her looking older. He finds consolation in another woman, Annie, who looks down on him and drives Vincent and Olivier to fight a duel against each other. The film was released on 23 August 1972. In 1973 Brel appeared in his ninth feature film, Le Far West, his second directorial effort. The film co-starred Gabriel Jabbour, Danielle Evenou, and Arlette Lindon. The story is about Jacques, a 40-year-old citizen of Brussels, who meets the fakir Abracadabra who, before dying, gives him a special power. Jacques meets Gabriel, a generous man, who dresses up as Davy Crockett, and who follows Jacques without asking questions. The two companions and other new friends set out to conquer the Wild West, their childhood—just as Voltaire sought El Dorado, and Saint-Exupéry the unknown planet. The Far West they seek cannot be found, because it is an imaginary place, a piece of happiness buried in our hearts. The film was released on 15 May 1973. In 1973 Brel appeared in his tenth and final feature film, ''L'emmerdeur'' (The troublemaker), directed by Édouard Molinaro and co-starred Lino Ventura, Caroline Cellier, and Jean-Pierre Darras. Jacques Brel and François Rauber produced the soundtrack. The story is about a contract killer, Ralph Milan, who works for the Mafia. He is paid to kill Louis Randoni, whose testimony in various trials could harm the organisation. Ralph waits for his prey in his hotel room, but is interrupted by his comical neighbour, François Pignon (Brel). The film was released on 20 September 1973. ==Final years and death==

By early 1973, Brel knew that he was ill. He prepared his will, leaving everything to his wife Miche. In the spring he recorded a new single, "L'Enfance" (Childhood), the proceeds of which he donated to La Fondation Perce Neige, an association set up to help disabled children. After completing his last film ''L'emmerdeur, he took his daughters on a cruise. In November, he embarked on a two-month cruise across the Atlantic with five of his closest friends on the training ship Le Korrig''. ==Legacy==

In the Francophone world, Brel left an enduring influence on music and culture. Further afield his influence has been somewhat tempered by differences in language, though he has influenced many artists globally. International artists (listed alphabetically below by last name) who have covered his songs include: • Karen Akers • Marc Almond • Isabelle Aubret • Joan Baez • Barbara • Shirley Bassey • Franco Battiato • Beirut • Bellowhead • Dave Berry • Theodore Bikel • Raquel Bitton • Frida Boccara • David Bowie • Mick Ronson • James Dean Bradfield • Glen Campbell • Belinda Carlisle • Jose Carreras • Ray Charles • Petula Clark • Alan Clayson • Benjamin Clementine • Judy Collins • Zach Condon • Ray Conniff • Dalida • Arsen Dedić • John Denver • Neil Diamond • Marlene Dietrich • Céline Dion • Dresden Dolls • Sheena Easton • Lara Fabian • Marianne Faithfull • Gavin Friday • Giorgio Gaber • Goldfrapp • Bobby Goldsboro • Juliette Gréco • Johnny Hallyday • Neil Hannon • Noel Harrison • Alex Harvey • Klaus Hoffmann • Shirley Horn • Julio Iglesias • Jure Ivanušič • Tom Jones • Barb Jungr • Ibrica Jusić • The Kingston Trio • Thomas Lang • Cyndi Lauper • Daliah Lavi • Vicky Leandros • Nara Leão • Brenda Lee • Jack Lukeman • Barry Manilow • Johnny Mathis • Rod McKuen • Tom McRae • Liza Minnelli • Brian Molko • Momus • Matt Monro • Liliane Montevecchi • Nana Mouskouri • Alison Moyet • Olivia Newton-John • Ange • Nirvana • Patti Page • Edith Piaf • Duilio Del Prete • Gary Puckett • Laurika Rauch • Tom Robinson • Secret Chiefs 3 • The Seekers • Show of Hands • Nina Simone • Frank Sinatra • Dusty Springfield • Sting • Peter Straker • Hammy Hamster • Stromae • Jake Thackray • Emiliana Torrini • Herman van Veen • Scott Walker • Dionne Warwick • Andy Williams • Barbra Streisand • Nancy Wilson • Glenn Yarbrough ==Translations==

