Jacques Brel

At 49 years old, Jacques Brel physical status not available right now. We will update Jacques Brel's height, weight, eye color, hair color, build, and measurements.

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 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; 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.

Early life

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.

In September 1941, his parents enrolled Brel at the Institut Saint-Louis at rue du Marais near the Botanical Garden of Brussels. Although he did poorly in many subjects, he did well in History and French, and showed a talent for writing. He helped set up the school's drama club, taking on his first stage roles with great enthusiasm. He wrote short stories, poems, and essays. In 1944, at the age of 15, Brel began playing the guitar. The following year he formed his own theatre group with friends and began writing plays. In the spring of 1947, during his final year at Saint-Louis, Brel wrote a short story titled "Frédéric" for a school magazine Le Grand Feu ("The Great Fire"). Published pseudonymously, the story is about a man on his deathbed who encourages his grandson to run away while the rest of the family makes arrangements for his funeral. Despite his growing talent for writing, Brel was not a good student, and failed many of his exams.

With an academic career not in his future, the 18-year-old Brel went to work at his father's cardboard factory in August 1947. His job at Vanneste and Brel was predictable and uninspiring—a routine that involved fixing prices and meeting customers. Apart from joining the company football team, he showed little interest in the company's social activities and events. Perhaps to offset the boredom of his daily office routine, he joined a local Catholic youth organisation, La Franche Cordée (FC), which had as its motto, "More is within you." Dedicated to philanthropic work, the group organised religious retreats, fundraising events, and food and clothing deliveries to orphanages and old people's homes. Brel supported these activities with great enthusiasm and believed strongly in FC's mission. His parents were pleased with their son's dedication, and provided him with the company van and family car to support his FC activities.

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 at 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.

Source

Music career

Brel appeared at the Cabaret La Rose Noire in Brussels in January 1953. He signed a deal with Philips Music in February and released his first 78 rpm record, "Il Y A," which was released in March. Jacques Canetti, the record company's talent scout and artistic director, has invited him to Paris. Despite his family's retaliation and the added strain of raising his second daughter, France, was born in July 1952. Brel's career was hampered by the difficulties of getting his work off the ground in Paris. He stayed at Hotel Stevens and taught guitar lessons to artist-dancer Francesco Frediani in order to pay his rent. He performed on the cabaret circuit at L'Écluse, L'Échelle de Jacob, and in Jacques Canetti's cabaret Les Trois Baudets.

Brel participated in the Grand Prix de la Chanson in Knokke-le-Zoute in 1954, finishing 27th out of 28 participants. Juliette Gréco, a French singer, requested to perform one of Brel's songs, "Le diable (It's OK)" (The Devil) at her up-and-coming concert at the prestigious Olympia music hall, one positive result of the tour. That spring, she began to record the album. Brel made his first appearance at Paris's opulent Olympia Theatre in July 1954. He began on his first French tour later this summer, joining French singers Dario Moreno, Philippe Clay, and Catherine Sauvage on the bill. Philips' debut album, a nine-song, 10-inch LP, was released by the year's end (British Broadcasting Company) ("Jacques Brel and His Songs."

Brel's Georges "Jojo" Pasquier, who would become the singer's closest friend, boss, and personal chauffeur, met him in February 1955. He began performing with a variety of Christian organisations, which later gave rise to the abbrel name Abbé ("Abbot") Brel. In March, Brel's wife and children joined him in France, and the family settled in Montreuil-sous-Bois' rue du Moulin à vent. He returned to France in June with Canetti's show Les Filles de Papa, which starred Françoise Dorin, Perrette Souplex, and Suzanne Gabriello.

Brel appeared in North Africa, Amsterdam, Lausanne, and Belgium in March 1956. In July, while visiting Grenoble, he met François Rauber, a classical pianist who would be his accompanist on future recordings. Rauber was instrumental in providing Brel with the formal musical education he was lacking and was in charge of Brel's musical arrangements. "Quand n'a l'amour" ("When You Only Have Love"), Brel's first commercial breakthrough, in September. The album was released in November on a Philips 7-inch EP Quand on n'a que l'amour. On the French music charts, the album debuted at number three.

