Jacques Brel Museum on the Marquesa Islands

 

A few yards from Gauguin’s grave on the Marquesa Islands lies that of the Belgian poet, songwriter, and actor, Jacques Brel, and his wife Madly.  Although Gauguin earned a mixed reception in Hiva Oa where the police authorities and the church found Gauguin's lifestyle offensive - Brel was welcomed.  

When Jacques Brel found out he was dying of lung cancer, Brel decided to stop performing and moved to Hiva Oa in the Marquesa Islands - French Polynesia - with actress and dancer Madly.  She bought him a small plane, a Beech Bonanza twin-engine which Brel named ‘Jojo’ after a deceased friend.  He used the plane to transport locals to and from Tahiti — a five-hour flight.  Brel was beloved by the locals.

But what made him special to his friends was his generosity and kindness.  He was a true friend.  Sailing around the world on his own boat, he turned around immediately to France from the South Pacific when he heard a friend, JoJo, was seriously ill.  When Brel, himself, died at the age of 49 in 1978 his family could surely look back on his life with pride.
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"If You Go Away"

He is said to have influenced both David Bowie and Rod McKuen. Brel wrote many songs, some heartbreaking such as, sung so poignantly by both Edith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich.  McKuen wrote the English language lyrics for that song, and singers lining up to record it has included Tom Jones, Julio Inglesias, Frank Sinatra, and Neil Diamond. Versions were added by Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Shirley Bassey, Dusty Springfield, and Celine Dion, too.

Brel also directed two films, one of which was nominated for the Palme d’Or in the Cannes Film Festival of 1973.

Visitors to the island can find his airplane, photographs, posters, 

and his music playing next to the Gauguin museum.

Find out more about his airplane: https://brel.pfiquet.be/jojoparen.htm

and the Marquesa Islands https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkAE2h9pRuI

and his chansons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNsWRaminTk

Visiting Brussels, one can indulge in everything Jacques Brel in a quaint museum devoted to the beloved Belgian singer, with filmed interviews & performances.  Foundation Brel is open 11 am to 5:30 pm every day, Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés 11 

Bus #95 and 48, Grand Place or by train station Gare Centrale

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