The French Connection 6/28/26 Jacques Brel

Beginning in 1953, Belgian singer/songwriter Jacques Brel wrote and performed poignant and passionate songs that brought him a devoted following in France. By the 1960s, Brel had become a major influence on counterculture performers such as Judy Collins, Leonard Cohen and David Bowie. Translations of Brel’s songs have been recorded by a wide range of singers from Nina Simone to Frank Sinatra.

Francoise Hardy

“The French Connection” Playlist & Replay 6/7/26

In the opening set, we hear mon homme, Francis Cabrel singing a sublime cover of Bob Dylan’s “Simple Twist of Fate” from Cabrel’s 2010 tribute album to Dylan, “Vise Le Ciel.” Cabrel also closes this first episode of summer with the country-tinged “Quand j’aime une fois j’aime Pour Toujours,” from the singer’s classic “Double Live” album (1999.)