Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Although he was based in Paris throughout his artistic career and is considered a major contributor to the modern French chanson, Jacques Brel was never a French citizen. From which country did Brel hail?
2. In 1959, Brel recorded what is probably his most famous song, a haunting love soliloquy. It is almost certainly the most covered one, having been sung by artists as diverse as Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Julio Iglesias and Cyndi Lauper, among others. Its English title is "If you go away". What is the original name of the song?
3. A musical was created in the US revolving around Brel's songs translated into English. What is the name of this musical?
4. In 1974, Canadian singer Terry Jacks had a worldwide hit with a cover of "Le moribond", a song depicting the last words of a dying man. What was the English title?
5. In 1967, Brel discovered a musical in the USA that he helped to launch in France, with himself in the title role. The play is based on a famous literary figure. Which one?
6. In 1961, Brel achieved a definite breakthrough with a knockout performance at a legendary concert hall in Paris. In 1966, having announced his farewell to the music scene, he would perform his final Paris concerts of the farewell tour in the same hall. What is the name of this music hall?
7. After his goodbye to the music scene, Brel dedicated himself to the cinema, both starring in others' films and directing a couple of ones of his own. In one of these, "Franz", a famous French female singer starred alongside Brel himself. Which one?
8. Brel was never one to shy away from challenges. He humbly claimed that his own career as a singer was mostly due to strength of will (I don't quite believe him). In the 1970's, done with singing and acting, he picked up a new passion, one which he came to dominate almost as a professional. Which was this new racy hobby of his?
9. In 1975, Brel set out to sail around the world with one of his daughters and his fiancée. During the voyage, he discovered an island that became his last home and eventually his final resting place. In which geographic area is it located?
10. An artist's habits, alas, are not always conducive to good health. On October 9, 1978, Brel's life was cut short at the age of 49. What was the cause of his death?
Source: Author
jensj2
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Bruyere before going online.
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