The songs of Jacques Brel have been translated into at least 95 languages. "Marieke" was translated by Brel himself. German Belgian-German singer Dieter Kaiser has translated 30 of Brel's songs and has gathered them in a booklet with over 100 other French chansons in German. Kaiser also issued a CD in German and a CD in French with various chansons of Brel. Klaus Hoffmann is another important German interpreter of Brel's songs, as is the Austrian actor Michael Heltau, who was asked by Brel himself to record his songs, using the translation of Werner Schneyder. Other languages Other language versions of Jacques Brel songs have been recorded by a wide variety of artists throughout the world. The most frequently recorded song in other languages is "Ne me quitte pas" (Don't leave me), with at least 1400 different recorded versions in 52 different languages. Most English versions use the freely translated "If You Go Away" by Rod McKuen, sung by Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand. Marlene Dietrich recorded the German version "Bitte geh' nicht fort" in 1963. At least 26 songs by Brel were translated to Hebrew (according to the Shironet website), and many of these translated versions were recorded by prominent singers, among them the famous Yossi Banai. Paris-based Colombian salsa singer Yuri Buenaventura performed the Spanish version, "No me dejes mas". Slovak chanteuse Hana Hegerová made the Czech version "Lásko prokletá" one of the pillars of her repertoire. Russian rock group Mumiy Troll recorded the Russian version, "Когда ты уйдёшь". Slovenian actor and songwriter Jure Ivanušič released the CD Srce v kovčku with his 16 authorial translations of Brel's songs into Slovenian in 2011. Armenian poet Slavik Chiloyan, who met Brel in Yerevan in 1968, translated a number of Brel's songs into Armenian. In 1968 singer Salome recorded the Catalan version "No em deixis mai". In 1970 Patty Pravo published the Italian version, "Non andare via", as a single, Gino Paoli had published the same version in 1962 as the B-side of his "Devi sapere" single. In 1968, English star Matt Monro and Mexican singer Angelica Maria recorded Spanish versions titled "No me dejes." In 2012, Mashrou' Leila, an indie band from Lebanon sang "ما تتركني هيك – ne me quitte pas". They performed the cover-version at Paleo Festival Nyon – (Chapiteau / Switzerland) in 2012. ==Discography==

Brel's recordings have been released in many different permutations, in different countries and in different formats, and are sometimes known by different titles. This discography is restricted to Brel's original albums, as collected and reissued on 23 September 2003 in the sixteen-CD box set of his work Boîte à bonbons, plus the additional album Chansons ou versions inédites de jeunesse, which was released for the first time as part of this box set. To mark the 25th anniversary of Brel's death, Barclay Records issued Comme quand on était beau (2003), a 3-volume DVD collection of Brel interviews and live performances as well as the compilation album Infiniment (2004). Both releases include five previously unpublished songs that Brel wrote in 1977: "La Cathédrale", "L'Amour est mort", "Mai 40", "Avec élégance", and "Sans exigences". Studio albums • Jacques Brel et ses chansons (1954) • ''Quand on n'a que l'amour'' (1957) • Au printemps (1958) • La Valse à mille temps (1959) • Marieke (1961) • Les Bourgeois (1962) • Les Bigotes (1963) • Mathilde (1964) • Ces gens-là (1966) • Jacques Brel 67 (1967) • ''J'arrive'' (1968) • ''L'Homme de la Mancha'' (1968) • Ne me quitte pas (1972) • Les Marquises (1977) Live albums • Olympia 1961 (1962) • Olympia 1964 (1964) Boxed sets, compilations, and rarities • Boîte à bonbons (2003) • Infiniment (2003) • Chansons ou versions inédites de jeunesse (2003) • ''Suivre l'étoile'' (2013) ==Filmography==

As actor • La grande peur de Monsieur Clément (1956, Short, directed by Paul Diebens) as Monsieur Clément • Les risques du métier (1967, directed by André Cayatte) as Jean Doucet • La Bande à Bonnot (1968, directed by Philippe Fourastié) as Raymond Callemin dit 'Raymond la Science' • My Uncle Benjamin (1969, directed by Édouard Molinaro) as Le docteur Benjamin Rathery • Mont-Dragon (1970, directed by Jean Valère) as Georges Dormond – un aspirant dégradé • ''Les Assassins de l'ordre'' (1971, directed by Marcel Carné) as Le juge d'instruction Bernard Level • Franz (1971, directed by Jacques Brel) as Leon • ''L'aventure, c'est l'aventure'' (1972, directed by Claude Lelouch) as Jacques • Le bar de la fourche (1972, directed by Alain Levent) as