Jacques Brel

The Profile

Jacques Brel (8 April 1929 – 9 October 1978) was a Belgian singer-songwriter famed for his French-language chansons such as "Ne me quitte pas" and "Amsterdam". He retired from stage in 1968 and recorded Les Marquises as his final studio album; he died of lung cancer in 1978.

Born in Schaerbeek, Belgium; worked closely with collaborators including Gérard Jouannest and François Rauber; nickname "Grand Jacques"; retired from live performance in the late 1960s and spent later years in the Marquesas Islands.

The available review presents Les Marquises as Jacques Brel's musical testament, recorded largely in single takes with close collaborators. Themes include mortality, aging, philanthropy and pacifism, with Brel's voice foregrounded throughout. The reviewer gives a thoughtful, measured appreciation rather than unreserved praise.