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Behind the Brel: The Story of a Musical Genius

Behind the Brel: The Story of a Musical Genius: Episode 3

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Episode 3

BBC Radio 6 Music - Behind the Brel: The Story of a Musical Genius, Episode 3

Marc Almond looks at how Brel sensationally quit singing at the height of his career.

Marc Almond explores how Brel sensationally quit singing at the height of his career before turning his hand to films.

In part three Marc Almond charts Jacques Brel's unconventional side and the way he turned his back on family life in Belgium to pursue his dream of being a singer in France.

Marc also tells how Brel sensationally quit singing at the height of his career before turning his hand to films.

We also hear how Brel's sense of freedom was so strong that chose to circumnavigate the globe in a sailing boat.

Meanwhile singer and actress Elly Stone explains the American adaptation of Brel's song - La Valse a Mille Temps which was brought to life in the States as Carousel for the musical "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris". Stone explains the rather difficult translation process used for Carousel.

The programme also looks at Brel's last days (when was battling lung cancer) and examines his legacy.

Contributors in this episode include US singer-songwriter Rod McKuen, opera singer Toby Spence, Brel's daughter France and Jean-Michel Boris, who was in charge of the Olympia in Paris for Brel's last concert.

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Marc Almond delivers a personal exploration of the life and works of Jacques Brel

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