Vincent van Horst • Le Far West (1973, directed by Jacques Brel) as Jacques • ''L'emmerdeur'' (1973, directed by Édouard Molinaro) as François Pignon As director • Franz (1971) • Le Far West (1973) As writer • La grande peur de Monsieur Clément (1956, Short) • Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (1968, play) • Franz (1971) • Le Far West (1973) As self • Petit jour (1960, Short) • Zeg hé, spaar je mee? (1961, TV Series) • Tienerklanken (1963, TV Series) • La grande farandole (1964, TV Series) • Age tendre et tête de bois (1964, TV Series) • Entrez dans la ronde (1965, TV Series) • Discorama (1962–1966, TV Series) • Tid til at leve (1974, TV Series) • Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (1975)(final film role) As soundtrack composer • Les souris mènent la danse by Roland Perault (1956) • Le Panier à crabes by Roland Perault (1960) • Le Petit Jour by Jacques Pierre (1960) • A King Without Distraction by François Leterrier (1963) • An Idiot in Paris by Serge Korber (1968) • La Bande à Bonnot by Philippe Fourastié (1968) • Tintin and the Temple of the Sun by Raymond Leblanc (1969) • Mon oncle Benjamin by Édouard Molinaro (1969) • Franz by Jacques Brel (1971) • The Bar at the Crossing by Alain Levent (1972) • ''L'emmerdeur'' by Édouard Molinaro (1973) • Le Far West by Jacques Brel (1973) ==Awards and honours==

In music • Patricia Lavila sings "Je n'ai jamais vu Jacques Brel chanter" in 1975, a song which refers to some of the author's songs and regrets that he left the stage so early. • In 1976, Pierre Perret recorded "Ma nouvelle adresse", a song about Brel's departure for Polynesia. • "Les vocalises de Brel", a tribute song by Nicolas Peyrac in 1977 that evokes the song "Amsterdam". • French singer Mannick sang "Brel" in 1979 on her album Je suis Ève, paying tribute to the singer who had died a few months earlier. • "Il pleut sur Bruxelles" (It rains in Brussels), a song recorded by Dalida in 1981 is a tribute to Brel, also referring to his song "Il neige sur Liège" (It snows in Liège) • "Gauguin (Lettre à Jacques Brel)", a song written and recorded by Barbara in 1990. This song evokes her memories of Brel and the famous painter Paul Gauguin, Jacques Brel's grave neighbour in Atuona in the Marquesas Islands. • Aux suivant(s) is a tribute album to Jacques Brel, released in 1998. It includes interpretations of Brel songs by Arno, Noir Désir, Alain Bashung, Matthieu Chedid, Stephan Eicher and others. • The band Starflam recorded a song Ce Plat Pays II in 1998. • Lucio Bukowski sings "Ode au grand Jacques" in 2011, a track from his EP Lucio Milkowski, using the titles of several Brel songs to create his own text. • Since 2000, the Jacques Brel Festival – created to allow young artists to make a name for themselves – has been held at the Edwige-Feuillère theatre in Vesoul, the town's tribute to the song of the same name. • In October 2008, the tribute musical De Bruxelles aux Marquises, retracing Brel's life through more than thirty songs, was presented in Brussels by the troupe Baltema. • In March and April 2009, after some thirty performances throughout France, the Chœurs de France took to the stage at the Zénith in Paris with La Grande Symphonie de Brel with four hundred singers and ten musicians on stage. In June 2009, the show was performed at the Arena in Geneva. • Every year, the Festival des Rencontres Brel is held in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère), where Jacques Brel is said to have written the song "Le Plat Pays". Places and statues memorial in Brussels • Grateful for the famous song "Vesoul", the city of Vesoul paid tribute to Jacques Brel by giving his name to a college located in the Montmarin district in 1968. • In 1979, the town of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage in France honoured the poet by naming a municipal square after him. • Fondation Brel, a foundation in Brussels dedicated to the work and life of Jacque Brel, founded in 1981. • In 1982, the Jacques Brel station on line 5 of the Brussels metro was inaugurated. • The Jacques Brel Parc (fr) is located in Forest, Brussels. You can see a bust of him there. • In 1988, a statue Marieke was revealed in Bruges, Belgium to honor the song of the