Le Grand Jacques, a moniker bestowed upon him by admirers, encapsulated a towering figure both in stature and talent. Undoubtedly, he remains the most explosively vibrant personality in French songs. Born on April 8, 1929, in the Brussels municipality of Schaarbeek, Jacques Brel's journey into the world of arts began at a young age.
At the tender age of 16, Brel co-founded a theater company with like-minded friends, delving into playwriting. While working in his father's packaging company around the age of 18, his passion for the arts persisted. In 1952, he ventured into songwriting, performing his compositions for family and at Brussels cabarets. Despite initial resistance to his intense lyrics and forceful singing style, Brel's determination prevailed.
In 1953, a pivotal moment arrived when Jacques Canetti called him, leading him to leave Brussels for Paris. Though his family did not entirely sever ties, they made it clear they did not support his decision, reserving a place for him in the family business.
In 1956, Brel's fate took a turn when he crossed paths with pianist François Rauber, who became his permanent accompanist. That same year, he achieved his first hit with 'Quand On N'a Que L'amour.' Slowly, Brel honed his distinctive musical style, captivating audiences at galas. By the end of 1958, he gained acclaim as a supporting act at l'Olympia. The following year, he headlined at Bobino, unveiling his iconic 'Ne me quitte pas' for the first time, alongside 'La Franse à mille temps.' In 1962, 'Le Plat Pays,' an ode to Flanders, was recorded, marking a significant milestone.
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| Jacques Brel during a TV recording in Amsterdam |
In 1963, Brel crafted 'Les Vieux,' a poignant tribute to his parents. Experiencing personal tragedies with the loss of both parents, his work took a more dramatic turn with songs like 'La Fanette,' 'Au Suivant,' and 'Amsterdam' in 1964. In 1966, at the pinnacle of his career, Brel released 'Ces gens-là,' an album featuring timeless classics like 'Jef,' 'La Chanson de Jacky,' 'Le Tango funèbre,' 'Fernand,' and 'Mathilde.' However, at the age of 37, he decided to step away from the limelight temporarily.
In 1968, Brel delivered his French-language rendition of 'L'homme de la Mancha' at the Royal Muntschouwberg in Brussels. A foray into film came in 1971 with Claude Lelouch's 'L'aventure C'est L'aventure,' where he shared the screen with luminaries such as Lino Venturo and Charles Denner.
Diagnosed with cancer in 1974, Brel chose to retire to the Marquesas Islands in 1977 aboard his sailing yacht, Askoy II, which had once circumnavigated the globe. Despite his terminal illness, he returned to Paris to record his final LP, 'Les Marquises.' Before its release, a record-breaking one million copies had been ordered, with 300,000 sold in the first hour of availability. Jacques Brel passed away on October 9, 1978, leaving an indelible legacy at the age of 49.
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| Jacques Brel's grave at Calvary Cemetery, Hiva Oa, French Polynesia |
He passed away in France, but his final resting place is amidst the scenery that captured his heart: Hiva Oa. Nestled in Atuona, French Polynesia, it stands as arguably one of the most enchanting locales on Earth. The cemetery graces green terraces, providing a breathtaking panorama of Taaoa Bay as it cradles the resting places in solemn beauty.
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