Brel performed at the Alhambra Theatre in February 1957 with Maurice Chevalier, Michel Legrand, and ballet dancer Zizi Jeanmaire. Quand on n'a que l'amour, his second studio album, debuted in April, which also included the famous title song. André Popp and Michel Legrand conducted the album at the Théâtre de l'Apollo in Paris. In June, he received the prestigious Grand Prix du Disque de la Académie Charles Cros. In September, he was on the bill in La Parody d'Avignon, with Raymond Devos, Pierre-Jean Vaillard, and Les Trois Ménestrels. Gérard Jouannest, another excellent pianist who would accompany the singer on his numerous concert tours, met him in November. "Madeleine," "La Chanson des vieux amants" ("Song of the old lovers") and "Les Vieux" ("The old people") will collaborate on several of Brel's upcoming classic songs, including "Madeleine."

Brel's wife Miche and their two children returned to Belgium in February 1958, while Brel rented a room in Place de Clichy in Paris, a place to remain on those rare occasions when he was not touring. He recorded his third album, Au Printemps ("In the spring"), in March and April, which would be released later this year. He met Félix Leclerc in May while touring Canada for the first time. Isabelle, his third daughter, was born in Belgium on August 23rd. In November, he gave a recital at the Halles d'Arlon in Belgium, Luxembourg, with Stéphane Steeman. Brel was the supporting act to Philippe Clay at the Olympia in Paris in December. During this performance, pianist Gérard Jouannest and François Rauber appeared on stage with Brel. Brel's emotional appearance brought the house down.

Brel signed a new recording deal with Philips Records in January 1959. He continued to tour extensively throughout the year. On February 22, he appeared at the Bolivie Gala in Couillet's Solvay Casino. Serge Gainsbourg and Serge Gainsbourg appeared in Trois Baudets in March. François Rauber and his orchestra recorded his fourth album, La Valse à Mille Temps (The thousand-beat waltz), in September. On October 14th, Raymond Devos and I arrived in Mouscron. He performed with Charles Aznavour at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels on November 20th. He had amassed a large and enthusiastic following in France by the end of the decade. He was so popular that he was invited to headline the end-of-year concert at Paris's legendary Bobino. The concert was a huge success. He stopped accompanying himself on the guitar to concentrate entirely on his more dramatic vocal performances during these performances.

Charles Marouani, Brel's current impresario, and the United States, in January 1960, arranged a series of world concert tours for the singer, which would take him from France to the Soviet Union, the Middle East, Canada, and the United States. He appeared at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels from 19 to March 24. He appeared at Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo on October 19th. The year's concert tours brought him international recognition and acclaim. His appearances became the first United States release of a Jacques Brel album, also known on Columbia Records. It was a collection of previously unveiled Philips tracks.

Brel made a triumphant return to the Bobino in January 1961. Jean Corti, the accordionist, had joined his touring band by now. He released his fifth album for Philips between February and April. It was simply named No. "Marieke" and "Le Moribond" in the future Brel classics, were introduced on May 5, "The dying man" (the dying man). In March, he returned to Canada for the second time. He met Clairette Oddera, a French actress and singer, at her Mont-Jacques club. They will be great friends. He appeared with Raymond Devos at La Comédie Canadienne while in Montreal. Brel appeared in The Hague, Netherlands, in May. He returned to the Olympia music hall in Paris with star billing from 12 to 29 October, following Marlene Dietrich's cancellation at the last minute. Many commentators point to these inspired performances as the turning point in his career. The audiences applauded his ferocious applause, and the critics proclaimed him as the new star of French chanson.

Brel left Philips Records in March 1962 and signed a five-year deal with Barclay Records. In 1967, the deal was supposed to be renewed for another six years. Enregistrement Public à la l'Olympia 1961, his first album for his new label, was a live album. He recorded his first song for Barclay, "Le plat Pays," on March 6 (The flat world). He recorded the remaining tracks for his sixth studio album, Les Bourgeois (The bourgeois), during the second week of March. The new album contained future Brel hits "Madeleine," "Les Biches" (The does), and "La Statue" (The statue). Brel formed Arlequin, his own music publishing company, which was later renamed Éditions Musicales Pouchenel. Miche, Brel's wife, was appointed company director. He recorded "Les Bigotes" (Quand Maman reviendra) and "La Parlote" (The gossip) as singles in November.