same name in which the city is mentioned. • A EuroCity train for the Paris – Dortmund connection, Jacques Brel, was opened in 1993. • A bronze statue of Brel by Chantal de La Chauvinière-Riant, from 1995, is installed in the city centre of Saint-Amand-Montrond, subprefecture of Cher. • The city of Verviers (Belgium) honours the poet by naming a quay of the Vesdre river after him. • In 2008, on the occasion of the commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of his death, the Hiva Oa airfield in the Marquesas was officially renamed Hiva Oa – Jacques-Brel airfield. A monument to Brel has been erected on a lookout point on the airport road. • A bronze bust created by French sculptor Jean-Paul Lesbre was inaugurated at the Marquesas in 2008. • In France, in 2015, 71 schools bear his name. • As a gesture of recognition for the song "Vesoul" composed by Brel, on 8 September 2016, a bronze Brel statue made by the sculptor Frédéric Lanoir was placed in the hall of the Edwige-Feuillère theater of Vesoul, France. • Since 2017, Brel has his own bronze statue in Brussels named ''L'Envol''. It was designed by Tom Frantzen. • A bust of Brel by Arlette Somazzi is installed in the Cap-Martin Park in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. • Espace Jacques Brel in Hiva Oa is a historical museum, dedicated to the singer. • Different alleys in Belgium and France are named "Allée Jacques Brel". The "Jacques-Brel alleys" in Paris were inaugurated in 2019. • A quarter, named "Quartier Jacques Brel" in Brussels. • Avenues named "Avenue Jacques Brel" in Belgium and France (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Zinnik, Eigenbrakel, Braine-l'Alleud, Chevilly-Larue, Vauréal and others). • Streets named "Rue Jacques Brel" in Belgium and France (Frameries, Binche, Chaudfontaine, Lys-lez-Lannoy, Saint-Michel-Sur-Orge, Villebon-Sur-Yvette, Feytiat, Durtol, Labège, Charleville-Mézières and others). • Streets named "Impasse Jacques Brel" in France (Sains-en Gohelle, Oignies, Aubencheul-au-Bac, Trégueux, Gonfreville-l'Orcher, Bondy, Saint-Priest and others). • Multimedia libraries "Médiathèque Jacques Brel" in Neuville-sur-Saône & Méru. • Different culture and sport centres in France are named "Maison Jacques Brel", "Centre Jacques Brel", "Espace Jacques Brel" or "Salle Jacques Brel". • Different residences in France are named "Résidence Jacques Brel". • Different neighbourhood centers in France are named "Maison de quartier Jacques-Brel". Other • Brel won the Dutch Edison award in 1962 for the album Jacques Brel. • The film Le Far-West was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival. • In 1977, Jacques Brel won the Premio Tenco for his entire career. • The asteroid (3918) Brel is named in his honour, when discovered in 1988. • Anonymous Society – Jacques Brel won the Total Theatre Award for Best Overall Production in 1999. • In 2004, the album ''L'Integrale'' won an Edison award (Historical edition). • The class of 2015 of Sciences Po Lille is named after Jacques Brel. • A limited Belgian 10 Euro silver coin was issued in memory of Brel's 40th anniversary of his death in 2018. • On 15 November 2020, Google celebrated Jacques Brel with a Google Doodle. == Books ==

In English • ''Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris: Based on Brel's Lyrics and Commentry'' by Jacques Brel in 1968, Chappell Music, 40p. (English, French) • Jacques Brel is Alive and Well & Living in Paris by Eric Blau and Jacques Brel in 1971, E. P. Dutton, 191p. (English, French) • Jacques Brel: The Biography by Alan Clayson in 1996, Castle Communications, 207 p. (English) • Brel and Chanson: A Critical Appreciation by Sara Poole in 2004, University Press of America, 136p. (English) • Georges Brassens and Jacques Brel: Personal and Social Narratives in Post-War Chanson by Chris Tinker in 2006, Liverpool University Press, 224p. (English) • Jacques Brel: La Vie Bohème by Alan Clayson in 2010, Chrome Dreams, 224 p. (English) In other languages • ''Jacques Brel – Collection Poètes D'aujourd'hui N° 119'' by Jean Clouzet in 1964, Seghers, 192 p. (French) • Cent pages avec Jacques Brel by Dominique Arban in 1967, Seghers, 96p. (French) • Bonjour Brel. (collected paintings) by Paul