Actor. Jacques Romain Georges Brel received recognition as a 20th-century Belgian singer and actor who composed and performed theatrical songs. His popularity gained him fame not only in French-speaking countries but worldwide. He performed in 10 films from 1967 to 1973, two of which he directed. After finishing high school, he secured a position at his father's cardboard factory for a time but was writing songs. He served in the military in 1948. By 1952 he was performing his songs in cabarets, and the next year, he released his first recordings, "Il y a" and "La Foire," before leaving for Paris cabarets. In 1955 he released his first album, "Jacques Brel et ses chansons," and with a second one in 1957, he was considered a star by 1960. His lyrics were satirical, romantic, and religious. He first performed in concert in the United States at Carnegie Hall in December 1965. After his songs were translated into English, they were recorded by a host of American singers. With over 200 performances, his 1968 off-Broadway revue "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris" may be his most recognized work in the United States. A revised 1972 version opened on Broadway and was adapted to film in 1975. After retiring in 1966, he released "Jacques Breal 67" and "Les Marquises" in 1977, after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 1968. He enjoyed sailing and relocated to Marquesas Islands in 1974. He married and had a daughter. His wife died in 2020.
Actor. Jacques Romain Georges Brel received recognition as a 20th-century Belgian singer and actor who composed and performed theatrical songs. His popularity gained him fame not only in French-speaking countries but worldwide. He performed in 10 films from 1967 to 1973, two of which he directed. After finishing high school, he secured a position at his father's cardboard factory for a time but was writing songs. He served in the military in 1948. By 1952 he was performing his songs in cabarets, and the next year, he released his first recordings, "Il y a" and "La Foire," before leaving for Paris cabarets. In 1955 he released his first album, "Jacques Brel et ses chansons," and with a second one in 1957, he was considered a star by 1960. His lyrics were satirical, romantic, and religious. He first performed in concert in the United States at Carnegie Hall in December 1965. After his songs were translated into English, they were recorded by a host of American singers. With over 200 performances, his 1968 off-Broadway revue "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris" may be his most recognized work in the United States. A revised 1972 version opened on Broadway and was adapted to film in 1975. After retiring in 1966, he released "Jacques Breal 67" and "Les Marquises" in 1977, after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 1968. He enjoyed sailing and relocated to Marquesas Islands in 1974. He married and had a daughter. His wife died in 2020.
Bio by: Linda Davis
Gravesite Details
His upright grave marker has a facial relief of him and his girlfriend.
Family Members
Siblings
Children
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