Age, Biography and Wiki

Jacques Brel (Jacques Romain Georges Brel) was born on 8 April, 1929 in Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium, is a Belgian singer (1929–1978). Discover Jacques Brel's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is he in this year and how he spends money? Also learn how he earned most of networth at the age of 49 years old?

Popular As Jacques Romain Georges Brel
Occupation Singer · actor
Age 49 years old
Zodiac Sign Aries
Born 8 April, 1929
Birthday 8 April
Birthplace Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium
Date of death 9 October, 1978
Died Place Bobigny, France
Nationality Belgium

We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 8 April. He is a member of famous Soundtrack with the age 49 years old group.

Jacques Brel Height, Weight & Measurements

At 49 years old, Jacques Brel height is 5' 11¾" (1.82 m) .

Physical Status
Height 5' 11¾" (1.82 m)
Weight Not Available
Body Measurements Not Available
Eye Color Not Available
Hair Color Not Available

Who Is Jacques Brel's Wife?

His wife is Thérèse "Miche" Michielsen (m. 1950)

Family
Parents Not Available
Wife Thérèse "Miche" Michielsen (m. 1950)
Sibling Not Available
Children 3

Jacques Brel Net Worth

His net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Jacques Brel worth at the age of 49 years old? Jacques Brel’s income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. He is from Belgium. We have estimated Jacques Brel's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.

Net Worth in 2024 $1 Million - $5 Million
Salary in 2024 Under Review
Net Worth in 2023 Pending
Salary in 2023 Under Review
House Not Available
Cars Not Available
Source of Income Soundtrack

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Timeline

1929

Jacques Romain Georges Brel (8 April 1929 – 9 October 1978) was a Belgian singer and actor who composed and performed theatrical songs.

He generated a large, devoted following—initially in Belgium and France, but later throughout the world.

He is considered a master of the modern chanson.

Although he recorded most of his songs in French and occasionally in Dutch, he became an influence on English-speaking songwriters and performers, such as Scott Walker, David Bowie, Alex Harvey, Marc Almond, Neil Hannon, and Rod McKuen.

English translations of his songs were recorded by many performers, including Bowie, Walker, Ray Charles, Judy Collins, John Denver, The Kingston Trio, Nina Simone, Shirley Bassey, James Dean Bradfield, Frank Sinatra, and Andy Williams.

Brel was a successful actor, appearing in 10 films.

Jacques Romain Georges Brel was born on 8 April 1929 in Schaerbeek, Brussels, to Élisabeth Lambertine "Lisette" (née Van Adorp) and Romain Brel.

He came from a family of Flemish descent (who had adopted the French language); part of his family originated in Zandvoorde, near Ypres.

His father worked for Cominex, an import–export firm, and later became co-director of a company that manufactured cardboard.

Jacques and his elder brother Pierre grew up in an austere household, and attended a Catholic primary school, École Saint-Viateur, run by the order of Saint Viator.

Remembered as a courteous and manageable pupil, Brel did well in reading and writing, but struggled through arithmetic and Dutch.

The boys were also members of the local Boy Scout troop, and enjoyed their time at summer camp and on family outings to the North Sea coast.

In Brussels, the family lived at 138 Avenue du Diamant in Schaerbeek, then moved to 26 Boulevard Belgica in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, and finally settled at 7 Rue Jacques-Manne in Anderlecht.

Brel was close to his mother, fascinated by her generosity and sense of humour, which he inherited.

1941

In September 1941, his parents enrolled Brel at the Institut Saint-Louis at rue du Marais near the Botanical Garden of Brussels.

Although he did poorly in many subjects, he did well in History and French, and showed a talent for writing.

He helped set up the school's drama club, taking on his first stage roles with great enthusiasm.

He wrote short stories, poems, and essays.

1944

In 1944, at the age of 15, Brel began playing the guitar.

The following year he formed his own theatre group with friends and began writing plays.

1947

In the spring of 1947, during his final year at Saint-Louis, Brel wrote a short story titled "Frédéric" for a school magazine Le Grand Feu ("The Great Fire").

Published pseudonymously, the story is about a man on his deathbed who encourages his grandson to run away while the rest of the family makes arrangements for his funeral.

Despite his growing talent for writing, Brel was not a good student, and failed many of his exams.

With an academic career not in his future, the 18-year-old Brel went to work at his father's cardboard factory in August 1947.

His job at Vanneste and Brel was predictable and uninspiring—a routine that involved fixing prices and meeting customers.

Apart from joining the company football team, he showed little interest in the company's social activities and events.

Perhaps to offset the boredom of his daily office routine, he joined a local Catholic youth organisation, La Franche Cordée (FC), which had as its motto, "More is within you."

Dedicated to philanthropic work, the group organised religious retreats, fundraising events, and food and clothing deliveries to orphanages and old people's homes.

Brel supported these activities with great enthusiasm and believed strongly in FC's mission.

His parents were pleased with their son's dedication, and provided him with the company van and family car to support his FC activities.

1948

In June 1948, Brel enlisted for military service, did his basic training in Limbourg, and served as a corporal in the Belgian air force stationed at Groenveld barracks in Zellik near Brussels.

Throughout his military service, Brel was still able to attend FC meetings.

While working at FC, Brel met his future wife, Thérèse Michielsen, known to her friends as "Miche".

1950

Brel married Thérèse "Miche" Michielsen in 1950, and the couple had three children.

On 1 June 1950, Jacques and Miche were married at Laeken, a suburb of the City of Brussels.

1951

On 6 December 1951, Miche gave birth to their first daughter, Chantal.

1952

In 1952 Brel began writing songs and performing them at family gatherings and on Brussels' cabaret circuit.

1972

He also had a romantic relationship with actress and dancer Maddly Bamy from 1972 until his death in 1978.

1973

He directed two films, one of which, Le Far West, was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1973.

Having sold over 25 million records worldwide, Brel is the third-best-selling Belgian recording artist of all time.