Brel appeared at the Bobino in Paris again in April 1963. In July, he headlined the Casino in Knokke for the fifth Coupe d'Europe de Tour de Chant. For the first time during this engagement, he performed "Mathilde" as a performer. He was back for another triumphant appearance at the Olympia in Paris, alongside Isabelle Aubret, who was the support act. His performance was a critical and artistic triumph once more, with the audience rising from their seats in a standing ovation after his emotional interpretation of "Amsterdam."

A year 1964 saw a combination of personal tragedies and career triumphs. Romain, Brel's father, died of bronchial pneumonia on January 8. Élisabeth (nicknamed Mouky), his mother, only two months later, died on March 7th. He was awarded the Gold Medal of Brussels by the Tourist Information Bureau at the same time, as well as atrophy from the Société d'Auteurs Belge/Belgische Auteurs Maatschappij (SABAM). He was also honoured with the Grand Prix du Disque de la francaissance of the French Academy. He maintained his upbeat touring schedule. Enregistrement Public à l'Olympia 1964, he had released a new live album by the end of the year. He discovered a new passion, aviation, in the midst of that year. He bought a small plane after learning flying with Paul Lepanse. His following in the United States was on the rise. Rod McKuen, an American poet and singer, began translating Brel's songs into English, and the Kingston Trio released "Seasons in the Sun," based on Brel's "Le Moribond" (the dying man).

Reprise Records licensed tracks from Barclay for a United States album titled Jacques Brel in 1965. He appeared at the Kurhaus of Scheveningen in the Netherlands on March 25th. He completed a five-week tour of the Soviet Union in October, which included a week at Moscow's Estrada Theatre. On November 6, he returned to France, recording the songs "Fernand," "Les Déparrés" (The despised) and "Ces gens-là" (These people) for Barclay. He appeared at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City on December 4th. His work was lauded both nationally and critically.

Brel had grown accustomed to his grueling concert schedules by 1966. He visited Djibouti, Madagascar, Reunion Island, and Mauritius in April. He revealed to his musicians that he would not return from touring on August 21nd, when on tour in Vittel. Brel said in subsequent public statements that he had nothing more to offer to the music industry and that he wanted to devote more time to other ventures. He performed a string of farewell concerts at the Olympia in Paris in October 1966. Thousands of devoted followers flocked to see these last performances, which took place over the course of three weeks. He appeared at the Olympia on Saturday, November 1st. The audience's standing ovations prompted him to return to the stage seven times for his last bows after a dramatic and moving performance. He spent the next six months performing his concerts. On the 15th of November, he performed his farewell appearance at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. He appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in London later this month. Many of his closest friends, including Charles Aznavour, begged him to reconsider his decision, but he was unconcerned about his decision. He returned to Carnegie Hall in New York City on December 4th and performed inspired numbers before adoring audiences. By then, several English recordings of his songs, including Damita Jo's "If You Go Away" (based on "La Colombe), Judy Collins' "The Dove") (based on "La Colombe"), and Glenn Yarbrough's "The Women," were on the charts, including Damita Jo's "If You Go Away" (based on "Les Biches"), as well as Damita Jo's "If You Go Away ("Les ("Les ("Les ("Les ("Les ("Based on "Les "If You Go Away"), ("based on "La Colombe"), "The Dove"), "The Dove"), "La Colombe"), "The Women" (based on "Les "Les "Les "Les "Les "Les "Mo "The Woman" (based on "Les "Les "Les").

