Truth Must Be Told About My Father Jacques, A Figure of History

The second daughter of the Belgian poet and president of the Brel Foundation, has recently released A Troubadour, chronicle of a life II. This work follows Jacky, a narrative of her father’s early life and youth. It provides a unique insight into the origins of Grand Jacques’ work, according to her.

In 1976, Jacques Brel declared in Tahiti that only after his death could people speak about him and possibly place him in the history of song. His daughter, France Brel, decided to narrate the story of his early life, which she believes formed the foundation of his work. Her newest publication, A Troubadour, chronicles of a life II, unveils the young years of a “Jacky totally distraught” whose fate was significantly shaped by Hector Bruyndonckx, the spirit of the humanistic youth movement La Franche Cordée, and his encounter with Thérèse Michielsen (Miche), who later became his wife and the mother of his three daughters.

During her visit to Paris, France Brel met with Le Figaro to discuss her monumental work, which will include two more volumes. She believes it will enable all the interpreters and other biographers to better understand the songs of a man who often metaphorically depicted his youthful world.

In an interview with Le Figaro, France Brel insisted that Jacques Brel’s talent was shaped during his childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood in Belgium. She believes his songs reflect his inspiration and origins. She wanted to provide insights into the turning points of his destiny and the beginnings of an extraordinary individual.

France Brel also emphasized the significant influences in his life during his ages sixteen to twenty, primarily friendship symbolized by Hector Bruyndonckx and the love symbolized by her mother, Miche. She believes these relationships fostered all of Brel’s generosity, revealing not only the artist but also the human being behind it all.

According to France Brel, the crucial role of her mother, Miche, was understanding Jacques’ need for freedom. She practiced the adage: “If we love others, we love them as they are, as they are”. This exceptional bond lasted until the end.

France Brel believes that her father is a part of history and the truth about him should be told. However, she still fights against immodesty and never publishes the most intimate feelings. Her intention is to shed light on her father’s work.

Jacky and A Troubadour, Chronicle of a life II are published by the Jacques Brel Foundation in Brussels.