Jacques Romain Georges Brel (; 8 April 1929 – 9 October 1978) was a
Belgian singer, songwriter and actor who composed and performed literate, thoughtful, and theatrical songs that generated a large, devoted following—initially in Belgium and France, later throughout the world. He was widely considered a master of the modern
chanson. Although he recorded most of his songs in French and occasionally in Dutch, he became a major influence on English-speaking songwriters and performers such as
David Bowie,
Alex Harvey,
Leonard Cohen,
Marc Almond and
Rod McKuen. English translations of his songs were recorded by many top performers in the United States, including
Ray Charles,
Judy Collins,
John Denver, the
Kingston Trio,
Nina Simone,
Frank Sinatra,
Scott Walker, and
Andy Williams.