Brel produced songs for his new studio album, Jacques Brel 67, which was released later this year. "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) were included on the album. In late January, he returned to Carnegie Hall and gave one last appearance. While in New York, he attended Man of La Mancha, a musical based on Miguel de Cervantes' book Don Quixote, at the ANTA Washington Square Theatre in Greenwich Village. He began arranging a French language version of the musical for Europe after being moved by the experience. He returned to France in the spring and, on the 16th of May 1967, he gave his final concert appearance in Roubaix, northern France. Brel purchased a yacht early this year, with vague dreams of sailing around the world.

Brel's professional life was devoted to film following his departure from the concert stage. In the last decade of his life, he would have only released four more studio albums. He recorded the songs for the album J'arrive (I'm coming) in September 1968, which was released later this year. The album also featured "Vivesoul," "Je suis un soir d'été" (I am a summer's evening), and "Un Enfant" (a child). "Man of La Mancha" premiered in Brussels in October 1968, with Brel playing Don Quixote and Dario Moreno on Sancho Panza. Moreno will die tragically only ten days before the Paris première. Brel and his co-stars recorded the studio album L'Homme de la Mancha from 23 to 27 November. He adapted the book, translated the lyrics, supervised the film, and appeared in lead roles. This was the first time he ever adapted songs by other writers or appeared in a stage musical. "La Quête" (The quest) is the album's best-known interpretation. Moreno was recalled by Robert Manuel, and the first performance at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris on December 11, 1968, as planned. Brel's performance has been lauded unashamed. On May 17, 1969, he appeared in L'Homme de La Mancha's final performance, Don Quixote. He was never replaced.

Brel gave a one-off appearance at the Salle Pleyel in Paris in March 1970. Unusually, this did not involve singing but rather recitation. He recited Sergei Prokoviev's 'Peter and the Wolf' in the first half of the performance. He told the tale of 'Babar the Elephant' by Jean de Brunhoff in the second half.'

Brel signed a unique 30-year deal with Barclay Records in 1972. Despite the fact that there were no new songs to record, Barclay persuaded him to return to the studio to re-record 11 of the best-known songs he cut for Philips Records in the early years of his music career. "Le l'amour" (Flemish women), "Les Flamandes") (The waltz in thousand years) and "Je ne sais pas" (I don't know). His youthful vigour was now lovingly harnessed by his longtime colleagues, arranger François Rauber, and pianist Gerard Jouannest.

Film career

Brel began film in 1967, appearing in André Cayatte's Les risques du métier (Risky company), co-starring Emmanuelle Riva, Jacques Harden, and Nadine Alari. François Rauber's soundtrack was also produced by Brel. Jean Doucet (Brel), a teenage girl who suspects her primary schoolteacher, of attempting to rape her, is the subject of the film. Doucet denies the allegations, but the police and the mayor are looking at them. Two other students have come forward to share more of Doucet's deceitful conduct, with one of them confessing to being his mistress. If convicted, Doucet will face a jury trial and hard labour. On December 21, 1967, the film was released. Brel's performance was praised by film critics.

In 1968 Brel appeared in his second film, La Bande à Bonnot (The Bonnot crew), directed by Philippe Fourastié and co-starring Annie Girardot and Bruno Cremer. Brel produced the soundtrack with François Rauber once more. The tale is set in 1911 Paris. After serving a term for inflaming insurgent resistance among his coworkers, Raymond-la-science (Brel), anarchist, has been released from jail. In the villa of their political leader, he meets with his colleagues who live together with their families. They become involved in the notorious Bonnot clandestine gang, gangsters who defame society by looking, stealing, and murdering. On October 30, 1968, the film was released.

Brel appeared in his third film, Mon oncle Benjamin (My uncle Benjamin), directed by Édouard Molinaro and co-starring Claude Jade and Bernard Blier in 1969. He also created the soundtrack. The film, which was shot in 1750 during Louis XV's reign, is a period piece. Benjamin (Brel) is a country doctor in love with Manette, the beautiful innkeeper's daughter, but he will not be allowed to practice until he has agreed to a marriage contract. Benjamin escapes with Manette after being sentenced to prison for a humiliating practical joke, and finds that happiness rather than a marriage contract is best. The film was released on November 28, 1969.

