
Jacques Brel
Biography
Jacques Romain Georges Brel (8 April 1929 – 9 October 1978) was a Belgian singer, songwriter, actor and director who composed and performed literate, thoughtful, and theatrical songs that generated a large, devoted following—initially in Belgium and France, later throughout the world. He is considered a master of the modern chanson.
Although he recorded most of his songs in French and occasionally in Dutch, he became an influence on English-speaking songwriters and performers, such as Scott Walker, David Bowie, Alex Harvey, Marc Almond, Neil Hannon, and Rod McKuen. English translations of his songs were recorded by many performers, including Bowie, Walker, Ray Charles, Judy Collins, John Denver, The Kingston Trio, Nina Simone, Shirley Bassey, James Dean Bradfield, Frank Sinatra, and Andy Williams.
Brel was a successful actor, appearing in 10 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. Having sold over 25 million records worldwide, Brel is the third best-selling Belgian recording artist of all time. Brel married Thérèse "Miche" Michielsen in 1950, and the couple had three children. He also had a romantic relationship with actress and dancer Maddly Bamy from 1972 until his death in 1978.
Jacques Romain Georges Brel was born on 8 April 1929 in Schaerbeek, Brussels, to Élisabeth "Lisette" (née Lambertine) 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 Cominex, an import–export firm, and later became co-director of a company that manufactured cardboard. Jacques and his older 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. The boys were also members of the local Boy Scout troop, and enjoyed their time at summer camp and on family outings to the North Sea coast. In Brussels, the family lived at 138 Avenue du Diamant in Schaerbeek, then moved to 26 Boulevard Belgica in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, and finally settled at 7 Rue Jacques-Manne in Anderlecht. Brel was close to his mother, fascinated by her generosity and sense of humour, which he inherited. ...
Source: Article "Jacques Brel" from Wikipedia in English, licensed under CC-BY-SA.
Acting (23 movies)

My Uncle Benjamin
1969

Law Breakers
1971

Risky Business
1967

Franz
1972

A Pain in the Ass
1973

Money Money Money
1972

Bonnot's Gang
1968

Mont-Dragon
1970

The Bar at the Crossing
1972

Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris
1975

J’aime les Belges !
2008

Brel, Brassens, Ferré, trois hommes sur la photo
1969

Jacques Brel, une vie à mille temps
2015

Far West
1973

Jacques Brel - Comme quand on était beau
2003

Jacques Brel, fou de vivre
2017

Brel à Knokke
2008

Petit Jour
1962

Jacques Brel - Les Adieux à l'Olympia
1966

Lino Ventura, la part intime
2018

La Folle Histoire de François Pignon - De La chèvre au Dîner de cons
2015

Scott Walker: 30 Century Man
2007

Jacques Brel à Knokke-le-Zoute, 1963
1963
Directing (2 movies)
| Title | Year | Job |
|---|---|---|
| Risky Business | 1967 | Original Music Composer |
| My Uncle Benjamin | 1969 | Original Music Composer |
| Franz | 1972 | Original Music Composer |
| Franz | 1972 | Writer |
| The Bar at the Crossing | 1972 | Original Music Composer |
| Far West | 1973 | Original Music Composer |
| Far West | 1973 | Screenplay |
| A Pain in the Ass | 1973 | Original Music Composer |
| Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris | 1975 | Original Music Composer |