Ide in 1975, Éditions de la Palme, 70p. (French) • Chansons, Jacques Brel by Paul Lidsky and Bruno Hongre in 1976, Hatier, 79p. (French) • ''Jacques Brel un homme au large de l'espoir '' by Christian Petit, Dominique Arban and Pierre Barlatier in 1982, Imprimerie Paillart, 224 p. (French) • Jacques Brel, Œuvre intégrale (all songs and songtexts) in 1982, Robert Laffont, 412p. (French) • Jacques Brel va bien. Il dort aux Marquises by Pierre Berruer in 1983, Presses de la Cité 207 p. (French) • Jacques Brel by Lorcey Jacques and Monserrat Joëlle in 1984, Pac, 144p. (French) • Jacques Brel, chant contre silence by Stéphane Hirschi in 1995, Librairie A.-G. Nizet, 518 p. (French) • Dictionnaire de la chanson en Wallonie et à Bruxelles by Robert Wangermée in 1995, Editions Mardaga, 363 p. (French) • ''L'Univers poétique de Jacques Brel'' by Bruno Hongre in 1998, L'Harmattan, 250p. (French) • Tout Brel by Jean-Claude Zylberstein in 1998, Robert Laffont, 411p. (French) • Grand Jacques, le roman de Jacques Brel by Marc Robine in 1998, Anne Carrière, 671p. (French) • Jacques Brel : chansons, poèmes, textes illustrés by Gabriel Lefebvre in 2001, La Renaissance du livre, 160p. (French) • ''Brel, l'imagination de l'impossible'' by Patrick Baton in 2003, La Renaissance du livre, 224p. (French) • ''Brassens, Brel, Ferré – Trois voix pour chanter l'amour'' by Michel J. Cuny and Françoise Petitdemange in 2003, Paroles Vives, 280p. (French) • Jacques Brel by Jean Clouzet and Angela Clouzet in 2003, Complexe, 288p. (French) • Le Roman de Jacques Brel by Marc Robine in 2003, Complexe, 701p. (French) • ''Jacques Brel, À s'offrir en partage'' by Gabriel Lefebvre in 2005, Complexe, 133p. (French) • Penser avec Brel by Laurent Bibard in 2006, L'Harmattan, 220p. (French) • Ne me quitte pas, chansons de Jacques Brel (collected gravures) by Dominique Van Der Veken in 2008, Les Bibliophiles de France • ''Jacques Brel : l'impossible rêve'' by Serge Vincendet in 2008, Éditions Alphée, 359p. (French) • Jacques Brel, vivre debout by Jacques Vassal in 2009, Hors Collection, 352p. (French) • Jacques Brel, vivre à mille temps by Luc Baba in 2012, A Dos D'ane, 40p. (French) • ''Jacques Brel, T'as voulu voir Vesoul... !'' by Bernard Belin in 2013, F.-C. Culture & Patrimoine, 256p. (French) • ''Jacques Brel, l'aventure commence à l'aurore'' by Fred Hidalgo in 2014, Archipoche, 480p. (French) • Voir un ami voler – Les dernières années de Jacques Brel by Jean Liardon and Arnaud Bédat in 2018, Plon, 288p. (French) • Jacques Brel chanteur by France Brel in 2018, Fondation Brel, 342p. (French) • Jacques Brel en 40 chansons by Baptiste Vignol and Stéphane Loisy in 2018, Hugo Image, 157p. (French) • Jacques Brel couleurs Maroc by Hervé Meillon in 2018, M La Suite Éditions, 262p. (French) • Jacques Brel, une vie by Olivier Todd in 1984, Robert Laffont, 452p. (French, Dutch, German) • Jacques Brel by Mohamed El-Fers in 1990, Brave New Books, 185p. (Dutch) • De passie en de pijn by Johan Anthierens in 1998, Veen, 285p. (Dutch) • Jacques Brel: Leven en Liefde by René Seghers in 2003, Tirion Algemeen, 256 p. (Dutch) • Jacques Brel / Ne me quitte pas / Laat me niet alleen (80 songs with Duych lyrics by different translators) in 2004, Nijgh & Van Ditmar, 368 p. (Dutch) • Jacques Brel: De Definitieve Biografie by René Seghers in 2012, Tirion/Houtekiet, 512p. (Dutch) • Brel, de Belg. Een verhaal van liefde en onbegrip by Thijs Delrue in 2018, Borgerhoff & Lamberigts, 232 p. (Dutch) • Jacques Brel. Una canción desesperada by Luis García Gil in 2009, Milenio Publicaciones, 246 p. (Spanish) • Brel – Der Mann, der eine Insel war by Jens Rosteck in 2016, Mare, 240 p. (German) == Documentaries ==

• "The World of Jacques Brel" by Annett Wolf released in 1971 • "Brel parle" by Marc Lobet in 1971. • "Jacques Brel" by Frédéric Rossif in 1982. • "The unknown Jacques Brel" by Robbe De Hert and Klaartje Puttemans released in 2003. • "Jacques Brel op de Marquisen" by Herwig Deweerdt and Walter Ertvelt in 2005. • "Jacques Brel" as a part of the Flemish Belpop series in 2012. • "Jacques Brel, une vie à mille temps" as a part of the series Un jour, un destin in 2016. • "Jacques Brel, fou de vivre" by Philippe Kohly released in 2017. ==See also==