With a screen play by Robert Margerit, Brel appeared in his fourth feature film, Mont-Dragon, directed by Jean Valère and co-starring François Prévost, Paul le Person, and Catherine Rouvel in 1970. Georges Dormond (Brel), a soldier who seduces Germaine de Boizesnil and is eventually dismissed from service by one of Germaine's relatives, who is a colonel, is central to the story. Dormond returns to the widow's castle after Germaine's husband's death. Pierrette the maid's seduction, he informs Germaine of their recent love affair and arranges a meeting with the widow, during which he humiliates her, humiliates her, and then leaves. Marthe, the orphanage, appears on the scene, retaliate her mother. Georges mock their feelings and pressures Germaine to reveal her ties to Pierrette, causing a scandal. On December 16, 1970, the film was released.

Brel made his fifth feature film, Franz, the first film he directed in 1971. Brel co-wrote the screenplay with Paul Andréota and created the soundtrack with François Rauber. Barbara, Danièle Evenou, Fernand Fabre, Serge Sauvives, Louis Navarre, Jacques Provins, and François Cadet appeared in the film. 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 companion. Although Catherine is a little shy and timid, Léonie is outgoing and flirtatious. Most guys are attracted to her vitality, but Léon is the exception. Léonie is captivated by Léon's essible personality. She gradually becomes attracted to his clumsy behavior and they finally fell in love. The other residents, who were perplexed by the unexpected love affair, decided to block their marriage, which leads to Léon's suicide. The film was released on February 2, 1972, and although the critics praised it, it was not a commercial success.

Le Assassins de l'ordre, Brel's sixth feature film, directed by Marcel Carné and co-starring Paola Pitagora, Catherine Rouvel, and Charles Denner, appeared in 1971. Brel plays Bernard Level, a provincial judge who presides over a delicate situation. During police questioning, a man who had been arrested for a minor offense died. If the policemen are convicted and begin an investigation, he is threatened and coerced by those trying to prevent the investigation from proceeding. On May 7, 1971, the film was released.

Brel appeared in his seventh feature film, L'aventure, c'est l'aventure), directed by Claude Lelouch in 1972. Five crooks who decide to change from bank robbery to political kidnapping are chronicled in the following tale. Johnny Hallyday, one of the first hosts of the show, is one of their first hosts. The film was released on May 4, 1972, and it became a huge box-office smash. Brel met and fell in love with Maddly Bamy, a young actress and dancer who was shooting L'aventure survive on location in the Caribbean. Brel will spend the remaining years of his life with her.

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 adores his freedom and his women. He leaves Europe, which has been shattered by the war, and heads to Canada, where he will speak with Maria, the only woman he ever loved. He reaches Canada on the way to Canada and meets a teenage boy who dreams of participating in the European war. As Vincent arrives at the Bar de la Fourche, operated by Maria, he finds her getting older. He finds consolation in Annie, a woman who looks down on him, and causes Vincent and Olivier to face each other in a duel. On August 23, 1972, the film was released.

Brel's ninth feature film, Le Far West, was his second directorial effort in 1973. Gabriel Jabbour, Danielle Evenou, and Arlette Lindon appeared in the film. The tale tells about Jacques, a 40-year-old Brussels resident who discovers 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. Voltaire and other young friends, as well as Voltaire, are determined to conquer the Far West, their childhood, and Saint-Exupéry the unknown planet. They cannot be found in the Far West because it is an imaginary location, a piece of happiness buried in our hearts. The film was released on May 15, 1973.

Brel appeared in his tenth and final feature film, L'emmerdeur (The troublemaker), directed by Édouard Molinaro and co-starring Lino Ventura, Caroline Cellier, and Jean-Pierre Darras. The soundtrack was produced by Jacques Brel and François Rauber. Ralph Milan, a labor killer who works for the Mafia, is the subject of the tale. Louis Randoni is paid to kill, but his presence in various lawsuits may cause damage to the company. Ralph is waiting for his breakfast in his hotel room, but his comedic neighbor, François Pignon (Brel), interrupts him. On September 20, 1973, the film was released.

Source